36C26119R0001-0004001.docx

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) (6-3-2019)

Outpatient Site of Care per VHA Handbook 1006.02 “VHA Site Classifications and Definitions”

1. GENERAL:

1.1. SERVICES REQUIRED: The VA Northern California Health Care System (NCHCS) requires the following services to be provided in a private hospital, office or clinic environment located in Yreka, California for Veterans residing in Siskiyou County.

1.1.1. [X] Primary Care CBOC: offer both medical (physically on site) and behavioral health care (either physically on site or by telehealth) and may offer support services such as pharmacy, laboratory, and x-ray. Primary Care CBOCs are required to provide both primary care and behavioral health services. Sites that do not provide both primary care and behavioral health services are classified as Other Outpatient Services. Access to specialty care is not provided on site but may be available through referral or telehealth. A Primary care CBOC often provides home-based primary care (HBPC) and home telehealth to the population it serves to meet the primary care and behavioral health needs of Veterans who have difficulty accessing clinic-based care. Primary care in VA includes both medical and behavioral health care services, as they are inseparable in providing personalized, proactive, patient-centered health care. Primary Care Requirements. A point of service is said to provide primary care services if the site registers more than 500 primary care encounters within the primary care stop class within a given fiscal year. Behavioral health Requirements. A point of service is said to provide behavioral health services if the site registers more than 500 behavioral health encounters within a single behavioral health clinic stop class within a given fiscal year. Behavioral health services may be provided using telehealth, if the workload at the point of service would not otherwise justify the presence of behavioral health providers. Behavioral health services will be provided by VA.

1.2. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: The Contractor shall provide a Primary Care CBOC facility in Yreka, CA. The city of Yreka is located about 100 miles north of the Redding VA Outpatient Clinic (ROPC) and about 270 miles north of VANCHCS at VA Sacramento at Mather.

1.3. AUTHORITY: In accordance with Title 38 United States Code (USC) 8153 to be furnished by the contractor on behalf of The VA Northern California Health Care System (NCHCS).

1.4. POLICY AND REGULATIONS: The Contractor is required to meet VHA performance and quality criteria and standards including, but not limited to, access, customer satisfaction, prevention index, chronic disease index and clinical guidelines. Performance and quality standards may change during the contract. New or revised quality/performance criteria or standards will be provided to the Contractor before implementation date and throughout the life of the contract through unilateral or bi-lateral modifications, as applicable. Copies of current VA and VHA publications can be located at http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ or at http://www.va.gov/vapubs/. Compliance with mandated performance is required as a condition of this contract. Contractor shall comply with all relevant VA policies and procedures, including those related to quality, patient safety and performance, including, but not limited to, the following:

1.4.1. Title 21 C.F.R 900.12(c), “Mammography Quality Standards” http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2012-title21-vol8/pdf/CFR-2012-title21-vol8-sec900-12.pdf

1.4.2. Title 21 CFR, “Food and Drugs” Section 1300-end”. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/21cfr/cfr/index.html

1.4.3. 38 USC. Section 7332, regarding a timely special consent for any medical treatment for drug abuse, alcoholism or alcohol abuse, infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or sickle cell anemia, to a Veteran with health insurance. A special consent from the Veteran is needed to allow VA to release bills and medical records associated with the treatment. http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/USCODE-2011-title38/USCODE-2011-title38-partV-chap73-subchapIII-sec7332/content-detail.html

1.4.4. 42 CFR Part 482, “Conditions of Participation” http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2010-title42-vol5/pdf/CFR-2010-title42-vol5-part482.pdf

1.4.5. 42 CFR 493.15(b), “Laboratories Performing Waived Tests” https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2003-title42-vol3/pdf/CFR-2003-title42-vol3-sec493-17.pdf

1.4.6. Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA): http://cms.hhs.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/CLIA/index.html?redirect=/clia/appendc.asp

1.4.7. VA Directive 1663, “Health Care Resources Contracting – Buying” https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=969&FType=2

1.4.8. VA Directive 6371, “Destruction of Temporary Paper Records” http://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=742&FType=2

1.4.9. VHA Record Control Schedule 10-1 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/rcs10/rcs10-1.pdf

1.4.10. "Patient Medical Records-VA" 24VA10P2 https://www.oprm.va.gov/privacy/privacy_SOR.aspx

1.4.11. VHA Handbook 1101.11(2), “Coordinated Care for Traveling Veterans” http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3099

1.4.12. VHA Directive 2007-033, "Telephone Service for Clinical Care," http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1605

1.4.13. VHA Directive 1088, “Communicating Test Results to Providers and Patients” http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3148

1.4.14. VHA Directive 2009-038 “VHA National Dual Care Policy” http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2058

1.4.15. VHA Directive 1033, “Anticoagulation Therapy Management”http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3129

1.4.16. VHA Directive 1108.08, “VHA Formulary Management Process” https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3291

1.4.17. VHA Directive 1230 “Outpatient Scheduling Processes and Procedures” https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3218

1.4.18. VHA Directive 1115, “Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Program” https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=6402

1.4.19. VHA Directive 2010-053, “Patient Record Flags”.

www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2341

1.4.20. VHA Directive 2011-012, “Medication Reconciliation” https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3133

1.4.21. VHA Directive 2011-020, “Automated Safety Incident Surveillance and Tracking System (ASISTS)” http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2407

1.4.22. VHA Directive 1199, “Reporting Cases of Abuse and Neglect”, https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5624

1.4.23. VHA Directive 2012-026, “Sexual Assaults and Other Defined Public Safety Incidents in VHA” The directive specifically includes contracted sites of care and defines procedures specific to patient disruptive behavior.

https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2797

1.4.24. VHA Directive 1605.01, “Privacy and Release of Information” www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3233

1.4.25. VA Handbook 0730, “Security and Law Enforcement”

http://www1.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=755&FType=2

1.4.26. VHA Directive 1003.04, "VHA Patient Advocacy," https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5970

1.4.27. VHA Handbook 1004.07, “Financial Relationships between Health Care Professionals and Industry” https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3059

1.4.28. VHA Handbook 1006.02, “VHA Site Classifications and Definitions” http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2970

1.4.29. VHA Handbook 1050.01, “VHA National Patient Safety Improvement Handbook” http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2389

1.4.30. VHA Handbook 1100.17, “National Practitioner Data Bank Reports”- http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2135

1.4.31. VHA Handbook 1100.18, “Reporting and Responding to State Licensing Boards” http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1364

1.4.32. VHA Handbook 1108.11, “Clinical Pharmacy Services”

http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3120

1.4.33. Amendment to VHA Handbook 1100.18, “Reporting and Responding to State Licensing Boards” https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5962

1.4.34. VHA Handbook 1100.19, “Credentialing and Privileging” http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2910

1.4.35. VHA Directive 1306, “Querying State Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP)” www.va.gov/vhapublications/viewpublication.asp?pub_id=3283

1.4.36. VHA Handbook 1101.10, “Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT)” http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2977

1.4.37. VHA Directive 1105.03, “Mammography Program Procedures and Standards” https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=6423

1.4.38. VHA Directive 1106, “Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) Procedures” https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=7477

1.4.39. VHA Handbook 1108.05, “Outpatient Pharmacy Services” http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3209

1.4.40. VHA Directive 1120.02 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Core Program Requirements https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5965

1.4.41. VHA Handbook 1122, “Podiatric Medical and Surgical Services” https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5959

1.4.42. VHA Directive , “1330.01(2) Health Care Services for Women Veterans” https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5332

1.4.43. VHA Handbook 1160.01, “Uniform Behavioral health Services” http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1762

1.4.44. VHA Handbook 5005, Part 2, Appendix G15, “Licensed Pharmacist Qualification Standards”http://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=512&FType=2

1.4.45. VHA Handbook 5005, part 2, Appendix G20, “Dietitian Qualification Standard” www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=764&FType=2

1.4.46. Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) as amended http://www.justice.gov/oip/foia_updates/Vol_XVII_4/page2.htm

1.4.47. Title 38 CFR §17.107, “VA Response to Disruptive Behavior of Patients” (2010) www.gpo.gov/.../pdf/CFR-2012-title38-vol1-sec17-107.pdf

1.4.48. Title 38 CFR § 1.203, “Information to be reported to VA Police” (2003) https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/CFR-2011-title38-vol1/CFR-2011-title38-vol1-sec1-203

1.4.49. “Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Health Care and Social Service Workers,” Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) OSHA 3148-01R 2004) https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3148.pdf

1.4.50. “Violence: Occupational Hazards in Hospitals, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health” (NIOSH) NIOSH 2002-101, April 2002. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2002-101/default.html

1.4.51. VA Assistant Secretary OSP Memo, Clarification of Policy for Sexual Assault Reporting, June 2011. http://www.diversity.va.gov/products/files/DAW/v10i05.docx

1.4.52. VHA Directive 1231 Outpatient Clinic Practice Management https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3296

1.4.53. VHA Directive 1315 Access to VHA Clinical Programs for Veterans Participating in State-Approved Marijuana Programs https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5711

1.4.54. VHA Directive 1406, Patient Centered Management Module (PCMM) for Primary Care https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5430

1.4.55. VHA Directive 1134 Provision of Medical Statements and Completion of Forms by VA Health Care Providers https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=4300

1.4.56. VHA Directive 1192 Seasonal Influenza Prevention Program for VHA Health Care Personnel https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5472

1.4.57. VHA Handbook 1660.03 Conflict Of Interest For The Aspects Of Contracting For Sharing Of Health-Care Resources (HCR) https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3152

1.4.58. VA Directive 6008 Acquisition and Management of VA Information Technology Resources https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=891&FType=2

1.4.59. VA Handbook 6500.6 Contract Security

https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=471&FType=2

1.4.60. VHA Directive 1300.01 National Viral Hepatitis Program https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=6421

1.4.61. VHA Directive 1210 Chiropractic Care https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=6425

1.4.62. VHA Directive 1341 Providing Health Care for Transgender and Intersex Veterans https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=6431

1.4.63. VHA Directive 1177 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=7487

1.4.64. VHA Directive 1108.10 Promotion of Drugs and Drug-related Supplies by Pharmaceutical Company Representatives https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=6435

1.4.65. VHA Directive 1608 Comprehensive Environment of Care (CEOC) Program https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3171

1.4.66. VHA Directive 1003 VHA’s Veteran Customer Service Program https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=268

1.4.67. VHA Handbook 1003.1 Key Elements of VHA’s Veteran Customer Service Program https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=422

1.4.68. VHA Handbook 1003.2 Service Recovery in the Veterans Health Administration https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=433

1.4.69. VHA Handbook 1330.03, Maternity Health Care and Coordination www.va.gov/vhapublications/viewpublication.asp?pub_id=2803

1.4.70. VHA Directive 1330.02 Women Veterans Program Manager https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=7484

1.4.71. VA Handbook 6500 Risk Management Framework for VA Information Systems - Tier 3: VA Information Security Program https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=793&FType=2

1.4.72. VHA Directive 1004.08 Disclosure of Adverse Events to Patients https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8120

1.4.73. VHA Directive 1005(1) Informed Consent for Long-Term Opioid Therapy for Pain https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3005

1.4.74 VHA Directive 1004.08 Disclosure of Adverse Events to Patients https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8120

1.4.75 VHA Directive 1005(1) Informed Consent for Long-Term Opioid Therapy for Pain https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3005

1.4.76 VHA Directive 6300, “Records Management” https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8113

1.4.77 VHA Handbook 1907.01 Health Information Management and Health Records https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3088

1.4.78 VHA Directive 1198 Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8192

1.4.79 VHA Directive 1031 Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASP) https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8195

1.4.80 VHA Directive 1108.13 Provision and Use of Nursing Medication Management Protocols in Outpatient Team-Based Practice Settings https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8199

1.4.81 VHA Directive 1004.04 State-Authorized Portable Orders (SAPO) https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8240

1.5. DEFINITIONS/ACRONYMS:

1.5.1. ABMS: American Board of Medical Specialties

1.5.2. ACLS: Advanced Cardiac Life Support

1.5.3. ACGME: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

1.5.4. ACPE: American Council on Pharmaceutical Education

1.5.5. ACO: Administrative Contracting Officer

1.5.6. ADE: adverse drug events

1.5.7. AED: Automatic External Defibrillator

1.5.8. AIS: Automated Information Security

1.5.9. ANA: American Nurses Association

1.5.10. AOA: American Osteopathic Association

1.5.11. ARRT: American Registry of Radiologic Technology

1.5.12. ASC: Ambulatory Surgery Clinic

1.5.13. Assigned: A Veteran is “assigned” to an outpatient clinic via PCMM (i.e. CBOC) where the patient receives their primary care after the patient’s eligibility is determined through registration and enrollment.

1.5.14. BAA: Business Associate Agreement

1.5.15. BI-RADS: Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System; a quality assurance tool designed to standardize mammography reporting

1.5.16. BLS: Basic Life Support

1.5.17. BOS: Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists

1.5.18. CAHEA: Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation

1.5.19. CAP: College of American Pathologists

1.5.20. CARF: Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities

1.5.21. CBO: VA Central Billing Office.

1.5.22. CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1.5.23. CEU: Certified Education Unit

1.5.24. CLIA: Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments

1.5.25. CME: Continuing Medical Education

1.5.26. CMS: Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services

1.5.27. CO: Contracting Officer

1.5.28. COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

1.5.29. COR: Contracting Officer’s Representative

1.5.30. COS: Chief of Staff

1.5.31. CPA: Collaborative Practice Agreement

1.5.32. CPS: Clinical Pharmacy Specialist

1.5.33. CPT: Current Procedural Terminology

1.5.34. CRNP: Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners

1.5.35. CSWE: The Council on Social Work Education the CSWE website is http://www.cswe.org/.

1.5.36. CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

1.5.37. THE VA ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD SYSTEM: electronic health record system used by the VA.

1.5.38. CVT: Clinical Video Telehealth

1.5.39. DICOM: Digital Image and Communication in Medicine

1.5.40. DIGMA: Drop in Group Medical Appointment

1.5.41. DRG: Diagnostic Related Group

1.5.42. DSS: Decision Support System

1.5.43. ECC Extended Care Center

1.5.44. Enrollment: The process of establishing eligibility for VA’s “Medical Benefits Package.” Most Veterans are required to “enroll” into the VA Health Care System to be eligible for VA health care and to be assigned to an outpatient clinic like a CBOC, however some can still receive care without enrolling. Applicants are only required to “enroll” once for VA health care unless they are determined ineligible for care at time of application or they have disenrolled.

1.5.45. EPRP: External Peer Review Program

1.5.46. FDA: Food and Drug Administration

1.5.47. FSMB: Federation of State Medical Boards

1.5.48. HCC: Health Care Center an HCC is a VA-owned, VA-leased, contract, or shared clinic operated at least 5 days per week that provides primary care, behavioral health care, on site specialty services, and performs ambulatory surgery and/or invasive procedures which may require moderate sedation or general anesthesia.

1.5.49. HHS: Department of Health and Human Services

1.5.50. HCFA: HealthCare Financing Administration

1.5.51. HICPAC: Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee- a federal advisory committee made up of 14 external infection control experts who provide advice and guidance to the CDC and the Secretary of HHS regarding the practice of health care infection control, strategies for surveillance and prevention and control of health care associated infections in United States health care facilities.

1.5.52. HT: Home Telehealth

1.5.53. ICAVL: Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories

1.5.54. INR: International Normalized Ratio

1.5.55. ISO: Information Security Officer

1.5.56. LIP: licensed independent practitioner

1.5.57. MCCR: Medical Care Cost Recovery

1.5.58. Behavioral health Services: per VHA Handbook 1160.01 is meant to include services for the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of both substance use disorders and other mental disorders.

General behavioral health services include:

(a) Diagnostic and treatment planning evaluations for the full range of behavioral health problems;

(b) Treatment services using evidence-based pharmacotherapy, or primary evidence-based psychotherapy for patients with behavioral health conditions and substance use disorders;

(c) Patient education;

(d) Family education when it is associated with benefits to the Veterans;

(e) Referrals as needed to inpatient and residential care programs; and

(f) Consultation about special emphasis problems including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

Specialty behavioral health services include:

(a) Consultation and treatment services for the full range of behavioral health conditions;

(b) Evidence-based psychotherapy;

(c) Behavioral health Intensive Case Management (BHICM);

(d) Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services, including: PRRCs, family psycho-education, family education, skills training, peer support, and Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) and supported employment;

(e) PTSD teams or specialists;

(f) MST special clinics;

(g) Homeless programs; and

(h) Specialty substance abuse treatment services.

1.5.59. MQSA: Mammography Quality Standards Act

1.5.60. MSN: Master of Science in Nursing

1.5.61. NCCPA: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

1.5.62. NLN: National League for Nursing

1.5.63. NSQIP/CICSP: National Surgical Quality Improvement Program/Continuing Improvement in Cardiac Surgical Program

1.5.64. OTC: Over the Counter

1.5.65. PA: Physician Assistant

1.5.66. PACS: Picture Archiving and Communications System

1.5.67. PACT: Patient Aligned Care Team Background & Introduction: VA has implemented a PCBH model at all VA Primary Care sites which is referred to as PACT. This initiative supports VHA’s Universal Health Care Services Plan to redesign VHA healthcare delivery through increasing access, coordination, communication, and continuity of care. PACT provides accessible, coordinated, comprehensive, patient-centered care, in team-based environment including the active involvement of other clinical and non-clinical staff. PACT allows patients to have a more active role in their health care and is associated with increased quality improvement, patient satisfaction, and a decrease in hospital costs due to fewer hospital visits and readmissions.

1.5.68. Parent Facility: VAMC responsible for performance monitoring and payment for contracted Outpatient Site of Care services.

1.5.69. PCBH: Patient-Centered Medical Home

1.5.70. PCMM: Primary Care Management Module- a software program used to track Primary Care Clinic Veteran rosters.

1.5.71. PCP: Primary Care Provider

1.5.72. Phar.D.: Doctor of Pharmacy

1.5.73. POC: Point of Care Testing

1.5.74. PRIMARY CARE VISIT: an episode of care furnished in a clinic that provides integrated, accessible health care services by clinicians who are accountable for addressing a large majority of personal health care needs, developing a sustained partnership with patients, and practicing in the context of family and community. Primary care includes, but is not limited to, diagnosis and management of acute and chronic biopsychosocial conditions, health promotion, disease prevention, overall care management, and patient and caregiver education. The VHA site classification defines primary care as those encounters that occur within the primary care class of encounters.

1.5.75. PCBHI: PRIMARY CARE-BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INTEGRATION:

1.5.76. PWS: Performance Work Statement

1.5.77. QAPI: Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement

1.5.78. QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

1.5.79. RME: reusable medical equipment

1.5.80. SOP (Clinical): Scope of Practice

1.5.81. SELF- REFERRAL: Referring patients to Contractor’s facility for follow-up care. Self-referral for outpatient services at the Contractor’s facility is prohibited.

1.5.82. SFT: Store and Forward Telehealth

1.5.83. SMA: Shared Medical Appointments

1.5.84. SPD: Sterile Processing Division

1.5.85. SPE: Senior Procurement Executive

1.5.86. SPECIALTY CARE VISIT: A specialty care outpatient visit is an episode of care furnished in a clinic that does not provide primary care and is only provided through a referral.” These services are generally divided into two sub-categories: medicine specialties and surgery specialties. The VHA site classification defines specialty care as those encounters that occur within the geriatric medicine; allergy; cardiology; dermatology; emergency; employee health; endocrinology; gastroenterology; general medicine; hematology or oncology; infectious disease; nephrology; neurology; outreach; pulmonary or respiratory disease; rheumatology; amputation follow-up; amputation; anesthesia; cardio-thoracic; ear, nose, and throat (ENT); eye; general surgery; gynecology (GYN); neurosurgery; orthopedics; plastic surgery; urology; or vascular clinic stops.

1.5.87. SUPPORT STAFF: staff present in the clinic area assisting providers in the actual delivery of care to patients. It consists of RNs, LPNs, Medical Assistants, Health Technicians, and Medical Clerks in the clinic.

1.5.88. TJC: The Joint Commission

1.5.89. TIU: Text Integration Utility

1.5.90. TCT: Telehealth Clinical Technicians

1.5.91. VA: Veterans Affairs

1.5.92. VAMC: Veterans Affairs Medical Center

1.5.93. VetPro: a federal web-based credentialing program for healthcare providers.

1.5.94. VHA: Veterans Health Administration

2. STAFFING AND QUALIFICATIONS

2.1. MINIMUM PATIENT ALIGNED CARE TEAM (PACT) STAFFING REQUIREMENTS: PACTs comprise the patients, the patients’ personal support persons, teamlets (Primary Care Providers (PCPs), Registered Nurse Care Managers (RNCMs), Clinical Associates, Clerical Associates), and discipline specific team members (Clinical Pharmacy Specialists (CPSs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Registered Dietician/Nutritionists, and Primary Care-Behavioral Health Integration (PCBHI)staff). The Contractor shall provide PACT staffing in numbers and qualifications capable of fulfilling the standards outlined in the resultant contract. The Contractor shall provide a sufficient number of primary care providers so that each primary care provider has a caseload ratio to meet VA standards. Current standards are 1200 active patients per full time physician and 900 active patients per full time midlevel provider. Actual panel sizes can be determined by the VA in accordance with PCMM Handbook 1101.02. The staffing standard for support staff shall be in ratios to Primary Care Providers of at least three full time equivalent support staff for each full time equivalent Primary Care Provider. The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (CPS) shall be provided the same support staffing given to other providers on the team when they are working in the capacity of a mid-level provider. The Contractor shall provide personnel in numbers and qualifications capable of fulfilling the standards outlined in the resultant contract. The Contractor must establish and implement contingency plans for ensuring patients receive continuity of and access to appropriate primary care during periods of inadequate resources, extended staff absences, staff turnover, understaffing, and nature-related events (e.g., extreme weather conditions, natural disasters). If the number of patients reaches 90% of maximum panel size assigned by the facility the Contractor shall communicate to the VA, the Contractor’s future staffing plan to ensure staffing ratio standards remain in accordance with PCMM staffing standards. Total Estimated Patients enrolled/assigned to site: 900 (min) to 1900 (max).

2.2. PHYSICIAN DIRECTOR (MANDATORY FOR ALL SITES): FTE Ratio Performance Standard: 0.05 FTE per PACT Responsible Party: Shall be provided by Contractor. Qualifications: Contractor’s Physicians (including subcontractors) providing physician director services under the resultant contract shall demonstrate evidence of education, training, and experience in Internal Medicine or Family Practice. Contactor’s Physicians performing under this contract shall be board certified (or board eligible) by the ABMS in Internal Medicine and/or Family Practice or the BOS in Internal Medicine and/or Family Practice. Physicians shall be licensed in the state where the Outpatient Site of Care (i.e. CBOC) is located. If proposed staff do not meet VA credentialing requirements, the Contractor shall propose substitute acceptable personnel within five (5) calendar days. May also be credentialed and privileged as a PCP. (If so, authorization for prescriptive authority is required). Position Responsibilities: Serves as medical director to oversee and be responsible for the provision of covered services to enrolled and unassigned patients presenting for care at the site.

2.2.1. If the Physician Director supervises mid-level providers, states may have additional time requirements this physician shall be on-site to provide supervision requirements. Onsite requirements. Experience: Five (5) years of primary care experience without board certification or eligibility; two (2) years with board certification or eligibility.

2.3. PRIMARY CARE TEAMLET STAFFING (MANDATORY FOR ALL SITES): All primary care teamlet staffing shall be provided by Contractor.

2.3.1. TEAMLET MEMBER 1: Primary Care Provider (PCP): FTE Ratio Performance Standard: Current standards are 1200 active patients per full time physician and 900 active patients per full time midlevel provider. Contractor shall propose quantity of FTE to meet Standard FTE ratio to panel size. At least one PCP shall be an MD. Contractor to propose mix of PCP from the options below.

OPTION 1: Physician (MD): Qualifications: Physicians shall demonstrate evidence of education, training, and experience in Internal Medicine or Family Practice. Physicians performing under this contract shall be board certified (or board eligible) by the ABMS in Internal Medicine and/or Family Practice or the BOS in Internal Medicine and/or Family Practice. Authorization for prescriptive authority is required. Physicians shall be licensed in the state where the Outpatient Site of Care (i.e. CBOC) is located. If proposed staff do not meet VA credentialing requirements, the Contractor shall propose substitute acceptable personnel within five (5) calendar days. Position Responsibilities: Responsible for the provision of covered services to enrolled and unassigned patients presenting for care, providing health care commensurate to the PCP’s licensure and clinical privileges or scope of practice, ensuring the patient’s care plan contains medical recommendations for clinically indicated care, offering clinically indicated health care services to patients assigned to the PACT, and providing or arranging for care to which patients consent, providing leadership to the team including shared delegation of appropriate care and care processes to appropriate team members, reviewing available clinical and performance data with the team, and focusing on continuous improvement of critical team processes, ensuring the patient has same-day access for face-to-face and telephone care visits during regular clinic hours, and collaborating with PACT staff to develop personal health plans that incorporate care management and care coordination appropriate to the patient’s needs.

OPTION 2: Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP): Qualifications: CRNP’s (including subcontractors) must have an MSN from an NLN accredited nursing program and have ANA Certification as a Nurse Practitioner in either Adult Health or Family Practice. Authorization for prescriptive authority is required. Three years of clinical nursing experience is required. A minimum of one (1) year clinical experience as a CRNP is required (three (3) years preferred). Experience in outpatient care in a Family Medicine or Internal Medicine environment is preferred. CRNP shall have current, full, active, and unrestricted license and registration as a graduate professional nurse in the state of the Outpatient Site of Care (i.e. CBOC); Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6 http://www1.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=464&FType=2. Position Responsibilities: Responsible for the provision of covered services to enrolled and unassigned patients presenting for care, providing health care commensurate to the PCP’s licensure and clinical privileges or scope of practice, ensuring the patient’s care plan contains medical recommendations for clinically indicated care, offering clinically indicated health care services to patients assigned to the PACT, and providing or arranging for care to which patients consent, providing leadership to the team including shared delegation of appropriate care and care processes to appropriate team members, reviewing available clinical and performance data with the team, and focusing on continuous improvement of critical team processes, ensuring the patient has same-day access for face-to-face and telephone care visits during regular clinic hours, and collaborating with PACT staff to develop personal health plans that incorporate care management and care coordination appropriate to the patient’s needs.

OPTION 3: Physician Assistant (PA):Qualifications: PA’s (including subcontractors) must meet one of the three following educational criteria: a) A bachelor’s degree from a PA training program which is certified by the CAHEA; or b) Graduation from a PA training program of at least twelve (12) months duration, which is certified by the CAHEA and a bachelor’s degree in a health care occupation or health related science; or c) graduation from a PA training program of at least twelve (12) months duration which is certified by the CAHEA and a period of progressively responsible health care experience such as independent duty medical corpsman, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, medical technologist, or medical technician. The duration of approved academic training and health care experience must total at least five (5) years. Authorization for prescriptive authority is required. PAs must be certified by the NCCPA. PA shall have current, full, active, and unrestricted license and registration in the state of the Outpatient Site of Care (i.e. CBOC); VA HANDBOOK 5005/78 PART II APPENDIX G8 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT QUALIFICATION STANDARD http://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=763&FType=2. Position Responsibilities: Responsible for the provision of covered services to enrolled and unassigned patients presenting for care, providing health care commensurate to the PCP’s licensure and clinical privileges or scope of practice, ensuring the patient’s care plan contains medical recommendations for clinically indicated care, offering clinically indicated health care services to patients assigned to the PACT, and providing or arranging for care to which patients consent, providing leadership to the team including shared delegation of appropriate care and care processes to appropriate team members, reviewing available clinical and performance data with the team, and focusing on continuous improvement of critical team processes, ensuring the patient has same-day access for face-to-face and telephone care visits during regular clinic hours, and collaborating with PACT staff to develop personal health plans that incorporate care management and care coordination appropriate to the patient’s needs.

2.3.2. TEAMLET MEMBER 2: Registered Nurse (RN) Care Manager: FTE Ratio Performance Standard: Current standard is 1.0 FTE RNCM per 1.0 FTE PCP. Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6 http://www1.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=464&FType=2 Qualifications: Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate State-accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in the state of the Outpatient Site of Care (i.e. CBOC). Position Responsibilities: Responsible for the provision of covered services to enrolled patients presenting for care at the site, providing all aspects of professional nursing services consistent with licensure, certification, nursing professional standards of practice, and the clinician’s Functional Statement with elements of practice, enhancing patient safety and quality of care by collaborating with PACT staff to develop, oversee, and manage care management plans and care coordination for patients assigned to PACTs, participating in modes of communication and care delivery including, but not limited to, secure messaging, telephone care, view alerts management, shared medical appointments, clinical video telehealth visits, face to face visits, etc., as part of care management, identifying patient needs for involvement of discipline-specific team members and discussing nursing recommendations with the PCP, engaging relevant PACT staff to support nursing care, according to locally established informal and formal communication processes, including entering consultation requests to discipline-specific PACT members, if required for formal communications, assuming full accountability for the appropriateness of assignments made by the RNCM to clinical associates or administrative associates related to care management, care coordination, nursing services, and outcomes of care, entering orders in THE VA ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD SYSTEM for tests per approved standardized RN care management protocols or PCP orders, ensuring the RNCM has same-day access for face-to-face and telephone care visits, using nursing expertise, evidence-based guidelines, standardized nursing protocols, and professionally accepted practice standards to promote patient engagement, self-care and wellness, and provide care to patients and determine care management requirements for individual patients or cohorts of patients. The RN collaborates for the improvement of patient care outcomes in the Patient Aligned Care Team. Promotes systems to improve access and continuity of care, uses advanced clinical knowledge and critical thinking skills to mentor staff in planning, implementing and evaluating interventions that improve patient outcomes, designs and provides age and population specific health promotion and risk reduction strategies, translates evidence-based research into practice to ensure that patients benefit from the latest innovations in nursing science, manages patients in transition between levels of care, serves as an expert resource to implement and teach skills, including motivational interviewing to promote patient self-management toward patient-driven holistic care plan for life.

PRIMARY CARE STAFFING – CLINICAL ASSOCIATE [X] Mandatory for all sites

2.3.3. TEAMLET MEMBER 3: CLINICAL ASSOCIATE FTE Ratio Performance Standard: Current standard is 1.0 FTE clinical associate per 1.0 FTE PCP. Contractor to propose the mix of Clinical Associates from the options below.

OPTION 1: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Qualifications: VA HANDBOOK 5005/3 PART II APPENDIX G13 LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION STANDARD http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/Directives-Handbooks/Documents/5005.pdf Current, full, active, and unrestricted license in the state of the Outpatient Site of Care (i.e. CBOC)Position Responsibilities: Responsible for the provision of covered services to enrolled and unassigned patients presenting for care at the site, providing evaluation and care consistent with licensure, certification, and functional statement with elements of practice, to patients assigned PACTs, collaborating with PACT staff to develop comprehensive health care plans and care management plans for patients assigned to patient panels, managing clinic workflow, ensuring patients are placed in examination rooms in a timely manner, and providing direction to patients as they move through the clinic environment. Duties include but are not limited to the aability to perform a variety of specialized clinical support skills, ability to perform basic patient care service, have knowledge of medical terminology, demonstrate skills in interpersonal communication, demonstrate knowledge of aseptic technique and infection control and knowledge of patient confidentiality, policies and procedures. Shall assist all health care providers in performing patient care services and duties pertaining to the effective and efficient delivery of patient centered care in all clinical areas. This staff member will receive training as back-up for telehealth services (e.g. S&F, CVT).

OPTION 2: Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN):Qualifications: VA HANDBOOK 5005/3 PART II APPENDIX G13 LICENSED PRACTICAL OR VOCATIONAL NURSE QUALIFICATION STANDARD http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/Directives-Handbooks/Documents/5005.pdf Current, full, active, and unrestricted license in the state of the Outpatient Site of Care (i.e. CBOC) Position Responsibilities: Responsible for the provision of covered services to enrolled and unassigned patients presenting for care at the site, providing evaluation and care consistent with licensure, certification, and functional statement with elements of practice, to patients assigned PACTs, collaborating with PACT staff to develop comprehensive health care plans and care management plans for patients assigned to patient panels, managing clinic workflow, ensuring patients are placed in examination rooms in a timely manner, and providing direction to patients as they move through the clinic environment. Duties include but are not limited to the aability to perform a variety of specialized clinical support skills, ability to perform basic patient care service, have knowledge of medical terminology, demonstrate skills in interpersonal communication, demonstrate knowledge of aseptic technique and infection control and knowledge of patient confidentiality, policies and procedures. Shall assist all health care providers in performing patient care services and duties pertaining to the effective and efficient delivery of patient centered care in all clinical areas.

OPTION 3: Medical Assistant (MA):Qualifications: Completion of an approved medical assistant training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), or by any accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or a current and active Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT). Other credentials such as completion of a medical services training program of the Armed Forces of the United States may be accepted based on Chief of Staff determination.Position Responsibilities: Responsible for the provision of covered services to enrolled and unassigned patients presenting for care at the site, providing evaluation and care consistent with licensure, certification, and functional statement with elements of practice, to patients assigned PACTs, collaborating with PACT staff to develop comprehensive health care plans and care management plans for patients assigned to patient panels, managing clinic workflow, ensuring patients are placed in examination rooms in a timely manner, and providing direction to patients as they move through the clinic environment. Duties include but are not limited to the aability to perform a variety of specialized clinical support skills, ability to perform basic patient care service, have knowledge of medical terminology, demonstrate skills in interpersonal communication, demonstrate knowledge of aseptic technique and infection control and knowledge of patient confidentiality, policies and procedures. Shall assist all health care providers in performing patient care services and duties pertaining to the effective and efficient delivery of patient centered care in all clinical areas.

OPTION 4: Health Care Technician (HCT) (as part of PACT teamlet not for other Tele health: Qualifications: Completion of an approved medical assistant training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), or by any accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or a current and active Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT). Other credentials such as completion of a medical services training program of the Armed Forces of the United States may be accepted based on Chief of Staff determination. Position Responsibilities: Responsible for the provision of covered services to enrolled and unassigned patients presenting for care at the site, providing evaluation and care consistent with licensure, certification, and functional statement with elements of practice, to patients assigned PACTs, collaborating with PACT staff to develop comprehensive health care plans and care management plans for patients assigned to patient panels, managing clinic workflow, ensuring patients are placed in examination rooms in a timely manner, and providing direction to patients as they move through the clinic environment. Duties include but are not limited to the aability to perform a variety of specialized clinical support skills, ability to perform basic patient care service, have knowledge of medical terminology, demonstrate skills in interpersonal communication, demonstrate knowledge of aseptic technique and infection control and knowledge of patient confidentiality, policies and procedures. Shall assist all health care providers in performing patient care services and duties pertaining to the effective and efficient delivery of patient centered care in all clinical areas.

PRIMARY CARE STAFFING – CLERICAL ASSOCIATE [X] Mandatory for all sites

2.3.4. TEAMLET MEMBER 4: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE: FTE Ratio Performance Standard: Current standard is 1.0 FTE administrative associate per 1.0 FTE PCP. Qualifications: Required education and experience demonstrating skills and abilities to perform duties ensuring smooth site operations .Position Responsibilities: Responsible for the provision of covered services to enrolled and unassigned patients presenting for care, providing clerical support and administrative functions to PACT staff, collaborating with PACT staff to incorporate the logistical elements of care coordination into comprehensive care management plans, providing guidance and direction to patients and personal support persons for navigating the VA health care system and administrative functions in VA, and coordinating care for patients assigned to the PACT.

2.4. DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC PACT TEAM MEMBERS (REQUIRED FOR ALL SITES): Discipline-specific team members are designated in PCMM for one or more PACT(s). Discipline-specific team members provide continuity of direct discipline-specific care to all patients assigned to PACT(s) for which the team member is designated.

2.4.1. DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC 1: CLINICAL PHARMACY SPECIALIST (CPS) –PACT: FTE Ratio Performance Standard: 1.0 FTE per 3 PACTs Qualifications: Will be provided by the VA. STAF

EXPANDED PACT STAF

2.4.2. DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC 3: LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER: FTE Ratio Performance Standard: 1 FTE per 2 PACTs. Qualifications: Will be provided by the VA.

2.4.3. DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC 4: REGISTERED DIETITIAN/NUTRITIONIST: FTE Ratio Performance Standard: 1 FTE per 5 PACTs. Qualifications: Will be provided by the VA.

2.4.4. DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC 5: PRIMARY CARE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INTEGRATION (PC-BHI):

FTE Ratio Performance Standard - 0.67 FTE per PACT. Will be provided by the VA.EXPAND

2.5. SPECIALTY CARE STAFFING:

2.5.1. PODIATRIST: FTE Ratio Performance Standard: Will be provided by the VA.EXPANDED

2.5.2. DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST: Will be provided by the VA.EXPANDED

2.5.3. PHLEBOTOMIST/LABORATORY TECHNICIAN: Provided by the Contractor. Qualifications: Required education and experience demonstrating skills and abilities to perform duties ensuring smooth site operations. Position Responsibilities: Responsible for the provision of drawing blood and preparing samples for transport. Current California CPT-1 Licensure required.

2.5.4. GENERAL AND SPECIALTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH STAFFING:

2.5.4.1 BH staffing FTE Will be provided by the VA.EXPANDED

2.5.4.2. OTHER REQUIRED STAFF BASED ON NUMBER OF PATIENTS SERVED AT SITE

2.5.4.2.1. Suicide Prevention Coordinator (SPC): The VA performance standard for sites with 10,000 patients or more is maintaining a Suicide Prevention Coordinator (SPC) with a full-time commitment to suicide prevention activities. In smaller sites serving less than 10,000, this may be a collateral assignment. Will be provided by the VA.EXPANDED

2.5.4.2.2. Homeless Outreach Specialist: To ensure the availability of outreach and referral services to homeless Veterans, all sites with 10,000 patients or more must designate at least one outreach specialist, usually a clinical social worker, to provide services to homeless Veterans. NOTE: In smaller facilities, this may be a collateral assignment. Will be provided by the VA.EXPANDED

2.5.5 TELEHEALTH SERVICES CLINICAL STAFF: Telehealth Clinical Technician (TCT) FTE Ratio performance standard 1.0 FTE Telehealth Clinical Technician (TCT) Will be provided by the VA.EXPANDED

2.6. LICENSE AND ACCREDITATION: Contract physician(s) and all other contract licensed providers assigned by the Contractor to perform the services covered by this contract shall have a current license to practice in the state where the outpatient site is located. All licenses held by the personnel working on this contract shall be full and unrestricted licenses.