COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Health Services Agency

DATE:

August 27, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

September 23, 2003

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Margaret Taylor, Director of Health Services

Gale Bataille, Director of Mental Health Services

SUBJECT:

Agreement with Barbara Yates, M.D.

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing:

1.

The President of the Board to execute an agreement with Barbara Yates, M.D.; and

2.

The Director of Health Services to execute minor amendments and adjustments up to an aggregate of $25,000 for the term of the agreement.

Background

There has been a shortage of psychiatrists in California for the past several years. Mental Health Services Division has been somewhat successful in its recruitment and retention of psychiatrists for permanent positions but there remain gaps in coverage of necessary psychiatric services. Contracted psychiatrists, who have flexibility and availability to work part-time, fill these gaps.

Physicians are exempt from Administrative Memorandum B-1, which governs the selection of independent contractors and requires a Request for Proposals process. Mental Health Services Division runs advertisements for specialty psychiatric services on a regular basis in Northern California Psychiatric Newsletter and other venues as needed. Dr. Yates was selected from candidates who responded to those advertisements.

Discussion

Dr. Yates will provide psychiatric services for clients 60 years of age or older and homebound clients who have complex medical and psychiatric problems and who are at risk of extended hospitalizations. Her duties include psychiatric and medication evaluation and treatment, treatment plan review, and case consultation. Cost of living increases are being provided equal to the salary increases that were recently negotiated for San Mateo County physicians. Required HIPAA compliance language has been included in the agreement.

We are also requesting that the Director of Health Services be given signing authority to execute minor amendments and adjustments up to an aggregate of $25,000 for the term of the agreement.

Vision Alignment

This agreement with Barbara Yates, M.D. keeps the commitment to Ensure Basic Health and Safety for all and goal number 8: Help vulnerable people-the aged, disabled, mentally ill, at risk youth and others-achieve a better quality of life. The agreement contributes to this commitment by providing psychiatric services for clients 60 years of age or older or homebound clients who have complex medical and psychiatric problems and who are at risk of extended hospitalizations.

Fiscal Impact

The term of this agreement is July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2005. The agreement has been reviewed and approved by County Counsel and Risk Management.

For FY 2003-04 the negotiated COLA is 4%. A 3% COLA has been included for FY 2004-05.

The contract maximum is $182,177 for the two-year term. The agreement maximum for FY2003-04 is $89,742 and has been included in the Mental Health Services Division budget. State and Federal Medi-Cal is expected to fund $62,819 of the cost. Sales tax provided through realignment will cover the remaining $26,923. A similar arrangement will be in place for FY 2004-05. There is no net county cost.