HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-07-2008 - 4gORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 7, 2008
Action Agenda
Item No.
SUBJECT: Contract Approval: Inmate Medical Services
DEPARTMENT: Purchasing and Sheriff PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
Contract with James Strickland, MD
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Pam Jones, (919) 245-2652
Lindy Pendergrass, (919) 245-2900
PURPOSE: To consider approving a contract with Dr. James Strickland for inmate medical
services for the period October 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 in the amount of $6,000 per
month.
BACKGROUND: For the past several years, the County has contracted for inmate medical
care through Hillsborough Family Practice. Hillsborough Family Practice has recently provided
notice of termination of the contract, effective October 1, 2008. The quick notice of termination
prohibits the Sheriff and Purchasing office from fully exploring alternatives. Therefore the
Sheriff is proposing the County contract with Dr. James Strickland, MD, who contracts to
provide similar services for the Alamance County Detention Facility. The provision of jail
medical services is a specialized practice in some regard and the field of options is not
extensive. This contract, which is recommended for the period October 1, 2008 through June
30, 2009, will allow the Sheriff to continue to provide professional services through a provider
with known jail health experience and allow sufficient time to explore other options that might be
available.
Highlights of the agreement are as follows:
• Term of agreement: October 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009
• Monthly fee: $6,000
• Physician shall provide onsite medical services as needed and shall be available for
telephone consultation at any time.
• Physician shall develop and implement policies and procedures addressing critical
areas of inmate medical care as outlined in the attached agreement.
• Physician to provide professional liability insurance in the amount of $1 million per
loss/$3 million aggregate, with proof of insurance provided to the County.
• Physician shall comply with HIPPA regulations.
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Contract can be terminated by either party without cause after 30 days written notice
and with cause after seven days written notice.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Monthly cost of this contract is $6,000, an approximately 18% increase
from the previous provider. Funds are budgeted in the FY 2008-2009 Sheriff's Department
operating budget to support this expense.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve a contract,
contingent upon final review by staff and the County Attorney, with Dr. James Strickland for
inmate medical services effective October 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 in the amount of
$6,000 per month; and authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board.
Agreement between
James Strickland, M.D.
And Orange County, North Carolina
Whereas the Orange County Sheriff has need for provision of medical services to
implement the Plan for Providing Medical Care for prisoners in the Orange County Jail;
And whereas James Strickland, M.D. has the capacity, experience and interest in
providing such services;
Therefore the parties agree to the following:
James Strickland, M.D. shall:
Provide for medical supervision and routine medical care for prisoners.
Develop and implement policies and procedures addressing each of the following areas:
a. health screening of inmates upon admission;
b. handling of routine medical care;
c. handling of inmates with chronic illnesses or known communicable diseases and
conditions;
d. administration, dispensing, and control of prescription and non- prescription
medications;
e. handling emergency medical problems, including emergencies related to dental care,
chemical dependency, pregnancy, and mental health;
f. maintenance and confidentiality of medical records; and
g. privacy during medical examinations and conferences with medical personnel.
Provide onsite medical services as necessary and provide telephone consultation 24 hours
per day seven days per week. (336 260-6972)
Invoice monthly Orange County by delivering the invoice to the Orange County Sheriff s
Office for service rendered in accordance with this agreement.
Orange County shall:
The Orange County Sheriff or designee shall ensure that tasks and duties assigned to
Orange County Sheriff's staff are completed as directed by James Strickland, M.D.
health care provider or established protocols.
Reimburse James Strickland, M.D. at the rate of $6,000.00 per month for the above
medical services
Review invoice and make payment for service rendered in accordance with this
agreement.
This agreement shall be in effect from October 1, 2008 until June 30, 2009.
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James Strickland, M.D. agrees to maintain professional liability insurance of $1,000,000
each loss /$3,000,000 aggregate. It further agrees that it is operating as an independent
contractor and is not eligible for any benefits available to employees, including worker's
compensation coverage.
James Strickland, M.D. agrees to hold Orange County, the Orange County Sheriff and all
deputy sheriffs and Orange County employees harmless from any and all accidental
injury or personal loss as a result of implementing the elements of this Agreement.
James Strickland, M.D, agrees to comply with all applicable federal and State laws
related to the confidentiality of medical information. James Strickland, M.D. is a
"Hybrid Entity" as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of
1996 and its related regulations, as amended ("HIPAA") and James Strickland, M.D.
shall, in compliance with HIPAA, "carve out" the services provided under this contract
from the covered components of its Hybrid Entity.
Either party may terminate this Agreement without cause with 30 days written notice.
This Agreement may be terminated with cause at any time by either party upon at least 7
days prior written notice to the other party upon default of one or more of its obligations
hereunder, unless such default is cured within 7 days of the notice of termination.
Notice to James Strickland, M.D. should be mailed to:
2708 Sturbridge Court
Burlington, N.C. 27215
Notice to Orange County should be mailed to:
Orange County c/o Orange County Sheriff
144 East Margaret Lane
Hillsborough, N.C. 27278
In witness whereof, James Strickland, M.D. and Orange County have executed this
Agreement in duplicate originals, one of which is retained by each of the parties.
James Strickland, M.D. Date
Albert L. Pendergrass, Sheriff of Orange County Date
Barry Jacobs, Chair, Orange County Board of Commissioners Date