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COUNTY OF SAN MATEOInter-Departmental Correspondence |
San Mateo County Coroner |
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DATE: |
April 29, 2002 |
BOARD MEETING DATE: |
May 21, 2002 |
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TO: |
Honorable Board of Supervisors |
FROM: |
Robert J. Foucrault, Acting Coroner |
SUBJECT: |
Resolutions Authorizing Execution of an Amendment to the Agreements with Peter A. Benson, M.D. and Terri L. Haddix, M.D. to provide Pathology Services to San Mateo County Coroner (Forensic Pathology) |
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Recommendation |
1. Adopt a Resolution amending the Agreement with Peter A. Benson, M.D. to transfer the responsibility of paying for ancillary forensic tests to the County and include the County's non-discrimination requirements and admission and treatment policies. |
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2. Adopt a Resolution amending the Agreement with Terri L. Haddix, M.D. to transfer the responsibility of paying for ancillary forensic tests to the County and include the County's non-discrimination requirements and admission and treatment policies. |
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Background |
The Coroner's Office is mandated to determine the cause of death in those instances where the cause may not be readily apparent, such as homicides, traumatic deaths and unattended deaths. Histology services, microscopic analysis and pap smears are required for each autopsy performed. The current contracts with Dr. Benson and Dr. Haddix stipulates that they are responsible for ordering and paying for these ancillary tests at their expense. |
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Discussion |
Dr. Benson and Dr. Haddix have requested relief from the rising cost of these tests. In light of the fact that the number of tests and the length of time to get the results have also increased, the current method of having the Pathologists order the tests has caused delays in determining the cause of death and put undo hardship on families in obtaining death certificates in a timely manner As a result, we request that the Coroner assume full responsibility of ordering and paying for these tests. Other than relieving Dr. Benson and Dr. Haddix of the responsibility of paying for the aforementioned tests, the amount of the contract will remain unchanged. The amendment also includes the County's Non-Discrimination enforcement language and admission and treatment policies. |
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This Resolutions and Amendments have been reviewed by County Counsel. |
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Vision Alignment |
Timely testing contributes to the Shared Vision Commitment to "Responsive, Effective and Collaborative Government," as these tests will be expedited, decreasing the time for finalizing reports and providing closure in a more timely manner. |
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Fiscal Impact |
There are funds in the Coroner's FY 2001-02 and 2002-03 budgets to absorb the cost of these tests, which amounts to less than $16,000 per year. There is no additional Net County Cost. |