Title
a. Ratify execution by the Director of Health, of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Oregon Community Health Information Network (OCHIN) with a retroactive effective date of December 7, 2018, signed in connection with pursuing the “Health Center Controlled Network” (HCCN) funding opportunity made available by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) FOA# HRSA-19-011;
b. Authorize the Director of Health, or the Assistant Director of Health, to act as the agent for the County in processing all documentation to secure the grant funding; and
c. Direct the Director of Health, or the Assistant Director of Health, to return to the Board for approval prior to acceptance of the grant award.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Ratify execution by the Director of Health, of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Oregon Community Health Information Network (OCHIN) with a retroactive effective date of December 7, 2018, signed in connection with pursuing the “Health Center Controlled Network” (HCCN) funding opportunity made available by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) FOA# HRSA-19-011;
b. Authorize the Director of Health, or the Assistant Director of Health, to act as the agent for the County in processing all documentation to secure the grant funding; and
c. Direct the Director of Health, or the Assistant Director of Health, to return to the Board for approval prior to acceptance of the grant award.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Health Department Clinic Services Bureau (Clinic Services) operates nine community clinic sites designated as Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alikes. Under the direction of the County and governance of the Community Health Center Board, the clinics provide preventative, primary, and specialty medical care services.
Through the years, OCHIN has provided valuable health information technology support and services to the Health Department during the course of the Epic Practice Management (PM) and Electronic Medical Record (EMR) System implementation and utilization, and continuously offers innovative tools and methods, such as progression towards a paperless system, supporting meaningful use incentives through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), tracking of quality of care variables, and hosting studies focused to improve health care.
Since 2012, Clinic Services has participated in OCHIN’s HCCN grant administered by Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The HCCN grant is important to the safety net in that it provides health centers with technology solutions and support services to improve health outcomes for the most vulnerable populations. This Memorandum of Agreement extends Clinic Services’ commitment to the HCCN grant and supports OCHIN’s application to re-apply for renewed funding for the 2019-2021 cycle. In the event that the grant is awarded, Clinic Services will present the grant to the Board of Supervisors for approval prior to acceptance of the award.
This work supports the Monterey County Health Department 2018 - 2022 Strategic Plan initiative to (3) Ensure access to culturally and linguistically appropriate, customer-friendly, quality health services. It also supports one or more of the ten essential public health services, specifically: (7) Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable; and (9) Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based health services.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel-Risk Management and the Auditor-Controller have reviewed the Memorandum of Agreement.
FINANCING:
There are no fiscal provisions included in this MOA.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Sheena Morales, Management Analyst III, x1393
Approved by: Elsa Jimenez, Director of Health, x4526
Attachment:
Memorandum of Agreement is on file with the Clerk of the Board