COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

San Mateo Medical Center

DATE:

June 19, 2007

BOARD MEETING DATE:

July 10, 2007

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Sang-ick Chang, Interim Chief Executive Officer, San Mateo Medical Center

SUBJECT:

Agreement with HFS Consultants

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution:

A.

Waiving the Request for Proposal (RFP) Process.

B.

Authorizing the execution of an Agreement with HFS Consultants to provide an Interim Laboratory Manager for San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) for the term April 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007 for a maximum amount payable not to exceed ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, ($150,000).

C.

Authorizing the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of San Mateo Medical Center or his designee to execute contract amendments which modify the County's maximum fiscal obligation by no more than $25,000 (in aggregate), and/or modify the contract term and/or services so long as the modified term or services is/are within the current or revised fiscal provisions.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Ensure Basic Health and Safety for All.

Goal 5: Provide residents access to healthcare and preventive care.

The SMMC Laboratory has experienced increases in volume of between 5-8% annually in the inpatient and outpatient setting combined. Laboratory tests are a means to proactively manage patients’ health care, preventing more invasive and costly procedures. This Agreement contributes to the County’s goal and commitment by ensuring that strong clinical leadership is in place, particularly while the recruitment of a permanent Laboratory Manager is underway.

Performance Measure(s):

Measure

FY 2005-06

FY 2007-08

Successful completion of the CLIA/JCAHO bi annual survey

Completed (Outstanding)

Completed (no more than 3 RFIs)

Implementation of Proposed Cost Savings Initiatives

0

$80,000

BACKGROUND:

In February, 2007, a contract was approved for HFS to conduct a comprehensive overview of the SMMC laboratory and perform a thorough analysis of laboratory operations with the objective of identifying potential savings and areas of improvement in laboratory functions and operation. HFS successfully achieved the goals and objectives of the original contract.

DISCUSSION:

In April, 2007, the position of Laboratory Director became vacant, as the director requested and was approved to step down into a supervisory position. It is necessary to temporarily fill that position while the recruitment of a permanent Laboratory Director is underway. Recruitment has begun, effective immediately, with the assistance of Human Resources.

A Waiver of the RFP Process is being requested at this time because having begun work on the analysis of the laboratory, HFS is already familiar with the operations, personnel, and SMMC Laboratory procedures. It is expedient that the Medical Center have strong leadership in place, as the bi annual CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendment- the Federal equivalent of JCAHO) is due any day. The expectation is that HFS will provide uninterrupted service and strong laboratory management for a period of 6 months while SMMC recruits for this hard to fill clinical position. HFS staff has extensive experience in Laboratory Management, providing both clinical quality oversight and cost effective process re design.

County Counsel and Risk Management have reviewed and approved this Agreement.

The contractor has assured compliance with the County's Contractor Employee Jury Service Ordinance, as well as all other contract provisions that are required by County ordinance and administrative memoranda, including but not limited to insurance, hold harmless, non-discrimination and equal benefits.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The term of the Agreement is six months, April 1, 2007 through September 30, 2007. The maximum amount payable under the Agreement is $150,000. Funds to pay for these services are included in San Mateo Medical Center’s FY2007-08 Adopted Budget.