S02 - Solicitation Off-Site Tele-Radiology Services Final.pdf

PAGE 1 OF 1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NO. 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls) 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR CODE FACILITY CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

TELEPHONE NO. UEI: EFT:

PHONE: FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

ITEM NO. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________ 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION (REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

36C24626Q0496 04-17-2026

Kathyann Chase-Moore, Contract Specialist 757-722-9961, Ext - 16096 05-08-2026

12:00 PM EDT

Department of Veterans Affairs

Network Contracting Office 6

100 Emancipation Drive

Hampton VA 23667

X 100

X

621512

$19 Million

N/A

X

Asheville VA Medical Center

1100 Tunnel Road

Asheville NC 28805

Financial Services Center

PO BOX 149971

Austin TX 78714-9971

512-460-5049 512-460-5221

See CONTINUATION Page

The Contractor shall provide off-site Tele-Radiology

Services in accordance with the Performance Work Statement.

Schedule of Services begins on page 5

Performance Work Statement begins on page 9

All offerors must complete VAAR 852.219-75 VA

Limitations on Subcontracting - Certificate of for Services and Construction. (NOV. 2022).

See CONTINUATION Page

X X

X ONE

David E. Smith

Contracting Officer

36C24626Q0496

Table of Contents

SECTION A

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT – Off-Site Tele- Radiology Services

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.2 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

C.3 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

C.4 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020)

C.5 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

C.6 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

C.7 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

C.8 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

C.9 52.232-19 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR (APR 1984) ... 49

C.10 VAAR 852.219-73 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR CERTIFIED SERVICE-

DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)

C.11 VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023)

(DEVIATION)

C.12 MANDATORY WRITTEN DISCLOSURES

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

D.1 QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

D.2 VHA TELERADIOLOGY HANDBOOK

D.3 VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023)

(DEVIATION)

D.4 DO NOT USE LIST

D.5 CONTRACTOR CONFLICT OF INTEREST CERTIFICATION STATEMENT

D.6 CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATION IMMIGRATION & NATIONALITY ACT OF 1952 AS

AMENDED

D.7 ATTACHMENT A

D.8 - ATTACHMENT G “GUIDELINE FOR COMMUNICATION OF SIGNIFICANT

IMAGING RESULTS”

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

E.2 INSTRUCTIONS FOR QUOTE SUBMISSION:

E.3 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

E.4 52.204-29 FEDERAL ACQUISITION SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY ACT ORDERS—

REPRESENTATION AND DISCLOSURES (DEC 2023)

E.5 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

E.6 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.7 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.8 VAAR 852.233-71 ALTERNATE PROTEST PROCEDURE (OCT 2018)

E.9 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (NOV 2021)

E.10 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2024)

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C246, David E. Smith

Network Contracting Office 6

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

[X] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System For Award

Management, or

[] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Quarterly []

b. Semi-Annually []

c. Other [X] Monthly in arrears after the receipt of proper invoicing

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of

Payment Requests.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

AMENDMENT NO DATE

B.2 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

The Contractor shall furnish all key personnel to provide services necessary to perform Tele-

Radiology Physician Services to eligible beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Asheville VA Medical Center.

The VA Radiology Services follow the standards & guidelines set forth by the American College of Radiology (ACR). A contractor providing Tele-radiology services shall provide services that meet or exceed the American College of Radiology Guidelines, Practice Parameters, and

Technical Standards | American College of Radiology (acr.org).

A contractor providing VA Tele-Radiology Services shall provide services consistent with The

Joint Commission (TJC), provide an existing National IT Memorandum of Understanding

(MOU) and shall meet or exceed VA and the American College of Radiology Guidelines as defined in this document. and meet or exceed all VA and the American College of Radiology

(ACR) Guidelines http://www.acr.org/Quality-Safety/Standards-Guidelines/Practice-Guidelines-by-Modality as defined in this document.

Pricing Instructions:

Offerors must fill out the cells in the following columns in the Price Schedule for each Line-Item

Number (LIN). No LINS or codes should be left blank.

Period of Performance: A base year plus four (4) one-year options.

Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract

Orders: Orders shall be placed against this Firm Fixed Price – Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite

Quantity (FFP-IDIQ) contract at the time of contract award, and as needed during the term of the contract.

Activities authorized to issue orders: Asheville VAMC Radiology Department personnel, radiologist and radiology technologist will electronically upload images, the COR will be the only certifying officer for monthly invoices.

Ordering Procedures: VA staff shall identify appropriate exams for teleradiology services. These exams shall be electronically sent using standard VA processes. Exams shall be interpreted, and communication of diagnostic imaging results shall be reported back to the VA in accordance with section 4.3.4 of the PWS.

Place of Performance: Services shall be provided remotely for the Asheville VAMC located at

1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC, 28805.

The guaranteed minimum quantity for the initial base year for which this contract will be awarded is (1) read and the estimated maximum quantity will be (5,407) reads. The estimated maximum total quantity of reads for the contract, including base and all option year periods, shall not exceed

(27,035). The VA does not guarantee that it shall place any orders under this contract for more than the guaranteed minimum quantity stated herein.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.acr.org%2FClinical-Resources%2FPractice-Parameters-and-Technical-Standards&data=05%7C02%7C%7C253687c82b95445e0e4e08dde4b066d9%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638918168474461721%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XLQR8jU838AWHSM7qQI7jVekiUnhlRtFEyz7B%2FR%2BH84%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.acr.org%2FClinical-Resources%2FPractice-Parameters-and-Technical-Standards&data=05%7C02%7C%7C253687c82b95445e0e4e08dde4b066d9%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638918168474461721%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XLQR8jU838AWHSM7qQI7jVekiUnhlRtFEyz7B%2FR%2BH84%3D&reserved=0 http://www.acr.org/Quality-Safety/Standards-Guidelines/Practice-Guidelines-by-Modality http://www.acr.org/Quality-Safety/Standards-Guidelines/Practice-Guidelines-by-Modality

BASE YEAR: 06/01/2026 – 05/31/2027

Line Item DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES /SERVICES QTY UNIT

UNIT

PRICE TOTAL

0001 Plain Films 1 EA $ $

0002 CT Exams 1500 EA $ $

0003 CT Low Dose Cancer Screening (71271) & CT Thorax 1500 EA $ $

0004 CTA Exams 100 EA $ $

0005 CT ABD & Pelvis Exams 900 EA $ $

0006 CT ABD & Pelvis 1 > Region 200 EA $ $

0007 CT Angio Abdominal Arteries w/Runoff 1 EA $ $

0008 Ultrasound (US) Exams 1 EA $ $

0009 US Head & Neck (Thyroid) 1 EA $ $

0010 MR Exams 1000 EA $ $

0011 MR Abdomen Exams 150 EA $ $

0012 NM 25 EA $ $

0013 MR Prostate 1 EA $ $

0014 PET/CT 25 EA $ $

0015 Computer Tomography, Heart with 75572 1 EA $ $

0016 Computer Tomography, Heart 75573 1 EA $ $

Base Year Total

OPTION YEAR 1: 06/01/2027 – 05/31/2028

PRICE TOTAL

1001 Plain Films 1 EA $ $

1002 CT Exams 1500 EA $ $

1003 CT Low Dose Cancer Screening (71271) & CT Thorax 1500 EA $ $

1004 CTA Exams 100 EA $ $

1005 CT ABD & Pelvis Exams 900 EA $ $

1006 CT ABD & Pelvis 1 > Region 200 EA $ $

1007 CT Angio Abdominal Arteries w/Runoff 1 EA $ $

1008 Ultrasound (US) Exams 1 EA $ $

1009 US Head & Neck (Thyroid) 1 EA $ $

1010 MR Exams 1000 EA $ $

1011 MR Abdomen Exams 150 EA $ $

1012 NM 25 EA $ $

1013 MR Prostate 1 EA $ $

1014 PET/CT 25 EA $ $

1015 Computer Tomography, Heart with 75572 1 EA $ $

1016 Computer Tomography, Heart 75573 1 EA $ $

Option Year 1 Total

OPTION YEAR 2: 06/01/2028 – 05/31/2029

PRICE TOTAL

2001 Plain Films 1 EA $ $

2002 CT Exams 1500 EA $ $

2003 CT Low Dose Cancer Screening (71271) & CT Thorax 1500 EA $ $

2004 CTA Exams 100 EA $ $

2005 CT ABD & Pelvis Exams 900 EA $ $

2006 CT ABD & Pelvis 1 > Region 200 EA $ $

2007 CT Angio Abdominal Arteries w/Runoff 1 EA $ $

2008 Ultrasound (US) Exams 1 EA $ $

2009 US Head & Neck (Thyroid) 1 EA $ $

2010 MR Exams 1000 EA $ $

2011 MR Abdomen Exams 150 EA $ $

2012 NM 25 EA $ $

2013 MR Prostate 1 EA $ $

2014 PET/CT 25 EA $ $

2015 Computer Tomography, Heart with 75572 1 EA $ $

2016 Computer Tomography, Heart 75573 1 EA $ $

Option Year 2 Total

OPTION YEAR 3: 06/01/2029 – 05/31/2030

PRICE TOTAL

3001 Plain Films 1 EA $ $

3002 CT Exams 1500 EA $ $

3003 CT Low Dose Cancer Screening (71271) & CT Thorax 1500 EA $ $

3004 CTA Exams 100 EA $ $

3005 CT ABD & Pelvis Exams 900 EA $ $

3006 CT ABD & Pelvis 1 > Region 200 EA $ $

3007 CT Angio Abdominal Arteries w/Runoff 1 EA $ $

3008 Ultrasound (US) Exams 1 EA $ $

3009 US Head & Neck (Thyroid) 1 EA $ $

3010 MR Exams 1000 EA $ $

3011 MR Abdomen Exams 150 EA $ $

4012 NM 25 EA $ $

3013 MR Prostate 1 EA $ $

3014 PET/CT 25 EA $ $

3015 Computer Tomography, Heart with 75572 1 EA $ $

3016 Computer Tomography, Heart 75573 1 EA $ $

Option Year 3 Total

OPTION YEAR 4: 06/01/2030 – 05/31/2031

PRICE TOTAL

4001 Plain Films 1 EA $ $

4002 CT Exams 1500 EA $ $

4003 CT Low Dose Cancer Screening (71271) & CT Thorax 1500 EA $ $

4004 CTA Exams 100 EA $ $

4005 CT ABD & Pelvis Exams 900 EA $ $

4006 CT ABD & Pelvis 1 > Region 200 EA $ $

4007 CT Angio Abdominal Arteries w/Runoff 1 EA $ $

4008 Ultrasound (US) Exams 1 EA $ $

4009 US Head & Neck (Thyroid) 1 EA $ $

4010 MR Exams 1000 EA $ $

4011 MR Abdomen Exams 150 EA $ $

4012 NM 25 EA $ $

4013 MR Prostate 1 EA $ $

4014 PET/CT 25 EA $ $

4015 Computer Tomography, Heart with 75572 1 EA $ $

4016 Computer Tomography, Heart 75573 1 EA $ $

Option Year 4 Total

Base & All Options Total

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT – Off-Site Tele- Radiology Services

1. GENERAL:

1.1. Services Provided: The Contractor shall provide Board Certified or Board Eligible

Radiology Physician Services in accordance with the specifications contained herein to beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Asheville VAMC. The

VA Radiology Services follow the standards & guidelines set forth by American College of Radiology (ACR) Practice Parameters and Technical Standards | American College of

Radiology (acr.org). An existing National IT Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) must be in place and shall meet or exceed VA and the American College of Radiology

Guidelines http://www.acr.org/Quality-Safety/Standards-Guidelines/Practice-Guidelines-by-Modality as defined in this document.

1.2. Place of Performance: Contractor shall furnish teleradiology services remotely for

Asheville VAMC, 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC, 28805.

1.3. Authority: Title 38 USC 8153, Health Care Resources (HCR) sharing Authority.

1.4. Policy/Directives/Handbooks. The contractor shall be subject to the following policies, including any subsequent updates during the period of performance. The policies listed below can be accessed electronically at the following: VA Publications VHA

Publications

1.4.1. VA Directive 1663: Health Care Resources (HCR) Contracting – Buying Title 38

U.S.C. 8153VHA Directive 1003.04: VHA Patient Advocacy

1.4.2. VHA Directive 1065: Productivity and Staffing Guidance for Specialty Provider

Group Practice

1.4.3. VHA Directive 1088(1): Communicating Test Results to Providers and Patients

1.4.4. VHA Directive 1100.18: Reporting and Responding to State Licensing Boards

1.4.5. VHA Directive 1100.20: Credentialing of Health Care Providers

1.4.6. VHA Directive 1100.21: Privileging

1.4.7. VHA Directive 1192.01: Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program for VHA Health

Care Personnel

1.4.8. VHA Directive 1220(1): Facility Procedure Complexity Designation Requirements to Perform Invasive Procedures in Any Clinical Setting

1.4.9. VHA Directive 1605.01: Privacy and Release of Information

1.4.10. VHA Directive 1907.01: VHA Health Information Management and Health

Records

1.4.11. VHA Handbook 1100.17: National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) Reports

1.4.12. Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) as amended:

http://www.justice.gov/oip/foia_updates/Vol_XVII_4/page2.htm

1.4.13. 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 482 Conditions of Participation

Hospitals:https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=pt42.5.482&rgn=div5

1.5. Acronyms/Definitions: 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 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.acr.org%2FClinical-Resources%2FPractice-Parameters-and-Technical-Standards&data=05%7C02%7C%7C253687c82b95445e0e4e08dde4b066d9%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638918168474461721%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XLQR8jU838AWHSM7qQI7jVekiUnhlRtFEyz7B%2FR%2BH84%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.acr.org%2FClinical-Resources%2FPractice-Parameters-and-Technical-Standards&data=05%7C02%7C%7C253687c82b95445e0e4e08dde4b066d9%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638918168474461721%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XLQR8jU838AWHSM7qQI7jVekiUnhlRtFEyz7B%2FR%2BH84%3D&reserved=0 http://www.acr.org/Quality-Safety/Standards-Guidelines/Practice-Guidelines-by-Modality http://www.acr.org/Quality-Safety/Standards-Guidelines/Practice-Guidelines-by-Modality https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/index.cfm https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/index.cfm http://www.hpoe.org/resources https://us.tungsten-network.com/?node=pt42.5.482&rgn=div5 conflict in language between the Definitions and other sections of this contract, the language in this section shall govern.

1.5.1. ACGME: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

1.5.2. ACLS: Advanced Cardiac Life Support

1.5.3. BLS: Basic Life Support

1.5.4. CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1.5.5. CEU: Certified Education Unit

1.5.6. Clinical Privileging: Clinical 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, and within available resources.

1.5.7. CME: Continuing Medical Education

1.5.8. CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

1.5.9. CO: Contracting Officer: 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.

1.5.10. COR: Contracting Officer’s Representative: 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.

1.5.11. COS: Chief of Staff

1.5.12. CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

1.5.13. Credentialing: Credentialing is the process of obtaining, verifying, and assessing the qualifications of a health care provider to provide care or services in or for the

VA health care system. Credentials are documented evidence of licensure, education, training, experience or other qualifications.

1.5.14. DEA: Drug Enforcement Agency

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

1.5.16. FSMB: Federation of State Medical Boards

1.5.17. FTE: Full Time Equivalent VA’s standard definition is for full time working the equivalent of 80 hours every two weeks, 2080 hours per year. However, providers may propose using their standard FTE definition.

1.5.18. HHS: Department of Health and Human Services

1.5.19. HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

1.5.20. ISO: Information Security Officer

1.5.21. Key Personnel: The individuals specified in this contract who are essential to work performance.

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

1.5.23. POP: Period of Performance

1.5.24. PPD: Purified Protein Derivative

1.5.25. PWS: Performance Work Statement

1.5.26. QA/QI: Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement

1.5.27. QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

1.5.28. QM/PI: Quality Management/Performance Improvement

1.5.29. VETPro is VHA’s mandatory credentialing software platform to document the credentialing of VHA health care providers. This system facilitates the completion of a uniform, accurate, and complete credentials file.

1.5.30. VHA: Veterans’ Health Administration

1.5.31. VISN: Veterans Integrated Services Network

1.5.32. VISTA: Veterans Information Systems Technology Architecture

2. QUALIFICATIONS:

2.1. Staff/Facility

2.1.1. License: Contract physician(s) assigned by the Contractor to perform the services covered by this contract shall have a current license to practice medicine in the

State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia) where services are being performed.

All licenses held by the key personnel working on this contract shall be full and unrestricted licenses. Information on state licensing in tele-radiology may be found at this site: Teleradiology | American College of Radiology (acr.org). Contract 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 contract physician(s) shall be Board Certified. All continuing education courses required for maintaining 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 Directive 1100.20 and VHA Directive

1100.21 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 contract physician(s) prior to obtaining approval by the Facility Medical Executive Board and Medical Center Director.

https://www.acr.org/Advocacy-and-Economics/Legislative-Issues/Teleradiology

2.1.3.1 If a contract 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.

2.1.3.2 When telemedicine services are being provided by contract physician(s) who direct, diagnose, or otherwise provide clinical treatment to a patient via a telemedicine link, the contract physician(s) must be appointed, credentialed, and privileged at the VA facility (facilities) which receive the telemedicine services

(patient site), as well as at the site providing the services. The following requirements apply:

2.1.3.3 Contract licensed independent practitioners must be credentialed and privileged through the VA facility’s Medical Staff Office in accordance Credentialing and

Privileging Directives 1100.20 and 1100.21, and VHA Directive 1914

2.1.3.4 Separately delineated privileges for telemedicine services must be requested and assigned in this process.

2.1.3.5 In general, the credentialing process should be started at least 60-90 days in advance of estimated entry on duty. The time required for this process may be expedited when patient care needs are urgent.

2.1.3.6 The VA’s Medical Staff Office or Human Resources Management Service will provide an instruction packet containing forms and a detailed listing of required documentation, including curriculum vitae, current references, signed release of information from the candidate, and statement that the candidate does not have any physical or mental health condition that would adversely affect his/her ability to carry out the assigned duties, and additional credentialing forms. The candidate will also be required to make application through the VetPro internet-based process. The candidate will need to be enrolled in VetPro by the Credentialing

Coordinator at the VA or by the Human Resources Management Service designee.

The website address is: https://fcp.vetpro.org/Admin/Login/Index

2.1.3.7 It is the Contractor’s responsibility to contact the Asheville VAMC to request a package and instructions.

2.1.3.8 When contract physician(s) provide only teleconsultation by offering advice that supports care provided by VA’s on site licensed independent providers, the

Contractor must furnish VA with a copy of the contract physician(s) credentials, verification of credentials, and current clinical privileges. The contract physician(s) providing teleconsultation services do not have to be separately privileged at the VA facility.

2.1.3.9 The Contractor must furnish a copy of its policy and procedures for credentialing and privileging to the Contracting Officer and COR for review to ensure these meet the VA’s requirements for establishment of competence through these mechanisms.

2.1.4. Technical Proficiency - Contract 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 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ and training experiences including any gaps in educational history for all contract physician(s) and contract 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 Facility. Contract 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 credential’s 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 (ACLS, 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 contract physician(s) as required by the VA.

2.1.7.

List all training required, frequency and associated time

Training Frequency (once a year, etc)

Annual Hours

VA 10176 VA Privacy and Information Security

Awareness and Rules of

Behavior (WBT)

Annually

VA 10203 Privacy and

HIPAA Training

Annually

VA 43790 Compliance

Awareness Training

Within 90 days of credentialling and annually thereafter

2.1.8. STANDARD INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES (PPD,

IMMUNIZATIONS, ETC.): Contractor shall provide statements that all required infection control measures are current and that the contractor is compliant with

OSHA regulations concerning occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens.

The Contractor shall also notify the VA of any significant communicable disease exposures and the VA will also notify the contractor of the same, 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. Tests shall be current within the past year.

2.1.7. 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 facilities). The Contractor shall have or obtain https://www.cpars.gov/documents/CPARS-Guidance.pdf 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 quote.

2.1.8. Conflict of Interest: The Contractor and all contract physician(s) are responsible for identifying and communicating to the CO and COR conflicts of interest at the time of quote and during the entirety of contract performance. At the time of quote, 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 and fully outlined in response to the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

2.1.9. Citizenship related Requirements:

2.1.9.1. 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;

2.1.9.2. 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.

2.1.9.3. 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.

2.1.9.4. 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.

2.1.9.5. The Contractor agrees to obtain a similar certification from its subcontractors.

The certification shall be made as part of the offeror's response to the RFQ using the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

2.1.10. 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.

2.1.10.1. Therefore, Contractor shall review the HHS OIG List of Excluded

Individuals/Entities on the HHS OIG website at http://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/index.asp to ensure that the proposed contract 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.

2.1.10.2. By submitting their attachment, 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 Direction: The qualifications of Contractor personnel are subject to review by VA Medical Facility COS or his/her clinical designee and approval by the

Medical Facility Director as provided in VHA Directive 1100.20 and VHA Directive

1100.21. Clinical/Professional direction of all clinical personnel covered by this contract for quality purposes will be provided by the Facility 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 contract 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 Contract 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-https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx 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 Contract 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 contract 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.Contingency Plan: Because continuity of care is an essential part of the Facility’s medical services, The Contractor shall have a contingency plan in place to be utilized if the contract physician(s) leaves Contractor’s employment or are unable to continue performance in accordance with the terms and conditions of the resulting contract.

2.9.1. Contractor shall submit a listing of proposed key personnel performing technical delivery of services in the following format:

Provider Name: ___________________ Title/Rank: __________________.

Curriculum Vitae and qualification documents of each key personnel shall be submitted with the quote.

2.10. Emergency 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 10 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 10 calendar days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

2.10.1. 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 5 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.

2.10.2. For temporary substitutions where the key person shall not be reporting to work for three 3 consecutive workdays 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.

3. VA HOURS OF OPERATION/SCHEDULING

3.1. Business Hours: Monday – Friday 0700-1730

3.2.Contractor shall be available to the Facility for consultation and interpretation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year for stat, urgent, and routine exams.

3.3.Federal Holidays: The following holidays are observed by the Department of Veterans

Affairs:

• New Year’s Day

• President’s Day

• Martin Luther King’s Birthday

• Memorial Day

• Juneteenth

• Independence Day

• Labor Day

• Columbus Day

• Veterans Day

• Thanksgiving

• Christmas

• Any day specifically declared to be a national holiday.

3.4.Continuity of services under contract:

3.4.1. Contractor is responsible for providing qualified personnel to read films. The VA must be informed at least 48 hours in advance if there will be a significant change in the contractor’s ability to perform, to allow for planning of service coverage and workload distribution. Requirements, as noted in Attachment B, in section D will be provided to all Facilities and maintained by the contractor.

3.4.2. The contractor shall maintain open and professional communication with members of the VISN and Facility Diagnostic Imaging staff. The contractor shall provide up-to-date points of contact to facilitate communication on clinical, technical, and administrative issues. Clinical staff will be available by phone and pager 24/7. The

Contractor will provide a schedule of radiologists with telephone numbers for consultation by VA technologists and referring physicians. The contractor will provide a FAX number for the transmission of radiographic orders.

3.4.3. The Contractor shall provide a single phone number with a list of individuals who could be contacted to immediately resolve any difficulties experienced during the hours of teleradiology services and STAT studies after hours. The COR will assure up-to-date rosters of staff are provided to the Contractor.

3.4.4. Tele-Communications

3.4.4.1. The contractor will secure and maintain the communications link between the contractor’s facility and the VAMCs’ facilities at the contractor’s expense.

These expenses may be included in the contractor’s quote as a separate item.

The cost to establish and maintain this communication link may be provided if the Government deems it is more cost effective to the Government.

3.4.4.2. In the event of telecommunications failure, the Government shall package, hard copy film or alternative media in Government-provided shipping containers, and ship to the contractor’s facility; using Government provided pre-paid shipping documentation. The contractor’s place of business must be within the confines of the continental United States.

3.4.4.3. The contractor shall make provisions for the proper maintenance and functioning of all imaging, teleradiology and associated equipment, facilities and fixtures as may reasonably be required by Contract Physicians to perform services hereunder.

4. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

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

4.2.Management and Supervision:

4.2.1. The Contractor shall be responsible for supervising the daily services provided under this contract by the Contractor’s staff.

4.2.2. The Contractor shall have written policies and procedures regarding staff credentials and privileging.

4.2.3. The Facility will provide to the Contractor policies, procedures and processes necessary to allow cooperative functioning between the agency and Facility.

Updates and refreshers will be provided to the Contractor upon request and when policy procedures or process changes.

4.2.4. The Contractor shall complete background investigations to ensure that employees do not have a record of criminal offenses or substantiated incidents of patient abuse;

and, if required to perform their duties, employees are properly licensed and insured to operate motor vehicles.

4.2.5. The Contractor has a responsibility for “Duty to Report” any fraud, waste, and abuse to the Integrity and Compliance Officer.

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

4.3.1. The American College of Radiology Guidelines: Practice Parameters and Technical

Standards | American College of Radiology (acr.org)

4.3.2. ACR Practice Parameter for Communication of Diagnostic Imaging Findings:

communicationDiag (acr.org)

4.3.3. Contractor shall provide suitable marking of all documents or reports produced by contractors.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.acr.org%2FClinical-Resources%2FPractice-Parameters-and-Technical-Standards&data=05%7C02%7C%7C253687c82b95445e0e4e08dde4b066d9%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638918168474461721%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XLQR8jU838AWHSM7qQI7jVekiUnhlRtFEyz7B%2FR%2BH84%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.acr.org%2FClinical-Resources%2FPractice-Parameters-and-Technical-Standards&data=05%7C02%7C%7C253687c82b95445e0e4e08dde4b066d9%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638918168474461721%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XLQR8jU838AWHSM7qQI7jVekiUnhlRtFEyz7B%2FR%2BH84%3D&reserved=0 https://www.acr.org/-/media/ACR/Files/Practice-Parameters/CommunicationDiag.pdf

4.3.4. VA Standards: MCM-113 Reporting of Critical Tests and Results

GUIDELINES FOR COMMUNICATION OF DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING

RESULTS

Radiology Service

COMMUNICATION TIMEFRAMES:

Critical Result: 1 hour

Critical Test: Head CT w/o contrast to rule out intracerebral hemorrhage Ordered

‘STAT’; clinical history must include ordering provider contact information.

Results within 2 hours, in-patient order.

Results within 3 hours, emergency ‘call-back’ order.

Critical Result – A test result that is interpreted as being severe and/or life threatening will be communicated to the ordering provider within 1 hour from exam completion. The dictated Radiology report will include a statement that notates the time and name of the provider notified of the critical findings.

The following diagnostic findings include, but are not limited to:

1. Cerebral hemorrhage

2. Cerebral hematoma

3. Brain tumor with mass effect

4. Depressed skull fracture

5. Spinal cord compression

6. Carotid artery dissection

7. Tension pneumothorax

8. Aortic dissection

9. Pulmonary embolism

10. Ruptured aneurysm

11. Impending aneurysm rupture

12. Free air

13. Appendicitis

14. Portal venous gas

15. Volvulus

16. Mediastinal emphysema

17. Acute traumatic visceral injury

18. Retroperitoneal hemorrhage

19. Stress induced ischemia

20. Ectopic pregnancy

21. Testicular torsion

22. Ovarian torsion

23. Acute DVT

24. Significant line misplacement

25. Significant tube misplacement

4.3.5. The professional standards of the Joint Commission (TJC):

http://www.jointcommission.org/standards_information/hap_requirements.aspx https://fcp.vetpro.org/Admin/Login/Index

4.3.6. The standards of the American Hospital Association (AHA):

http://www.hpoe.org/resources?show=100&type=8 and;

4.4 MEDICAL RECORDS

4.4.1 Authorities: Contractor’s physician(s) providing healthcare services to VA patients shall be considered as part of the Department Healthcare Activity and shall comply with the 5 U.S.C.552a (Privacy Act), 38 U.S.C. 5701 (Confidentiality of claimants records), 5 U.S.C. 552 (FOIA), 38 U.S.C. 5705 (Confidentiality of Medical Quality

Assurance Records) 38 U.S.C. 7332 (Confidentiality of certain medical records), Title 5 U.S.C. § 522a (Records Maintained on Individuals) as well as 45 C.F.R.

Parts 160, 162, and 164 (HIPAA).

4.4.2 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 4.5.4.

4.4.3 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. 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 Directive 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.

4.4.4 Professional Standards for Documenting Care: Care shall be appropriately documented in medical records in accordance with standard commercial practice and guidelines established by VHA Directive 1907.01 Health Information

Management and Health Records:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9235 and all guidelines provided by the facility.

4.4.4.1 All film interpretations will either meet or exceed established VISN standards of timeliness, accuracy, content and signature. Only Facility approved abbreviations will be used for documentation of the patient health record. All imaging exam interpretations shall either meet or exceed established standards of timeliness, accuracy, content, and signature. Only medical abbreviations from The Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals, current edition, will be used for documentation of the patient health record.