Title
a. Adopt a Resolution finding that the expenditure of funds from the Natividad Medical Center (“NMC”) Fiscal Year 2017-18 Budget to support a Funding Agreement with California State University Monterey Bay (hereinafter called “CSUMB”), on behalf of the College of Health Sciences and Human Services, assisting CSUMB in meeting the direct operational costs of CSUMB’s Masters of Science Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) Program, has a direct and primary public purpose, benefiting Monterey County, in general, and NMC, in particular.
b. Authorize the Deputy Purchasing Agent for NMC or his designee to execute a Funding Agreement with CSUMB to provide funding in an amount not to exceed $250,000 to assist in meeting the direct costs of the MSPA Program, with an agreement term beginning September 12, 2017 through September 11, 2018.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Adopt a resolution finding that the expenditure of funds from the Natividad Medical Center (“NMC”) Fiscal Year 2017-18 Budget to support a Funding Agreement with California State University Monterey Bay (hereinafter called “CSUMB”), on behalf of the College of Health Sciences and Human Services, assisting CSUMB in meeting the direct operational costs of CSUMB’s Masters of Science Physician Assistant (“MSPA”) Program, has a direct and primary public purpose, benefiting Monterey County, in general, and NMC, in particular.
b. Authorize the Deputy Purchasing Agent for NMC or his designee to execute a Funding Agreement with CSUMB to provide funding in an amount not to exceed $250,000 to assist in meeting the direct costs of the MSPA Program, with an agreement term beginning September 12, 2017 through September 11, 2018.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Masters of Science Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program at California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is an intense 7-semester, 27-month, full-time health care training program. The first class is scheduled to commence in January 2019. Application for this first cohort of 33 students will be due in March of 2018. Thereafter, cohorts will commence mid-August and follow the traditional CSUMB academic schedule with subsequent cohorts graduating in December each year. The first three cohorts are limited to 33 students. Following receipt of full accreditation the cohort size will increase to 42 for the next five years.
The aging population, the rapidly increasing rates of chronic diseases, and the Affordable Care Act impacting the demand for health care access drive the local need for more MD’s, DO’s and midlevel providers. In particular, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 30% increase in the job outlook for physician assistants over the next decade. The MSPA Program is an important response to the growing demand for health care providers. MSPA Program will include curricular health care provider training opportunities that are distinctive in serving the diverse people of California, especially the working class and historically undereducated and low-income populations.
CSUMB is seeking support from hospitals, clinic networks, organizations, and individuals interested in participating in what will be the first Physician Assistant Program within the entire California State University System. NMC is requesting approval to support the MSPA Program at CSUMB in in the amount of $250,000 via a funding agreement as part of start-up funding for one year of operations to be evaluated for the achievement of Program goals before additional funding is committed.
On July 11, 2017, NMC received a Board of Supervisors referral to consider and deliver recommendations to the NMC Board of Trustees and Board of Supervisors regarding participation in the CSUMB MSPA Program. NMC fully supports this program and is currently working with county counsel’s office to draft the funding agreement. In order to respond in a timely manner to the referral NMC is seeking support and authorization from the NMC Board of Trustees to execute the funding agreement with CSUMB effective September 12, 2017, once the draft agreement has been completed, negotiated and agreed to by CSUMB, subject to further review and approval of County Counsel and the County Auditor Controller.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved this Funding Agreement as to legal form and risk provisions, and the Auditor-Controller and the Budget Office have reviewed and approved as to payment provisions. The Funding Agreement has also been reviewed and approved by NMC’s Board of Trustees on August 4, 2017.
FINANCING:
This action does not impact General Fund contribution as the changes will be contained within the approved Natividad Medical Center’s FY17-18 Adopted Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Supporting the MSPA Program leads to a stronger workforce which strengthens economic development within Monterey County. The MSPA Program will ultimately yield qualified professional PAs, some of which are likely to reside in Monterey County working as PAs, strengthening the pool of medical professionals in the area, and thereby further enhancing healthcare opportunities for Monterey County residents.
X Economic Development
__ Administration
X Health and Human Services
__ Infrastructure
__ Public Safety
Prepared by: Carol Adams, Administrator Planning & Institutional Development, 783-2556
Approved by: Gary R. Gray, DO, Chief Executive Officer, 783-2504
Attachments:
Funding Agreement for Masters of Science Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program at California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB)
Proposed Resolution for Funding Agreement for Masters of Science Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program at California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB)