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COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

San Mateo Medical Center

DATE:

March 21, 2008

BOARD MEETING DATE:

April 22, 2008

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

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

SUBJECT:

Second Amendment to the Agreement with HFS Consultants

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution authorizing the execution of a second Amendment to the Agreement with HFS Consultants to provide San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) with an Interim Laboratory Manager, increasing the maximum amount payable by $150,000 to $450,000, and extending the term of the Agreement by seven and one half months, to November 15, 2008

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 combined inpatient and outpatient volume of between 5-8% annually. 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 April, 2007, the position of Laboratory Director became vacant, as the director requested and was approved to step down into a supervisory position. It was necessary to temporarily fill that position while the recruitment of a permanent Laboratory Director was underway. Recruitment began immediately.

DISCUSSION:

Even though the recruitment process was started immediately the position remains vacant. Human Resources (HR) has undertaken substantial efforts to recruit the position but to date, only four applications have been received. Two of the applicants were found not qualified and one failed to respond. The fourth applicant has been offered and is considering the position; however, he is concerned about the unstable climate.

HFS will continue to provide uninterrupted service and strong laboratory management for a period of seven and one half months while SMMC continues in its recruitment efforts.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The Amendment increases the maximum amount payable under the Agreement by $150,000 to $450,000 and extends the term of the Agreement by seven and one half months, making the new term of the Agreement April 1, 2007 through November 15, 2008. Funds to pay for these services are included in San Mateo Medical Center’s FY2007-08 Adopted Budget and will be included in FY2008-09 Recommended Budget.