District Of Columbia Council Bill B25-0271

District Of Columbia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/26/23

Caption

Contract No. NFPHC-MS-22-C-00043 Modifications 10 and 11 between the Not-for-Profit Hospital Corporation and Maxim Healthcare Staffing Services, Inc. Approval and Payment Authorization Emergency Act of 2023

Impact

This bill aims to resolve staffing challenges faced by UMC, which have been exacerbated by increasing operational costs and ongoing nurse shortages across the country. Approval of these modifications allows the Hospital to maintain necessary staffing levels so that they can provide adequate care to patients. The total value of the contract modifications is $3,425,000, including an additional $2,500,000 allocated to sustain nurse staffing services for the remainder of the contract period through December 9, 2023.

Summary

Bill B25-0271 is titled as the 'Contract No. NFPHC-MS-22-C-00043 Modifications 10 and 11 between the Not-for-Profit Hospital Corporation and Maxim Healthcare Staffing Services, Inc. Approval and Payment Authorization Emergency Act of 2023.' The bill seeks to approve modifications to an existing contract for nurse staffing services at United Medical Center (UMC) during an ongoing staffing crisis within the healthcare sector. Specifically, it pertains to the emergency department, intensive care unit, and telemetry services, reflecting rising needs due to a nationwide shortage of available nursing staff.

Contention

However, there are concerns around the implications of relying on a single contractor, Maxim Healthcare Staffing Services, Inc., especially in light of criticisms regarding the effectiveness of previous contracts and their execution. There is apprehension that an over-reliance on external staffing agencies might impact the quality of care. Furthermore, issues concerning the contractor's status as a local or disadvantaged business entity remain a point of discussion, highlighting the bill's impact on local economic development.