Draft Infectious Disease PWS.docx

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

The Contractor shall provide On Call Infectious Disease Physician Services to eligible beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, Wichita, KS (hereinafter referred to as VAMC). T he Contractor’s physician(s) must be available to respond by telephone within 15 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and be able to report onsite within 60 minutes when required.

The VAMC Physician Services are accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) and follow the standards & guidelines set forth by American College of Physicians (ACP). A contractor providing onsite Infectious Disease physician services shall provide services that meet or exceed the ACP Guidelines https://www.acponline.org Place of Performance: Services shall be provided onsite, at Wichita VAMC, 5500 E Kellogg, Wichita, KS 67218.

Pricing Instructions:

The offeror is instructed to edit the number of Line Item Numbers (LIN) to correspond with the number of key personnel submitted for the line item number (LIN). Affiliate Offerors shall include the “title” of the personnel submitted. Other commercial health care Offerors shall identify by title/position or level of experience the key personnel submitted. Also, renumber LINs if adding or removing Key Personnel.

The Contractor shall propose a minimum of 4 key personnel to be credentialed and be available for scheduling to meet the requirements of the contract. The contractor shall be required to provide as a minimum, enough appropriately qualified physicians to be credentialed and privileged that meet or exceed twice the number of FTE required to fulfill this contracts obligations.

Period of Performance: BASE YEAR: 01/01/2027 to 12/31/2027

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OPTION YEAR 1: 01/01/2028 to 12/31/2028

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OPTION YEAR 2: 01/01/2029 to 12/31/2029

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OPTION YEAR 3: 01/01/2030 to 12/31/2030

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OPTION YEAR 4: 01/01/2031 to 12/31/2031

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Total for base performance period and all option years: $_________

Task Order Issuance Procedures:

The terms that apply to the issuance of Task Orders under this Indefininite Delivery Indefinitie Quantity (IDIQ) are set forth below:

On an annual basis, the Contracting Officer or his/her authorized designated Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will notify the contractor that a requirement exists. The Contracting Officer will issue a funded task order. Orders may be issued electronically via e-mail, facsimile, or other authorized electronic means. The performance period for performance of each task shall be set forth in each task order. Task order shall not exceed the total amount obligated. The total amount of all task orders shall not exceed as provided in FAR Clause 52.216-19 (b)(2).

Performance Work Statement for On Call Infectious Disease Physician Services

1. GENERAL:

1.1. Services Provided: The Contractor shall provide Board Certified/Board Eligible on call Infectious Disease Physician Services in accordance with the specifications contained herein to beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center (VAMC). A contractor providing on-call Infectious Disease physician services must meet or exceed the American College of Physicians (ACP) Guidelines https://www.acponline.org

1.2. Place of Performance: Contractor shall furnish services at the Robert J. Dole VAMC, Wichita, KS

1.3. Authority: Title 38 USC 8153, Health Care Resources (HCR) sharing Authority: FAR Part 8 and VAAR873.

1.4. Policy/Handbooks- The contractor shall be subject to the following policies, including any subsequent updates during the period of performance:

1.4.1. VHA Handbook 1100.17: National Practitioner Data Bank Reports: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2135

1.4.2. VHA Handbook 1100.18: Reporting And Responding To State Licensing Boards: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9174

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

1.4.4. VHA Directive 1003.04: VHA Patient Advocacy: https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5970

1.4.5. VHA Directive 1088: Communicating Test Results to Providers and Patients: https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3148

1.4.6. VHA Directive 1192.01: Seasonal Influenza Prevention Program: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8948

1.4.7. VHA Directive 1220(1): Facility Procedure Complexity Designation Requirements to Perform Invasive Procedures In Any Clinical Setting: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8365

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

1.4.9. VHA Directive 1907.01: VHA Health Information Management and Health Records: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9235

1.4.10. VHA Directive 1100.20 Credentialing of Health Care Providers: https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9444

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

1.5. Definitions/Acronym: Terms used in this contract shall be interpreted as follows unless the context expressly requires a different construction and/or interpretation. In case of a conflict in language between the Definitions and other sections of this contract, the language in this section shall govern.

1.5.1. ABIM: American Board of Internal Medicine http://www.abim.org/

1.5.2. BLS: Basic Life Support

1.5.3. CEU: Certified Education Unit

1.5.4. CME: Continuing Medical Education

1.5.5. CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

1.5.6. Contracting Officer (CO): The person executing this contract on behalf of the Government with the authority to enter into and administer contracts and make related determinations and findings

1.5.7. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): A person appointed by the CO to take necessary action to ensure the Contractor performs in accordance with and adheres to the specifications contained in the contract and to protect the interest of the Government. The COR shall report to the CO promptly any indication of non-compliance in order that appropriate action can be taken.

1.5.8. COS: Chief of Staff

1.5.9. CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

1.5.10. Credentialing: Credentialing is the systematic process of screening and evaluating qualification and other credentials, including licensure, required education, relevant training and experience and current competence and health status.

1.5.11. ED: Emergency Department

1.5.12. EHR: Electronic Health Record - electronic health record system used by the VA.

1.5.13. HHS: Department of Health and Human Services

1.5.14. Medical Emergency: a sudden onset of a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably result in: Permanently placing a patient's health in jeopardy, causing other serious medical consequences, Causing impairments to body functions, or Causing serious or permanent dysfunction of any body-organ or part.

1.5.15. National Provider Identifier (NPI): NPI is a standard, unique 10-digit numeric identifier required by HIPAA. The Veterans Health Administration must use NPIs in all HIPAA-standard electronic transactions for individual (health care practitioners) and organizational entities (medical centers).

1.5.16. NLNAC: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. www.nlnac.org

1.5.17. NP: Nurse Practitioner

1.5.18. NPPES: National Plan and Provider Enumeration System

1.5.19. POP: Period of Performance

1.5.20. PWS: Performance Work Statement

1.5.21. Privileging (Clinical Privileging): Privileging is the process by which a practitioner, licensed for independent practice; e.g., without supervision, direction, required sponsor, preceptor, mandatory collaboration, etc.; is permitted by law and the facility to practice independently, to provide specific medical or other patient care services within the scope of the individual’s license, based upon the individual’s clinical competence as determined by peer references, professional experience, health status, education, training and licensure. Clinical privileges must be facility-specific and provider-specific.

1.5.22. QA/QI: Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement

1.5.23. QM/PI: Quality Management/Performance Improvement

1.5.24. QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

1.5.25. Veterans Health Administration (VHA): The central office for administration of the VA medical centers through throughout the United States. The VHA is located in Washington, D.C.

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

1.5.27. Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC): Unless identified with the name of a different VA Medical Center, for purposes of this contract, this term shall mean the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center.

2. QUALIFICATIONS:

2.1. Staff/Facility

2.1.1. License: The Contractor’s physician(s) assigned by the Contractor to perform the services covered by this contract shall have a current license to practice medicine in any State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia) when services are performed onsite on VA property.

All licenses held by the personnel working on this contract shall be full and unrestricted licenses. Contractor’s physician(s) who have current, full and unrestricted licenses in one or more states, but who have, or ever had, a license restricted, suspended, revoked, voluntarily revoked, voluntarily surrendered pending action or denied upon application will not be considered for the purposes of this contract.

2.1.2. Board Certification: All contractor’s physician(s) shall be Board Certified/Board Eligible in Infectious Disease Medicine and be currently certified in Basic Life Support (BLS). All continuing education courses required for maintain certification must be kept up to date at all times. Documentation verifying current certification shall be provided by the Contractor to the VA Cor on an annual basis for each year of contract performance.

2.1.3. Credentialing and Privileging: Credentialing and privileging is to be done in accordance with the provisions of VHA Handbook 1100.19 and VHA Directive 1100.20 referenced above. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that proposed physician(s) possesses the requisite credentials enabling the granting of privileges. No services shall be provided by any contractor’s physician(s) prior to obtaining approval by the Wichita VAMC Professional Standards Board, Medical Executive Board and Medical Center Director.

2.1.3.1. If a contractor’s physician(s) is not credentialed and privileged or has credentials/privileges suspended or revoked, the Contractor shall furnish an acceptable substitute without any additional cost to the government.

2.1.4. Technical Proficiency: Contractor’s physician(s) shall be technically proficient in the skills necessary to fulfill the government’s requirements, including the ability to speak, understand, read and write English fluently. Contractor shall provide documents upon request of the CO/COR to verify current and ongoing competency, skills, certification and/or licensure related to the provision of care, treatment and/or services performed. Contractor shall provide verifiable evidence of all educational and training experiences including any gaps in educational history for all contractor’s physician(s) and contractor’s physician(s) shall be responsible for abiding by the Facility's Medical Staff By-Laws, rules, and regulations (referenced herein) that govern medical staff behavior.

2.1.5. Continuing Medical Education (CME)/Certified Education Unit (CEU) Requirements: Contractor shall provide the COR copies of current CMEs as required or requested by the VAMC. Contractor’s physician(s) registered or certified by national/medical associations shall continue to meet the minimum standards for CME to remain current. Contractor shall report CME hours to the credentials office for tracking. These documents are required for both privileging and re-privileging. Failure to provide shall result in loss of privileges for contract physician(s).

2.1.6. Training (BLS, EHR and VA MANDATORY): Contractor shall meet all VA educational requirements and mandatory course requirements defined herein; all training must be completed by the contractor’s physician(s) as required by the VA. For Infectious Disease Physicians Board Certified/Board Eligible in Infectious Disease Medicine are required, to have current BLS certification. Physicians Board Certified/Board Eligible in Internal Medicine or Family Practice must be certified in BLS.. However, PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU MUST FOLLOW YOUR LOCAL FACILITY’S POLICY. Other training may become required. VA will communicate any changes to the training requirement to the contractor.

2.1.7. Standard Personnel Testing (PPD, etc.): Contractor shall provide proof of the following tests for physicians within five (5) calendar days after contract award and prior to the first duty shift to the COR and Contracting Officer. Tests shall be current within the past year.

2.1.7.1. TUBERCULOSIS TESTING: Contractor shall provide proof of a negative Tuberculosis Skin Test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) for all Contractor’s physician(s) upon hire in accordance with CDC guidance. (This is applicable to all health care workers). A negative chest radiographic report for active tuberculosis shall be provided in cases of positive TST or IGRA results.

2.1.7.2. MEASLES, MUMPS, & RUBELLA TESTING: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor physicians {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.1.7.3. VARICELLA: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor physicians {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.1.7.4. ACELLULAR PERTUSSIS: Contractors shall provide proof of 1 dose of Tdap vaccination for all Contractor physicians {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.1.7.5. INFLUENZA: Contractors shall provide proof that all Contractor physicians have received the annual Influenza vaccine unless it is contraindicated. If the Contractor physician has a medical contraindication to the vaccine they shall be required to wear a mask during the Influenza season. {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.1.7.6. COVID-19: Contractors shall comply with VHA Supplemental Contract Requirements for Combatting COVID-19 {This is applicable to all health care workers}. – See Section D attachment.

2.1.7.7. OSHA REGULATION CONCERNING OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS: Contractor shall provide evidence of completing and passing generic self-study blood-borne pathogen training for all Contractor’s physician(s) {This is applicable to all health care workers}; provide their own Hepatitis B vaccination series and hepatitis B surface antigen test results following the hepatitis B vaccination series; maintain an exposure determination and control plan; maintain required records; and ensure that proper follow-up evaluation is provided following an exposure incident.

2.1.7.8. The VAMC shall notify the Contractor of any significant communicable disease exposures as appropriate. Contractor shall adhere to current CDC/HICPAC Guideline for Infection Control in health care personnel ( as published in American Journal for Infection Control- AJIC 1998; 26:289-354 http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/InfectControl98.pdf) for disease control. Contractor shall provide follow up documentation of clearance to return to the workplace prior to their return.

2.1.7.9. National Provider Identifier (NPI): NPI is a standard, unique 10-digit numeric identifier required by HIPAA. The Veterans Health Administration must use NPIs in all HIPAA-standard electronic transactions for individual (health care practitioners) and organizational entities (medical centers). The Contractor shall have or obtain appropriate NPI and if pertinent the Taxonomy Code confirmation notice issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) be provided to the Contracting Officer with the proposal.

2.1.8. DEA: Contractor shall provide copy of current DEA certificate.

2.1.9. Conflict of Interest: The Contractor and all contractor’s physician(s) are responsible for identifying and communicating to the CO and COR conflicts of interest at the time of proposal and during the entirety of contract performance. At the time of proposal, the Contractor shall provide a statement which describes, in a concise manner, all relevant facts concerning any past, present, or currently planned interest (financial, contractual, organizational, or otherwise) or actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest relating to the services to be provided. The Contractor shall also provide statements containing the same information for any identified consultants or subcontractors who shall provide services. The Contractor must also provide relevant facts that show how it’s organizational and/or management system or other actions would avoid or mitigate any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest. These statements shall be in response to the VAAR provision 852.209-70 Organizational Conflicts of Interest (Jan 2008) and fully outlined in response to the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

2.1.10. Citizenship related Requirements:

2.1.10.1. The Contractor certifies that the Contractor shall comply with any and all legal provisions contained in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, As Amended; its related laws and regulations that are enforced by Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S Department of Labor as these may relate to non-immigrant foreign nationals working under contract or subcontract for the Contractor while providing services to Department of Veterans Affairs patient referrals;

2.1.10.2. While performing services for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Contractor shall not knowingly employ, contract or subcontract with an illegal alien; foreign national non-immigrant who is in violation their status, as a result of their failure to maintain or comply with the terms and conditions of their admission into the United States. Additionally, the Contractor is required to comply with all “E-Verify” requirements consistent with “Executive Order 12989” and any related pertinent Amendments, as well as applicable Federal Acquisition Regulations.

2.1.10.3. If the Contractor fails to comply with any requirements outlined in the preceding paragraphs or its Agency regulations, the Department of Veterans Affairs may, at its discretion, require that the foreign national who failed to maintain their legal status in the United States or otherwise failed to comply with the requirements of the laws administered by Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S Department of Labor, shall be prohibited from working at the Contractor’s place of business that services Department of Veterans Affairs patient referrals; or other place where the Contractor provides services to veterans who have been referred by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and shall form the basis for termination of this contract for breach.

2.1.10.4. This certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an agency of the United States and the making of a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the maker subject to prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001.

2.1.10.5. The Contractor agrees to obtain a similar certification from its subcontractors. The certification shall be made as part of the offerors response to the RFP using the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

2.1.11. Annual Office of Inspector General (OIG) Statement: In accordance with HIPAA and the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1977, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) has established a list of parties and entities excluded from Federal health care programs. Specifically, the listed parties and entities may not receive Federal Health Care program payments due to fraud and/or abuse of the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

2.1.11.1. Therefore, Contractor shall review the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities on the HHS OIG web site at http://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/index.asp to ensure that the proposed contractor’s physician(s) are not listed. Contractor should note that any excluded individual or entity that submits a claim for reimbursement to a Federal health care program, or causes such a claim to be submitted, may be subject to a Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) for each item or service furnished during a period that the person was excluded and may also be subject to treble damages for the amount claimed for each item or service. CMP’s may also be imposed against the Contractor that employ or enter into contracts with excluded individuals to provide items or services to Federal program beneficiaries.

2.1.11.2. By submitting their proposal, the Contractor certifies that the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities has been reviewed and that the Contractors are and/or firm is not listed as of the date the offer/bid was signed.

2.2. Clinical/Professional Performance: The qualifications of Contractor personnel are subject to review by VA Medical Center COS or his/her clinical designee and approval by the Medical Center Director as provided in VHA Handbook 1100.19 and VHA Directive 1100.20. Clinical/Professional performance monitoring and review of all clinical personnel covered by this contract for quality purposes will be provided by the VAMC COS and/or the Chief of the Service or his designee. A clinical COR may be appointed, however, only the CO is authorized to consider any contract modification request and/or make changes to the contract during the administration of the resultant contract.

2.3. Non Personal Healthcare Services: The parties agree that the Contractor and all contractor’s physician(s) shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose.

2.4. Indemnification: The Contractor shall be liable for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Government against, all actions or claims for loss of or damage to property or the injury or death of persons, arising out of or resulting from the fault, negligence, or act or omission of the Contractor, its agents, or employees.

2.5. Prohibition Against Self-Referral: Contractor’s physicians are prohibited from referring VA patients to contractor’s or their own practice(s).

2.6. Inherent Government Functions: Contractor and Contractor’s physician(s) shall not perform inherently governmental functions. This includes, but is not limited to, determination of agency policy, determination of Federal program priorities for budget requests, direction and control of government employees (outside a clinical context), selection or non-selection of individuals for Federal Government employment including the interviewing of individuals for employment, approval of position descriptions and performance standards for Federal employees, approving any contractual documents, approval of Federal licensing actions and inspections, and/or determination of budget policy, guidance, and strategy.

2.7. No Employee Status: The Contractor shall be responsible for protecting Contractor’s physician(s) furnishing services. To carry out this responsibility, the Contractor shall provide or certify that the following is provided for all their staff providing services under the resultant contract:

2.7.1. Workers’ compensation

2.7.2. Professional liability insurance

2.7.3. Health examinations

2.7.4. Income tax withholding, and

2.7.5. Social security payments.

2.8. Tort Liability: The Federal Tort Claims Act does not cover Contractor or contract physician(s). When a Contractor or contractor’s physician(s) has been identified as a provider in a tort claim, the Contractor shall be responsible for notifying their legal counsel and/or insurance carrier. Any settlement or judgment arising from a Contractor’s (or contract physician(s)) action or non-action shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and/or insurance carrier.

2.9. Key Personnel:

2.9.1. The VA Full Time Equivalency (FTE): FTE is defined by VA as a minimum of 80 hours every two weeks and does not include holidays.

2.9.2. The minimum number of Board Certified /Board Eligible Infectious Disease Physicians to be onsite on a daily basis is at least one physician at all times.

2.9.3. It is essential that continuity of services is maintained to the maximum degree possible hence, substitution of contractor provided Physicians shall be limited to urgent/emergent absences of approved, assigned providers. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing coverage to the VA during periods of vacancies of the Contractor’s personnel due to sick leave, personal leave, vacations and additional coverage as required. In the event a scheduled physician is unable to begin or complete an assigned shift, the contractor shall provide replacement physician coverage and notify the Contracting Office Representative (COR) at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Facility immediately of the schedule change. At no time must the call schedule be left without qualified physicians (as defined in Section 2 above)

2.9.4. Personnel Substitutions: During the first ninety (90) calendar days of performance, the Contractor shall make NO substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the CO, in writing, within 5 calendar day (s) after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required below. After 90 days, the Contractor shall submit the information required below to the CO at least 30 calendar days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

2.9.4.1. The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the CO. Proposed substitutes shall have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The CO will notify the Contractor within 10 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on the proposed substitutes. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

2.9.4.2. For temporary substitutions where the key person shall not be reporting to work for 3 consecutive work days or more, the Contractor shall provide a qualified replacement for the key person. The substitute shall have comparable qualifications to the key person. Any period exceeding two weeks will require the procedure as stated above.

2.9.4.3. The Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of any Contractor personnel at any time after performance begins, if personal or professional conduct jeopardizes patient care or interferes with the regular and ordinary operation of the facility. Breaches of conduct include intoxication or debilitation resulting from drug use, theft, patient abuse, dereliction or negligence in performing directed tasks, or other conduct resulting in formal complaints by patient or other staff members to designated Government representatives. Standards for conduct shall mirror those prescribed by current federal personnel regulations. Should the VA COS or designee show documented clinical problems or continual unprofessional behavior/actions with any Contractor’s physician(s), s/he may request, without cause, immediate replacement of said Contractor’s physician(s) .The CO and COR shall deal with issues raised concerning Contractor’s physician(s) conduct. The final arbiter on questions of acceptability is the CO.

2.9.4.4. Contingency Plan: Because continuity of care is an essential part of VAMC’s medical services, The Contractor shall have a contingency plan in place to be utilized if the Contractor’s physician(s) leaves Contractor’s employment or is unable to continue performance in accordance with the terms and conditions of the resulting contract.

3. HOURS OF OPERATION:

3.1. VA Business Hours: VAMC business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm. Work hours are Sunday through Saturday 12:01am to 11:59pm for on call coverage 24/7 including Holidays as needed per call schedule. (on call providers must be available within 15 minutes by phone and onsite within 60 minutes).

3.2. Work Schedule:

3.2.1. Patients must be seen by a contractor’s physician(s) onsite at Robert J. Dole VAMC in a timely manner in accordance with VA Rules and Regulations on consult completion. Contractor shall notify the COR at least monthly about any obstacles to meeting this performance measure.

3.2.2. Contractor’s Physician(s) shall be available to be scheduled to work during all hours of operation as required by the facility Chief, Medicine Service, Chief of Staff or designee. The call coverage operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year including Federal Holidays.

3.2.3. Off-hours Coverage: Contractor must make the contractor’s physician(s) available on-call during all hours including evenings, weekends and holidays.

3.2.3.1. On-call contractor’s physician(s) must be available at all times for phone consultations with VA patients and physicians.

3.2.3.2. On-call providers must be available within 15 minutes by phone and on-site within 60 minutes.

4. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

4.1. Clinical Personnel Required: The Contractor shall provide contractor’s physician(s) who are competent, qualified per this performance work statement and adequately trained to perform assigned duties.

4.1.1. Contractor’s physician(s) shall be responsible for documenting all treatment in CPRS system.

4.2. Standards of Care: The contractor’s physician(s)’ care shall cover the range of Infectious Disease services as would be provided in a state-of-the-art health care treatment facility and the standard of care shall be of a quality, meeting or exceeding currently recognized national standards as established by:

4.2.1. The American College of Physicians (ACP) Guidelines https://www.acponline.org

4.2.2. The American Board of Internal Medicine: http://www.abim.org/

4.2.3. The professional standards of The Joint Commission (TJC): http://www.jointcommission.org/emergency_department/

4.2.4. The standards of the American Hospital Association (AHA): http://www.hpoe.org/resources?show=100&type=8

4.2.5. The requirements contained in this PWS

4.3. MEDICAL RECORDS

4.3.1. Authorities: Contractor and contractor’s providers of care providing healthcare services to VA patients shall be considered as part of the Department Healthcare Activity and shall comply with all applicable federal statutes and regulations, including:

4.3.1.1. U.S.C.552a (Privacy Act)

4.3.1.2. 38 U.S.C. 5701 (Confidentiality of claimants records)

4.3.1.3. 5 U.S.C. 552 (FOIA)

4.3.1.4. 38 U.S.C. 5705 (Confidentiality of Medical Quality Assurance Records)

4.3.1.5. 38 U.S.C. 7332 (Confidentiality of certain medical records)

4.3.1.6. Title 5 U.S.C. § 522a (Records Maintained on Individuals)

4.3.1.7. 45 C.F.R. Parts 160, 162, and 164 (HIPAA).

4.3.2. HIPAA: This contract and its requirements meet exception in 45 CFR 164.502(e), and do not require a BAA in order for Covered Entity to disclose Protected Health Information to: a health care provider for treatment of VA patients. Based on this exception, a BAA is not required for this contract. Health records generated by this contract or provided to the Contractors by the VA are covered by the VA Privacy Act system of records entitled ‘Patient Medical Records-VA’ (24VA10A7). Contractor generated VA Patient records are the property of the VA and shall not be accessed, released, transferred, or destroyed except in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Contractor shall ensure that all records pertaining to medical care and services provided to VA patients are captured in the VA electronic health record system as required by VA policy as discussed in 4.4.4.

4.3.3. Disclosure: Contractor’s physician(s) may have access to patient medical records for the purpose of providing medical care and services to VA patients and performing services under the contract; however, Contractor shall obtain permission from the VA before disclosing any patient information outside VA. VA authorizes the Contractor to discuss patient health information for coordination of care with community health care providers in compliance with VA regulations, HIPAA and VHA Directive 1605.01, Privacy and Release of Information. The VA will provide the Contractor with a copy of VHA Handbook 1907.01, Health Information Management and Health Records and VHA Directive 1605.1, Privacy and Release of Information. The penalties and liabilities for the unauthorized disclosure of VA patient information mandated by the statutes and regulations mentioned above, apply to the Contractor.

4.3.4. Professional Standards for Documenting Care: Care shall be appropriately documented in medical records in accordance with standard commercial practice and guidelines established by VHA Handbook 1907.01 Health Information Management and Health Records: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9235 and all guidelines provided by the VAMC.

4.3.5. Release of Information: The VA shall maintain control of releasing any copies of patient health information or health records and will follow policies and standards as defined, but not limited to Privacy Act requirements. Contractor will not release or disclose copies of records and will refer all such requests to the Release of Information Department at the VA facility were assigned.

4.3.6. Management for Medical Records: National Archives and Records Administration record disposition requirements are found in RCS 10-1 Chapter 6, 6000 series.

4.4. Direct Patient Care: Estimated 95% of the time involved in direct patient care.

4.4.1. Per the qualification section of this PWS, the Contractor shall provide the following staff:

4.4.1.1. Board Certified / Board Eligible Infectious Disease Physicians

4.4.2. Scope of Care: Contractor’s physician(s) (as appropriate and within scope of practice/privileging) shall be responsible for providing care in the inpatient setting for consultation of Infectious Disease, including, but not limited to:

4.4.2.1. Diagnosing, treating and managing patients with infectious disease problems according to standard, usual and acceptable or customary methods and techniques. The physician will report to the Chief, Medicine Service, or his designated surrogate. The physician will work independently, caring for inpatients in an established clinical inpatient setting. Specialists and primary care physicians are available for consultation. The physician shall be expected to cooperate with and participate in medical duties or functions related to quality-of-care review and improvement, including orientation to Robert J. Dole VAMC safety and infection control procedures.

4.4.2.2. Consultation and Referral Responsibilities: Contractor’s physician(s) shall provide consultation with and instruction to referring physicians regarding appropriate indications for procedures so that the most expeditious and clinically appropriate work-up can be done. Contractor’s physician(s) shall determine the appropriate course of treatment and communicate in person or by phone with the referring clinicians.

4.4.2.3. Medications: Contractor’s physician(s) shall follow all established medication policies and procedures. No sample medications shall be provided to patients.

4.4.2.4. Communication of Test Results: Mechanisms must be in-place to provide notification of test results for patients receiving care in accordance with VHA Directive 1088, Communicating Test Results to Providers and Patients.

4.4.3. Administrative: Estimated 5% of time not involved in direct patient care

4.4.3.1. QA/QI documentation: The contractor’s physician(s) shall complete the appropriate QM/PI documentation pertaining to all procedures, complications and outcome of examinations.

4.4.3.2. Specialized EHR Documentation Procedures: Patient documentation is completed using the current electronic health record (EHR).

4.4.3.3. Contractor’s physician(s) shall document care given and select appropriate Evaluation and Management (E&M) procedure codes in the current EHR. Documentation must be sufficient to support both the E&M and procedure codes. Documentation and coding functions must be completed by the end of each patient care encounter.

4.4.3.4. Patient Safety Compliance and Reporting: Contractor’s physician(s) shall follow all established patient safety and infection control standards of care. Contractor’s physician(s) shall make every effort to prevent medication errors, falls, and patient injury caused by acts of commission or omission in the delivery of care. All events related to patient injury, medication errors, and other breeches of patient safety shall be documented in the medical record of those impacted and disclosed to the patient or surrogate. As soon as practicable (but within 24 hours) Contractors shall notify COR of incident and submit an entry in the VA Patient Safety Reporting System, following up with COR as required or requested.

4.4.3.5. Customer Service: Contractor’s physician(s) shall refer all patient/customer service issues to the Chief, Medicine Service and/or designee.

4.5. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, QUALITY ASSURANCE (QA) AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT(QI)

4.5.1. Quality Management/Quality Assurance Surveillance: Contract personnel shall be subject to Quality Management measures, such as patient satisfaction surveys, timely completion of medical records, proper utilization of the Emergency Department Integration Software (EDIS) used for patient tracking and Peer Reviews. Methods of Surveillance: Focused Provider Practice Evaluation (FPPE) and Ongoing Provider Practice Evaluation (OPPE). Contractor performance will be monitored by the government using the standards as outlined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS) and methods of surveillance detailed in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). The QASP shall be attached to the resultant contract and shall define the methods and frequency of surveillance conducted.

4.5.2. Patient Complaints: The CO will resolve complaints concerning Contractor relations with the Government employees or patients. The CO is final authority on validating complaints. In the event that The Contractor is involved and named in a validated patient complaint, the Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of the services of such personnel. This does not preclude refusal in the event of incidents involving physical or verbal abuse.

4.5.3. The Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of any Contractor personnel at any time after performance begins, if personal or professional conduct jeopardizes patient care or interferes with the regular and ordinary operation of the facility. Breaches of conduct include intoxication or debilitation resulting from drug use, theft, patient abuse, dereliction or negligence in performing directed tasks, or other conduct resulting in formal complaints by patient or other staff members to designated Government representatives. Standards for conduct shall mirror those prescribed by current federal personnel regulations. The CO and COR shall deal with issues raised concerning Contractor’s conduct. The final arbiter on questions of acceptability is the CO.

4.5.4. Performance Standards:

4.5.4.1. Measure: Provider Quality Performance

Performance Requirement:

Standard: OPPE documentation for all (100%) staff providing services under the contract. All staff (95%) meet Standards.

Acceptable Quality Level: 95% meet Standards Surveillance Method: Ongoing Provider Performance Evaluation (OPPE) data pertinent to care performed for each provider working under this contract. OPPE data will review the following elements:

A. Patient Care Performance B. Medical/Clinical knowledge C. Practiced Based Learning and Improvement D. Interpersonal and Communication Skills E. Professionalism F. System Based Practice Frequency: 2 charts monthly

4.5.4.2. Measure: Qualifications of Key Personnel

Performance Requirement: All contractor’s physician(s) shall be Board Certified/Board Eligible in accordance with ABIM standards.

Standard: All (100%) contract physicians are Board Certified/Board Eligible.

Acceptable Quality Level: 100% Surveillance Method: Random sampling of qualification documents Frequency: Base year and each option year renewal

4.5.4.3. Measure: Scope of Practice/Privileging

Performance Requirement: Contractor’s physician(s) perform within their individual scopes of practice/privileging.

Standard: All (100%) contractor’s physician(s) perform within their scope of practice/privileges 100% of the time.

Acceptable Quality Level: 100% Contractor’s physician(s) perform within their scope of practice/privileges 100% of the time.

Surveillance Method: Random sampling of records.

Frequency: Beginning of contract and every 2 years after.

4.5.4.4. Measure: Patient Access

Performance Requirement: The Contractor shall provide contractor’s physician(s) in accordance with the operating hours and VA clinical schedule outlined in this PWS.

Standard: All (95%) contractor’s physician(s) are on time and available to perform services.

Acceptable Quality Level: Contractor’s physician(s) is on-time and available to perform services 95% of the time.

Surveillance Method: Periodic Inspection of call schedule/documentation in CPRS.

Frequency: Monthly

4.5.4.5. Measure: Patient Safety

Performance Requirement: Patient safety incidents shall be reported using VA Patient Safety Reporting System. All incidents reported immediately (within 24 hours.)

Standard: All (98%) of patient safety incidents are reported using VA Patient Safety Reporting System within 24 hours of incident.

Acceptable Quality Level: 98% of patient safety incidents are reported using VA Patient Safety Reporting System within 24 hours of incident.

Surveillance Method: Periodic inspection or random sampling Frequency: Quarterly

4.5.4.6. Measure: Maintains licensing, registration, and certification Performance Requirement: Updated Licensing, registration and certification shall be provided as they are renewed. Licensing and registration information kept current.

Standard: All (100%) licensing, registration(s) and certification(s) for contractor’s physician(s) shall be provided as they are renewed. Licensing and registration information kept current.

Acceptable Quality Level: 100% licensing, registration(s) and certification(s) for contractor’s physician(s) shall be provided as they are renewed. Licensing and registration information kept current.

Surveillance Method: Periodic Inspection or Random Sampling Frequency: At time of annually renewal

4.5.4.7. Measure: Mandatory Training

Performance Requirement: Contractor shall complete all required training on time per VAMC policy Standard: All (95%) of required training is complete on time by contractor’s physician(s) Acceptable Quality Level: 95% completions.

Surveillance Method: Periodic Inspection Frequency: Annually

4.5.4.8. Measure: Privacy, Confidentiality and HIPAA

Performance Requirement:

Standard: All (100%) Contractor’s physician(s) comply with all laws, regulations, policies and procedures relating to Privacy, Confidentiality and HIPAA.

Acceptable Quality Level: 100% compliance Surveillance Method: Periodic Inspection; Contractor shall provide evidence of annual training required by VAMC, reports violations per VA Handbook 6500.6.

Frequency: Annually

4.5.5. Registration with Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

4.5.5.1. As prescribed in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 42.15, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates Contractor past performance on all contracts that exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, and shares those evaluations with other Federal Government contract specialists and procurement officials. The FAR requires that the Contractor be provided an opportunity to comment on past performance evaluations prior to each report closing. To fulfill this requirement VA uses an online database, CPARS, which is maintained by the Naval Sea Logistics Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. CPARS has connectivity with the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) database, which is available to all Federal agencies. PPIRS is the system used to collect and retrieve performance assessment reports used in source selection determinations and completed CPARS report cards transferred to PPIRS. CPARS also includes access to the federal awardee performance and integrity information system (FAPIIS). FAPIIS is a web-enabled application accessed via CPARS for Contractor responsibility determination information.

4.5.5.2. Each Contractor whose contract award is estimated to exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold requires a CPARS evaluation. A government Focal Point will register your contract within thirty days after contract award and, at that time, you will receive an email message with a User ID (to be used when reviewing evaluations). Additional information regarding the evaluation process can be found at www.cpars.gov or if you have any questions, you may contact the Customer Support Desk @ DSN: 684-1690 or COMM: 207-438-1690.

4.5.5.3. For contracts with a period of one year or less, the contracting officer will perform a single evaluation when the contract is complete. For contracts exceeding one year, the contracting officer will evaluate the Contractor’s performance annually. Interim reports will be filed each year until the last year of the contract, when the final report will be completed. The report shall be assigned in CPARS to the Contractor’s designated representative for comment. The Contractor representative will have sixty (60) days to submit any comments and re-assign the report to the CO.

4.5.5.4. Failure for the Contractor’s representative to respond to the evaluation within those sixty (60) days, will result in the Government’s evaluation being placed on file in the database with a statement that the Contractor failed to respond; the Contractor’s representative will be “locked out” of the evaluation and may no longer send comments.

5. GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1. Contract Administration/Performance Monitoring: After award of contract, all inquiries and correspondence relative to the administration of the contract shall be addressed to:

5.1.1. CO RESPONSIBILITIES:

CO: Mike Carson 3450 South 4th Street Leavenworth, KS 66048 913-946-1119 michael.carson1@va.gov

CS: Stephen Showers 3450 South 4th Street Leavenworth, KS 66048 785-350-3111 Ext 52487 stephen.showers@va.gov

5.1.1.1. The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to approve changes or modify any of the…