Title
a. Authorize the Deputy Purchasing Agent for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or his designee to execute an agreement with National Decision Support Company, LLC. for CareSelect Imaging subscription services at NMC for an amount not to exceed $114,500 with a retroactive agreement term of June 1, 2018 through May 31, 2023; and
b. Authorize the Deputy Purchasing Agent for NMC or his designee to execute up to three (3) future amendments to the agreement which do not significantly alter the scope of work and do not cause an increase of more than ten percent (10%) ($11,450) of the original cost of the agreement per each amendment.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Deputy Purchasing Agent for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or his designee to execute an agreement with National Decision Support Company, LLC. for CareSelect Imaging subscription services at NMC for an amount not to exceed $114,500 with a retroactive agreement term of June 1, 2018 through May 31, 2023; and
b. Authorize the Deputy Purchasing Agent for NMC or his designee to execute up to three (3) future amendments to the agreement which do not significantly alter the scope of work and do not cause an increase of more than ten percent (10%) ($11,450) of the original cost of the agreement per each amendment.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In 2014, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) established a program to promote the use of appropriate use criteria (AUC) for advanced diagnostic imaging services. The AUC are defined as criteria that are evidenced-based and assist professionals who order imaging services to make the most appropriate treatment decisions for a specific clinical condition. CMS has mandated that the AUC be implemented by January 2020 for any facility that will bill Medicare for reimbursement.
The National Decision Support Company will be providing software that connects with NMC’s electronic medical record and ordering system (Meditech) for the diagnostic imaging department. The software provides the required evidence based criteria defined in the CMS mandate.
There is a Limitation of Liability clause for fees paid only and to cease using the subscription. There are no insurance endorsements in favor of the County of Monterey; however, the project manager, Dr. Charles Harris, and Ari Entin, NMC Chief Information Officer, both agree that this contract is of low risk because this software is a content database only, no protected health information will be involved, and National Decision Support Company will not have access to any of NMC’s computers or systems. The National Decision Support Company is the only vendor able to supply the required AUC for a Meditech based platform.
This agreement underwent extensive vetting by County approvers. There are numerous technical aspects and non-standard risk provisions that were especially negotiated. Services have not been initiated but the start date of this agreement has been maintained to preserve the parties’ timeline for implementation.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved this agreement as to legal 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 on April 26, 2018 and by its Board of Trustees on May 6, 2018.
FINANCING:
The cost for this agreement is $114,500 of which $30,900 is included in the Fiscal Year 2017-18 Adopted Budget. Amounts for 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 INITIATIVES:
The proposed services will benefit the Health and Human Services initiatives by providing Natividad Medical Center with an advanced software system which will improve efficiencies and patient safety.
__ Economic Development
__ Administration
- X Health and Human Services
__ Infrastructure
__ Public Safety
Prepared by: Charles Harris, MD, Medical Staff, 783-2785
Approved by: Gary R. Gray, DO, Chief Executive Officer, 783-2504
Attachments:
National Decision Support Company, LLC. Agreement
Attachments on file with the Clerk of the Board