ITEM TITLE:
Authorization to Continue Physician’s Assistance Program Payments to Dr. Angela Alfaro
SUBMITTED BY: Brian Carlson, Finance Director
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: $15,000 immediately; $60K total for 2020
Unencumbered Balance: $180,000
Funding Source: Physician’s Assistance Reserve; 350.0200.55000
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve ongoing payments, per original contract.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
• Finance Director was informally tasked by previous City Manager with oversight of this program.
o Staff elected to apprise Council of the Dr.’s changed employment/practice status and to obtain explicit approval of ongoing payments.
o Based primarily on representations by Dr. Alfaro, staff finds that the scope and nature of Dr. Alfaro’s new practice satisfies the original contract terms.
• Dr. Alfaro executed a contract with the City in January of 2019 for participation in the Physician’s Assistance program.
o She has since established her own health clinic, apart from the Valdez Medical Clinic.
o Practice is full-time (Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri), and full-scope, excluding obstetrics
o Practice includes a nurse practitioner for increased office-hour availability
o Dr. Alfaro provides hospital ER coverage on Tuesday, and overnight/weekend calls six times per month, coordinated via Valdez Medical Clinic
• Dr. Alfaro will be present to field Council questions.