Commissioners authorize proceeding with Diamond Pharmacy contract pending county counsel review of indemnification language

The sheriff's office and county administration discussed a proposed contract with Diamond Pharmacy for correctional health pharmaceuticals during the July 22 meeting. Commissioners approved proceeding with Diamond, but made final execution contingent on county counsel (QCC) agreeing that contract language protects the county from losses tied to health-care actions, except where the county itself is at fault.

Grant (commissioner) and other officials said they had conferred with the Diamond Pharmacy attorney and that Diamond was comfortable with proposed indemnification language. County staff emphasized the need for explicit indemnification clauses in the contract to address risk if an incident — including a death or injury tied to medication or medical care — were alleged to be caused by correctional health providers. One official summarized the requirement: if an accident or injury at the jail relates to health care, the county wants language showing the county will be indemnified unless the county made an error.

Because QCC had not yet provided written acceptance of the revised language, the board approved a motion to proceed with Diamond Pharmacy and authorized final contract execution once QCC confirms the language is acceptable. Commissioners emphasized they want the contract completed quickly after QCC's sign-off to avoid service gaps; the motion passed 2-0.

Why it matters: The contract affects delivery of pharmaceuticals and correctional health services; clear indemnification language assigns risk and protects county fiscal and legal interests.

Next steps: County counsel to review and confirm acceptable contract language. Once QCC approves the language, staff will return the fully executed contract to the commissioners for final confirmation if required by administrative practice.