Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Dph Staffing Contract topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DPH seeks shorter Cross Country Staffing extension; supervisors insist on limits and oversight
Summary
DPH asked the committee to increase and extend a temporary nursing contract with Cross Country Staffing to cover COVID‑era surge staffing; supervisors pressed for a shorter extension and a plan to reduce reliance on traveling nurses, and the committee approved a narrowed amendment and forwarded it to the full board.
The Department of Public Health asked the Budget & Finance Committee to amend a Cross Country Staffing contract for temporary nursing services, citing high demand during the COVID surge and staff attrition. DPH requested a significant increase to the contract amount and a multi‑year extension to ensure ongoing access to temporary nurses across hospitals and alternate care sites.
Supervisors expressed concern about continued heavy reliance on traveling nurses rather than hiring permanent staff. Supervisor Safaei and others noted DPH has hired many full‑time nurses but still projects ongoing need due to leaves, attrition and uncertain nursing school graduations. They asked DPH to consider a shorter term or phased approach and to return with staffing updates after two years. The Budget and Legislative Analyst suggested exercising the contract extension option only through June 30, 2022, and increasing the not‑to‑exceed amount by roughly $15–16 million to cover near‑term needs while preserving oversight.
DPH returned later in the hearing with an amended resolution consistent with the BLA recommendation: exercise the option to extend through 06/30/2022 and increase the not‑to‑exceed amount (new total approx. $25.9M). The committee approved the revised amendment and forwarded it to the full Board with a positive recommendation, while recording the expectation that DPH will report back on hiring progress and consider further adjustments in subsequent committee meetings.
Supervisors asked DPH to prioritize permanent hires and to report back within the timeframe specified in committee direction so the board can reassess the necessity and scope of further contract extensions.
