Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Louise Rogers, Chief, Health System
Nancy Lapolla, MPH, Director, Emergency Medical Services
Subject: Agreement with the California Department of Public Health for National Hospital Preparedness Program, and Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Initiatives
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with the California Department of Public Health to conduct public health emergency preparedness activities, increasing the amount by $92,606 to an amount not to exceed $3,252,416.
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BACKGROUND:
Federal funds have been made available through the states for the enhancement of national public health emergency preparedness and response infrastructure. These federal funds are to be used for emergency planning, training, laboratory supplies and equipment; disease and outbreak surveillance; vaccination and anti-viral distribution; and the development of emergency stockpiles.
In July 2014, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) awarded the Health System four grants for health emergency preparedness. Under these grants for FY 2014-15 through 2016-18, the Health System will continue to work in the following key areas: (1) general health emergency planning; (2) epidemiological and disease surveillance enhancements; (3) pandemic influenza planning; (4) technological improvement implementations; (5) emergency training; (6) exercises and drills for public health and clinical staff; and (7) coordination of emergency preparedness activities for hospitals and skilled nursing facilities.
On September 9, 2014, your Board approved an agreement with CDPH to provide Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) services grant funding in the amount of $3,101,550 for the term of July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2017.
On June 2, 2015, your Board approved an amendment to the agreement in the amount of $62,304, to allow CDPH to incorporate past due funds from the fourth quarter invoice for FY 2013-14 from a previous agreement (EPO 13-44) approved by your Board.
On May 10, 2016, your Board approved an amendment to the agreement to reduce the contract amount by $1,633. The accompanying Resolution approved by your Board, included language authorizing the Chief of the Health System or designee to execute contract amendments which modify the County’s maximum fiscal obligation by no more than $25,000 within the fiscal year.
On January 5, 2017, the Health System approved an amendment to the agreement to reduce the contract amount by $81,829, to account for a reduction in CDC Public Health Emergency Base, Hospital Preparedness Program and Cities Readiness Initiative grants funding. The justification for authority to execute the amendment at the Health System level was based on knowledge that an ensuing amendment restoring an approximate equivalent amount of funds was due in the spring of 2017.
On May 15, 2017, the Health System approved an amendment in the amount of $79,418, restoring a portion of CDC Public Health Emergency Base and Cities Readiness Initiative funds reduced in prior amendments, and extending the term to June 30, 2018.
DISCUSSION:
Health System is recommending approval of an amendment to the agreement to increase the contract amount by $92,606 to account for additional CDC Public Health Emergency Base grant funds.
The Resolution contains a provision allowing the Chief of the Health System or designee authorization to execute contract amendments which modify the amount by no more than five percent of the maximum total amount 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.
This authorization is requested because the CDPH modifies the agreement frequently based on funding and Health System must act quickly to receive the funds. As the County is receiving funds and not incurring fiscal liability, it is in the best interest of the County to allow the Chief of the Health System or designee to authorize modifications to the fiscal obligation.
The agreement and resolution have been reviewed and approved by County Counsel as to form.
Approval of this amendment contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Healthy Community by providing funds to continue planning for public health emergency preparedness and other emerging public health threats to the County. It is anticipated that by end of FY 2017-18, 11 Health System divisions will receive an introductory overview of Continuity of Operations and new Medical and Health Operation Area Coordinator guidelines.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2016-17 Actual |
FY 2017-18 Projected |
|
Number of Health System divisions to receive an introductory overview of Continuity of Operations and new Medical and Health Operation Area Coordinator guidelines |
0 |
11 |
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2018. The amount of the amended agreement is not to exceed $3,252,416. This amendment increases the contract amount by $92,606. This amount is included in the Emergency Medical Services FY 2017-18 Adopted Budget. Because the County is receiving these funds, there is no Net County Cost associated with this agreement. As required in the terms of the agreement, all funds received will be placed in the Local Public Health Preparedness Trust Fund established for this purpose.