Explanation
BACKGROUND: In order to effectively manage patients of the Columbus Public Health (CPH) Ben Franklin Tuberculosis (TB) grant program, it is necessary to provide specialized physician services. This ordinance authorizes the Board of Health to enter into a not-for-profit services contract with the Ohio State University Physicians, Inc., (OSUP) in the amount of $65,000.00.
Columbus Public Health has a need for physician services specializing in infectious disease with expertise in Tuberculosis including consultation and other coverage as needed. This physician serves as the TB Program Medical Director and is responsible for overseeing and approving all clinical protocols for the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of latent TB infection and TB disease. CPH does not employ a physician with these specialized services, therefore, a contract is required.
OSUP provides outpatient care throughout Central Ohio and are the approved practice plan for The Ohio State University College of Medicine designated by the University Board of Trustees. This contractor is a nonprofit organization and is exempt from certification.
This ordinance is contingent on the passing of Ordinance 3456-2024 to accept and appropriate the Ben Franklin TB Grant FY25.
There is an immediate need for the continuation of physician services to allow for expedited consultation and continued infectious disease treatment for patients of the Ben Franklin TB Clinic. Disruption in services could increase the risk of TB transmission in the community.
FISCAL IMPACT: The amount of $65,000.00 is budgeted in the Health Department Grant Fund for physician services for Columbus Public Health. ($65,000.00)
Title
To authorize the Board of Health to enter into a not-for-profit services contract with the Ohio State University Physicians, Inc., for specialized physician services for the Columbus Public Health Ben Franklin Tuberculosis Clinic for the period of January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025; to authorize the expenditure of $65,000.00 from the Health Department Grant Fund to pay the costs thereof; and to declare an emergency. ($65,000.00).
Body
WHEREAS, Columbus Public Health has a need for specialized physician services; and
WHEREAS, The Ohio State University Physicians, Inc., can provide physicians who have the expertise required; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of Columbus Public Health in that it is immediately necessary to contract with the Ohio State University Physicians, Inc., for specialized physician services in order to ensure continuity of care for patients of Columbus Public Health Ben Franklin Tuberculosis Clinic, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Board of Health is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with the Ohio State University Physicians, Inc., for physician services for Columbus Public Health for the period of January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.
SECTION 2. That to pay the costs of said contract, the expenditure of $65,000.00 is hereby authorized from the Health Department Grant Fund, Fund No. 2251, Department of Health, Division No. 5001, per the accounting codes attached to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That this contract is in compliance with Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Code.
SECTION 4. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.