Title
Authorize the Purchasing Manager for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) to execute Renewal and Amendment No. 4 to the Agreement (A-11791) with Latham & Watkins LLP for Legal Services at NMC, extending the Agreement to June 30, 2015 for a total Agreement amount not to exceed $1,500,000 (a $500,000 increase over two years) in the aggregate.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Board of Supervisors authorize the Purchasing Manager for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) to execute Renewal and Amendment No. 4 to the Agreement (A-11791) with Latham & Watkins LLP for Legal Services at NMC, extending the Agreement to June 30, 2015 for a total Agreement amount not to exceed $1,500,000 (a $500,000 increase over two years) in the aggregate.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Latham & Watkins LLP is one of the pre-eminent law firms representing healthcare systems and local community hospitals throughout the United States. Their healthcare attorneys have specific experience with the nuanced regulations that govern the healthcare industries, including those related to fraud and abuse, Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement, healthcare regulatory requirements, financing regulation, and licensing.
On July 27, 2010 the Board of Supervisors approved the original Agreement with Latham & Watkins for Legal Services at NMC in an amount not to exceed $100,000 for the period May 1, 2010 to April 30, 2011 ("Agreement"). On January 11, 2011, the parties entered into an Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement, increasing the maximum liability by $300,000 and extending the Agreement to June 30, 2011. During Fiscal Year 2010-2011, Latham & Watkins provided significant legal services to the County of Monterey, to ensure that the County's agreements complied with state and federal healthcare and Medicare compliance laws. The potential sanctions for noncompliance with these laws are severe and include civil and criminal liability, as well as debarment or exclusion from participation in Medicare.
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