Title
a. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or a designee to execute the Professional Services Agreement with CEP America-California, dba Vituity to provide emergency medicine services for an amount not to exceed $4,400,000 for the period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028; and
b. Authorize the CEO for NMC or a designee to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not significantly change the scope of work, do not exceed 10% ($440,000) of the original contract amount and do not increase the total contract amount above $4,840,000.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or a designee to execute the Professional Services Agreement with CEP America-California, d.b.a. Vituity to provide emergency medicine services for an amount not to exceed $4,400,000 for the period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028; and
b. Authorize the CEO for NMC or a designee to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not significantly change the scope of work, do not exceed 10% ($440,000) of the original contract amount and do not increase the total contract amount above $4,840,000.
SUMMARY:
NMC operates a busy Emergency Department (ED) with nearly 60,000 visits annually. NMC must arrange for the professional consultation and treatment of the patients who present to the ED in need of medical care for general illnesses and disease to life-threatening conditions.
DISCUSSION:
NMC wishes to enter into an agreement with Vituity (formerly known as California Emergency Physicians Medical Group), a team of providers including emergency medicine physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners to provide exclusive medical director and comprehensive provider services coverage in the ED 24/7. NMC has obtained an independent opinion of fair market value supporting the payment terms of this Agreement.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved this agreement as to legal form and the Auditor-Controller has reviewed and approved this agreement as to fiscal provisions. The agreement was not reviewed and approved by Natividad’s Finance Committee and Board of Trustees.
FINANCING:
The total not to exceed amount of this Agreement $4,400,000. for the period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028. $2,200,000 is included in the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Recommended Budget. The remaining amount will be budgeted in subsequent fiscal years. Funding will be provided from NMC's Enterprise Fund 451-9600-6608. There is no impact to the General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The services rendered in this agreement provides Natividad Medical Center the essential support it needs in order to provide reliable and high-quality patient care, which improves the health and quality of life for patients and their families.
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
__ Sustainable Infrastructure for Present and Future
__ Safe and Resilient Communities
__ Diverse and Thriving Economy
__ Administrative
Prepared by: Jeanne-Ann Balza, Director of Physician Services, 783.2506
Approved by: Dr. Charles R. Harris, Chief Executive Officer, 783.2551
Attachments:
Agreement
Attachments on file at the Clerk of the Board