Mesquite ISD approves entering negotiations with Care ATC to manage employee health center

The Mesquite Independent School District Board of Trustees voted on Dec. 9 to authorize staff to enter contract negotiations with a third‑party administrator to operate the district employee health center and on‑site pharmacy under the request for proposal described in the packet as "20 20 five‑one." The motion was moved and seconded and the board approved the measure on a voice vote.

Superintendent Dr. Rivera framed the item as a response to recent staffing turnover and a need for stable, third‑party administration. "We've had a very stable physician that was managing the health center for so many years and we experienced a turnover and it was very difficult for us to staff and provide the high quality of care that we want our employees…to receive," Dr. Rivera said, explaining why the district sought a TPA model. Trustees questioned whether the clinic would serve only Mesquite ISD employees and dependents and whether the city partner still needed to approve its related agreement; staff said the existing partnership with the city would continue and the city council would consider its side of the agreement.

Board members also asked about who would employ medical staff and the expected contract term. Care ATC representatives and district staff said the plan is for third‑party employment of clinical staff unless negotiated otherwise, and the group recommended a multi‑year pricing approach (the vendor noted a typical 3‑year term with extension options). The board approved the motion to enter negotiations; the packet identifies the vendor in the board materials and district staff will complete negotiations and bring back any executed agreements for final approval as required.