COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

San Mateo Medical Center

DATE:

April 15, 2004

BOARD MEETING DATE:

May 4, 2004

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Nancy J. Steiger, Chief Executive Officer, San Mateo Medical Center

SUBJECT:

Amendment to the Agreement with PharMerica

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing the President of the Board to execute an amendment to the agreement with PharMerica.

Background

On June 20, 2003, the Purchasing Agent approved an agreement with PharMerica to provide all pharmacy services to residents of the Long Term Care Unit. Services includes all medications and IV therapy on a daily and emergency basis.
PharMerica has provided services to Long Term Care since 1989. Due to SMMC's long-term relationship with PharMerica, we have had no deficiencies in the Long Term Care pharmacy regulations through OBRA and JCAHO surveys.

Discussion

An increase in patient acuity requiring a higher usage of specific medications and IV access to give the medication and an increase in the number of Medicare patients has depleted the $100,000 in the contract. In addition, regulatory requirement states that Long Term Care is to have a clinical pharmacist for regular medication review. The cost of pharmacy services currently averages $28,000 a month.

As the in-house pharmacy system continues to develop, we hope to provide Long Term Care pharmacy services through the SMMC pharmacy.

County Counsel and Risk Management have approved this Amendment.

Vision Alignment

This agreement keeps the commitment to Ensure Basic Health and Safety for All and goal number 5: Provide residents access to healthcare and preventive care. The agreement contributes to this commitment by providing pharmacy services, including all medications and IV Therapy, to residents of the Long Term Care Unit.

Fiscal Impact

The term of this agreement remains the same, July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004. The maximum amount of the agreement is increased by $130,000, from $100,000 to $230,000. Funds are included in San Mateo Medical Center's FY2003-04 Adopted Budget.