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Approve a first amendment with Barton and Associates, Inc. for $800,000 for a total contract amount of $1,800,000 to provide locum tenens primary care providers to the Health and Social Services, Family Health Services’ clinics for the current period through June 30, 2025; Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the contract amendment and any subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence, up to an aggregate of $74,999; and Approve a $800,000 Appropriation Transfer Request of $800,000 (4/5 vote required)
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve a first amendment with Barton and Associates, Inc. for $800,000, for a total contract amount of $1,800,000 to provide locum tenens primary care providers to the Health and Social Services (H&SS), Family Health Services’ clinics for the current period through June 30, 2025; delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the contract amendment and any subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence, up to an aggregate of $74,999; and approve a $800,000 Appropriation Transfer Request (4/5 vote required).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Barton and Associates, Inc. is a locum tenens agency that provides healthcare provider placement services. Vacancies in Family Health Services’ medical professional staffing necessitated this first contract amendment. The services provided by Barton and Associates help fill primary care coverage gaps when sufficient permanent staff is not available and allow H&SS to maintain continuity of care and optimize patient flow in the Family Health Services’ clinics.
Family Health Services (FHS) functions as a vital partner to the community and is currently recruiting for several provider positions, but this process has been challenging given the statewide healthcare workforce demand. This contract amendment will allow FHS to bridge the capacity gap to meet patient needs until the appropriate number of providers can be hired.
On June 25, 2024, the Board approved a one-year contract with Barton and Associates, Inc. for $1,000,000 to provide locum tenens primary care providers to the FHS’ clinics through June 30, 2025.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The department has sufficient appropriations within its operating budget to cover the contract cost; however, an ATR is needed to adjust appropriations. The costs associated with preparing this agenda item are nominal and are absorbed by the department’s FY2024/25 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may not approve this contract amendment with Barton and Associates, Inc. to provide placement for primary care staffing. However, this is not recommended as it would reduce Family Health Services’ ability to provide adequate healthcare coverage in areas of critical medical need.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the contract as to form.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION