SUBJECT
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Consideration to terminate the City’s Professional Services Agreement with Mateo Reyes, M.D. serving as Medical Director for the Detoxification Department, ROOTS Recovery Center; and
Award and authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Arturo Garza Gongora, M.D. to serve as Medical Director for the Detoxification Department, ROOTS Recovery Center, for an annual amount not to exceed $275,000.00 for medical oversight and prescriptive authority, subject to future appropriations. Funding is available in the America Rescue Plan Act Fund.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
Council had previously approved a 32 months service agreement for $260,000 per year contract. Dr. Mateo Reyes had agreed to be the Center’s permanent medical director.
BACKGROUND
The Provider agrees to render all physician services necessary within the scope of practice for appropriate treatment of patients as defined and described by rules, regulations, standards and guidelines in effect with Texas Health & Human Services Commission and Chapter 564 guidelines.
Provider also agrees to render medical and prescriptive authority oversight for a period of 10 months.
As the center continues to admit patients it has become evident that the level of care for 24 beds is extensive, thus requiring the physician to dedicate a substantial amount of time to the center round the clock.
VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating:
Level of Alignment
Strong - Directly supports or fulfills a clearly stated and verbatim goal or policy from the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan.
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
Supporting Goal(s)/Policy(ies)
Goal 7.2: “Promote health equity by supporting health care access and preventive health practices for all residents.” (Page 7.22)
Policy 7.2.1: “Support and enhance access to preventive care and wellness services through employer-sponsored health benefits and incentives.” (Page 7.22)
Policy 7.4.1: “Incorporate health into city budgeting and decision-making, particularly with respect to city staff programs.” (Page 7.22)
The Plan’s overarching intent statement: “Laredo is looking to the future … improve the health of its residents …”
The agenda item authorizes a new medical director contract for the city’s Detoxification Department (roots/recovery services). This directly relates to ensuring healthcare oversight, preventive substance treatment, and medical supervision for a vulnerable population-contributing to health care access and preventive practices (Goal 7.2, Policy 7.2.1).
The budgetary authorization and professional services agreement reflect the incorporation of health-services decision-making into city budgeting/contracting (Policy 7.4.1).
By addressing detoxification and recovery services, the city is advancing health equity by serving residents with substance-use disorders, which are often underserved in terms of healthcare access.
Summary of alignment:
The agenda item aligns strongly with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan because it advances the Plan’s explicit goal of promoting health equity and improving the health of residents through improved access to medical oversight and preventive care (Goal 7.2). The appointment of a qualified medical director for detoxification ensures preventive and treatment-oriented services, thus fulfilling Policy 7.2.1. The contract’s inclusion in the city budget process and appropriation subject to future funding aligns with Policy 7.4.1. The broader planning themes of public health, equity, and quality of life are clearly engaged in this agenda item-by addressing substance use as a health issue, the city is also supporting community wellbeing and potentially reducing associated social/economic costs. Accordingly, the “Strong” classification is justified.
Additional Requirements
No applicable goal or policy was found that contradicts the agenda item. The agenda item reinforces rather than conflicts with the Plan’s health and wellness orientation.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that Council approves the motion. Dr. Garza Gongora has agreed to be the acting medical director for the center aiding in developing protocols, providing physician services, follow-ups, and being the authorized prescriptive authority for controlled medications so that the center may operate a dispensing pharmacy on site.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: FY 26
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: ARPA
Account #: 271-7410-543-5528
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding is available in the American Rescue Plan Act.