Drafter
Clerk 07/08/2014
Title
A MOTION establishing principles for the next management agreement governing the management and operation of Harborview Medical Center.
Body
WHEREAS, Harborview Medical Center is owned by King County and governed by a board of trustees appointed by the King County council, and
WHEREAS, King County believes that strong and independent oversight of health care providers on the Harborview Medical Center campus is the key to maintaining this asset for future generations, and
WHEREAS, the Harborview Medical Center board of trustees has contracted with the University of Washington to operate the hospital since 1970, and
WHEREAS, it is King County's intent that the Harborview Medical Center remains an independent entity owned by King County and operated in a manner consistent with values and priorities appropriate for a public sector entity now and in the future, and
WHEREAS, the current agreement between the Harborview Medical Center board of trustees will expire on June 30, 2015;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
The King County council establishes the following principles for the next management agreement governing the management and operation of Harborview Medical Center:
A. Commitment to Community: Harborview Medical Center is a public hospital with a primary mission of providing and teaching exemplary patient care through comprehensive health care for the indigent, sick, injured, infirm and most vulnerable residents of King County and the region. Harborview Medical Center shall continue to be operated in a manner consistent with this mission. Patients shall not be turned away on the basis of their ability to pay. The operator shall continue to operate a broad spectrum of primary care clinics on the property. Evaluation of potential operators shall include an assessment of commitment to the community and belief in the mission of Harborview Medical Center as a public hospital;
B. Governance: The management agreement shall ensure and support an independent and effective board of trustees and ensure that the board can fulfill its fiduciary obligations to King County residents. The management agreement shall assure that the board has the necessary resources to carry out these duties. The hospital shall be operated to achieve and fulfill the objectives established in K.C.C. 2.42.020, K.C.C. 2.42.050, K.C.C. 2.42.060 and K.C.C. 2.42.090;
C. Financial Stewardship: Harborview Medical Center is owned by the people of King County. It is the responsibility of King County, the Harborview Medical Center board of trustees and the operator to maintain the facility in excellent condition for today's use and for that of future generations. The operator shall be evaluated on its commitment to fiscal transparency, financial support and professional management of the property in such a way as to protect and maintain it for future generations and to provide social and economic benefits to King County;
D. Independence: Recognizing that health care is rapidly evolving and clinical and business alliances may be mutually beneficial and further the mission of Harborview Medical Center, these alliances must not lead to a loss of clinical or fiscal independence nor community recognition of Harborview Medical Center as an independent community hospital. The management agreement shall assure that Harborview Medical Center shall remain, and be recognized, as an organization independent of the selected operator;
E. Valuing Employees: The success of Harborview Medical Center as a premier health care institution depends upon its employees. The operator shall place a high priority on ensuring a positive relationship between management and employees. Evaluation of potential operators shall include an assessment of labor management policies and practices;
F. Environmental Stewardship: Harborview Medical Center shall be operated in a manner consistent with providing the highest quality of acute, primary and specialty care and supporting King County's environmental sustainability policies as outlined in the King County Comprehensive Plan and the Strategic Climate Action Plan. Consistent with Harborview Medical Center's commitment to providing the highest quality of care, the board of trustees and the operator shall adopt priorities for reducing climate pollution, reducing reliance upon nonrenewable energy, reducing the use of harmful chemicals, preparing for the effects of climate change on the environment, human health and the economy and minimizing an operational environmental footprint. These policies shall be adopted to safeguard and enhance King County's natural resources and environment; and
G. Fair and Just: King County serves all residents of King County by promoting fairness and opportunity and eliminating inequality. The Harborview Medical Center board of trustees and the management agreement shall assure that these principles are also assured at Harborview Medical Center. The board and the operator shall ensure access to affordable, appropriate and quality physical and behavioral health services,
support partnerships to deliver integrated and effective services and be a partner in joining with other local and regional partners to help stabilize and improve people's lives.