Background
The County performs pre-placement physical examinations on applicants in selected classifications to determine the applicant's ability to perform the essential functions of the job, if accommodation is necessary and/or feasible. Additionally, employees may receive inoculations against communicable diseases such as Hepatitis A and B that they may be exposed to on the job.
Federal and State standards mandate that the County provide certain occupational safety and health monitoring of employees including respiratory protection, hearing conservation, hazardous materials and DMV physicals. Overall, approximately 2500 employees and applicants fall under the services provided by the pre-placement and occupational health monitoring program.
Discussion
Workforce Medical Group has been providing pre-placement and occupational health monitoring physical examinations and services to the County since September 2000. Workforce participated in an RFP in 1998 but was not chosen as the provider because the clinic had just opened and we were concerned about their ability to handle a client the size of the County. In 2000, they were chosen after difficulties arose with the previous service provider's ability to provide the necessary services.
Feedback from employees indicates a high level of satisfaction in the convenient location, quality of services and courtesy of staff at the clinic. Additionally, Risk Management has received positive feedback about Workforce Medical from other physicians in the community who have consulted on cases involving employees of the County. Of great benefit is that the primary physician at the clinic is fully certified in Occupational Health.
A Request for Proposal was not issued because Workforce Medical Group is presently the only source available for the service. Additionally, Workforce Medical Group provides outstanding service and is able to comply with all requirements of the contract.
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