Title
a. Authorize County Counsel to execute a retroactive agreement with Best Best & Krieger, LLP for specialized attorney services, for a maximum County obligation of $300,000 for the term of May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2029; and
b. Authorize County Counsel to execute up to three (3) future amendments that do not exceed 10% ($30,000) of the original agreement amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed a revised maximum amount of $330,000.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize County Counsel to execute a retroactive agreement with Best Best & Krieger, LLP for specialized attorney services, for a maximum County obligation of $300,000 for the term of May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2029; and
b. Authorize County Counsel to execute up to three (3) future amendments that do not exceed 10% ($30,000) of the original agreement amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed a revised maximum amount of $330,000.
SUMMARY:
Best Best & Krieger, LLP provides advice and consultation with the Office of the County Counsel on a variety of healthcare-related matters including for Natividad Medical Center. The firm performs specialized legal attorney services related to healthcare law, including, but not limited to, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Stark and Anti-Kickback laws and laws pertaining to intellectual property law.
DISCUSSION
Best Best & Krieger LLP brings deep, specialized expertise in healthcare law that is critical for county representation on complex healthcare matters. The firm’s Health Care practice serves public and private clients, including counties, healthcare districts, hospitals, clinics, and nonprofit systems, providing strategic legal advice on regulatory compliance, reimbursement, governance, and transactions.
BBK’s attorneys have extensive experience in Medi-Cal and Medicare compliance, fraud and abuse laws (Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute), HIPAA and privacy governance, managed care, and healthcare real estate. This breadth ensures the county can address both operational and regulatory challenges.
BBK regularly advises county healthcare programs, hospitals, and districts on governance, contracting, regulatory compliance, and strategic initiatives. This demonstrates proven ability to work with county-level healthcare governance.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel has reviewed and approved this agreement as to form, and the Auditor-Controller has reviewed and approved as to payment provisions. The agreement has also been reviewed and approved by NMC’s Finance Committee and by its Board of Trustees on September 4, 2026.
FINANCING:
The cost for this amendment is $300,000 of which $8,000 is included in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Adopted Budget and $100,000 is included in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Adopted Budget. Amounts for the remaining years of the agreement will be included in those budgets as appropriate. There is no impact to the General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS SECTION:
_x Well-Being and Quality of Life
__ Sustainable Infrastructure for Present and Future
__Safe and Resilient Communities
__Diverse and Thriving Economy
_x Administrative
Prepared by: Stacy Saetta, Chief Deputy County Counsel, 755-5333
Approved by: Nancy Buscher, Interim Chief Executive Officer, 783-2504
Attachments:
Board Report
Best Best & Krieger Agreement
Attachments on file with the Clerk of the Board