To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Public Health
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Memorandum of Understanding with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Establishing the Relationship Between the State and Humboldt County Public Health Regarding the Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) 340B Drug Pricing Program
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve, and authorize the Department of Health and Human Services - Public Health Director, or a designee thereof, to execute, the attached memorandum of understanding with CDPH regarding the STD 340B drug pricing program; and
2. Authorize the Department of Health and Human Services - Public Health Director, or a designee thereof, to execute any and all subsequent amendments, and any other agreements, certifications, attestations and documents directly associated with, CDPH STD 340B memorandums of understanding, after review and approval by County Counsel, Risk Management, and the County Administrative Office; and
3. Direct the Clerk of the Board to provide the Department of Health and Human Services - Public Health Contract Unit with one fully executed, certified copy of the Board order related to this item.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Public Health Fund (1175), Public Health Clinic (422)
DISCUSSION:
Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) 42 United States Code (U.S.C.) 256b instructs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into agreements with manufacturers of covered outpatient drugs under which the amount to be paid to manufacturers by certain statutorily-defined covered entities does not exceed the 340B ceiling price. The 340B program purpose is to stretch scarce federal resources as far as possible, reaching more eligible patients and providing more comprehensive services. It is administered by the United States Health and Resources Services Administration (HRSA) Office of Pharmacy Affairs.
The Public Health Clinic is eligible to participate in 340B Program as a grantee receiving in-kind support from CDPH in the form of condoms, STD medications, and/or other supplies funded with Section 318-authorized U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD Prevention and Control for Health Departments (PCHD) grant (PS19-1901) funds. The CDC STD PCHD grant requires CDPH STD Control Branch to establish a 340B memorandum of understanding with 340B partner sites/covered entities to which CDPH provides in-kind support. The purpose of the CDC STD PCHD PS19-1901 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to prevent and control three major bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs): chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Key highlights:
• Syphilis and congenital syphilis in California and Humboldt County increased significantly from 2012 to 2021.
• High drug costs most heavily impact un/underinsured patients and the public programs and safety net providers that serve them.
• Medication for treating syphilis (Bicillin L-A) is cost prohibitive.
The Public Health Clinic has been participating in the 340B drug pricing program since April 1, 2018 which has enabled the county to purchase discounted drugs to treat STDs in Public Health Clinic patients.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
The only financial impact associated with the CDPH STD 340B memorandum of understanding is cost savings for the purchase of STD 340B drugs.
STAFFING IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impact:
There is no impact to current staffing.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework priority of protecting vulnerable populations and creating opportunities for improved health and safety.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to approve the attached amendment to the memorandum of understanding with CDPH regarding the STD 340B drug pricing program. However, the alternative is not recommended since it will severely limit DHHS - Public Health’s ability to provide adequate STD treatment to the community.
ATTACHMENTS:
CDPH STD 340B Memorandum of Understanding
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.:
Meeting of:
File No.: