Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Keith D. Bostick (Deputy Director)
Department: Human Services Division: Broward Addiction Recovery
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO AUTHORIZE County Administrator to execute Fifth Amendment to Agreement No. R1012809R1 between Broward County and Advanced Pharmaceutical Consultants, Inc. (“APC”), subject to review for legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney, not to exceed the amount of $273,732, on a month-to-month basis effective December 1, 2020 through November 30, 2021, to provide pharmacy and medication management services to Broward County residents receiving substance use disorder treatment at the Broward Addiction Recovery Center (“BARC”) 24-hour detoxification facility; and authorize the County Administrator to take all administrative and budgetary actions to implement the Agreement.
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Why Action is Necessary
Section 21.31(a)(4), Broward County Administrative Code, requires the Broward County Board of County Commissioners (“Commission”) to approve all contracts over $500,000, regardless of the number of years of the contracts. Section 21.31(g) specifies no contract shall be renewed beyond five years without the express consent of the Commission.
What Action Accomplishes
This action allows BARC to meet Community Pharmacy Licensure requirements from the State of Florida Department of Health by providing licensed pharmacy staff to manage and operate in-house pharmacy and medication services at BARC Central.
Is this Action Goal Related
Yes
Previous Action Taken
None
Summary Explanation/Background
THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE BROWARD ADDICTION RECOVERY DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTIONS.
This item supports the Commission value of “approaching human services collaboratively and compassionately with special emphasis on the most vulnerable” and the goal to “deliver evidence-based services to the public and connect customers and their family members to sustainable support with special emphasis on financial supports”. Funding will allow BARC to provide evidence-based medication-assisted treatment services to eligible individuals.
APC provides in-house pharmacy and medication management services to Broward County residents receiving substance use disorder treatment at BARC’s 24-hour detoxification facility. APC manages the automated medication distribution system for enhanced patient safety and medication accountability in accordance with state and federal statutes and The Joint Commission accreditation requirements. The APC licensed pharmacist is qualified to order wholesale prescription medications for BARC clients on behalf of the County.
The APC Agreement resulted from the Request for Letters of Interest No. R1012809R1 for In-House Pharmacy Management Services approved by the Commission on December 10, 2013. On April 8, 2014, the Director of Purchasing approved the First Amendment to provide software/equipment upgrades to fully automate the dispensing of medication at Booher and Central facilities. On September 4, 2015, the Director of Purchasing approved the Second Amendment to address the new BARC Narcotic/Opiate Treatment Program license and regulatory changes requiring a pharmacist. On November 13, 2018, the Commission approved the Third Amendment to include one additional Option Period that began December 1, 2018 and ended November 30, 2019 (“Option Period 5”). On October 15, 2019, the Commission approved the Fourth Amendment to include a subsequent Option Period that began December 1, 2019 and ends November 30, 2020 (“Option Period 6”) to ensure continuity of in-house pharmacy services during the solicitation process.
The complexities of In-house Pharmacy Management Services and Broward County community needs have changed in the last two years, including advancements in technology, pharmacy standards, BARC’s increased capacity, and the growing opioid crisis. During the first extension period (December 1, 2018 to November 30, 2019), BARC took steps to research and incorporate innovative ways to address these needs in the new solicitation.
During the second extension period (December 1, 2019 to November 30, 2020) and due to HIPAA concerns, high security-risk, and federal funding source, this solicitation required a joint-effort between BARC and multiple County Divisions including, the Purchasing Division, County Attorney’s Office (CAO), Enterprise Technology Services (ETS), Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD), Risk Management, and County Auditor, which lengthened the solicitation process. The anticipated review process was further slowed as all County agencies prioritized COVID-19 related tasks such as transitioning staff to telework, creating emergency procurement processes, reviewing emergency contracts, and more.
The Fifth Amendment will add one additional Option Period (“Option Period 7”) and ensure continuity of in-house pharmacy services at BARC Central during the ongoing solicitation process and allow for a transition period after the new contract has been awarded. Option Period 7 will begin December 1, 2020 and end no later than November 30, 2021.
APC has met all performance measures to date.
The Office of the County Attorney will review the Fifth Amendment for legal sufficiency prior to execution by the parties.
Source of Additional Information
Jack Feinberg, Director, Broward Addiction Recovery Center, (954) 357-4860
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Funding in the amount of $273,732 is allocated in the Fiscal Year 2021 Broward Addiction Recovery Division Budget.