RESOLUTION NO. RS2008-252

A resolution requesting the Tennessee Department of Correction not to renew the contract with First Medical Management to provide medical care for inmates at state correctional facilities.

WHEREAS, in 2005, the Tennessee Department of Correction [TDOC] entered into a contract with Utah-based First Medical Management (FMM) to provide health care services for approximately 20,000 inmates at 12 correctional facilities in Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, four of the correctional facilities at which FMM coordinates inmate medical care are located in Davidson County; and

WHEREAS, based upon information contained on FMM’s website, the vast majority of its business and operations are a result of the contract with the Tennessee Department of Correction; and

WHEREAS, Nashville General Hospital at Meharry (General Hospital) currently provides hospital care for the state inmates located in Davidson County, and for those which FMM and TDOC transport to the facility from other prisons around Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, in October 2007, FMM changed its payment methodology under the contract, which will result in a loss to General Hospital of approximately $4.1 million for fiscal year 2008; and

WHEREAS, the state prison contract with FMM accounts for approximately one-third of monthly net patient revenue for General Hospital, and this contract requires that FMM pay all hospitalization costs for prisoners; and

WHEREAS, given the circumstances surrounding FMM’s change of payment methodology under the existing contract, the Metropolitan Council urges the Tennessee Department of Correction to not renew the contract with FMM for inmate medical care.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Tennessee Department of Correction not to renew the contract with First Medical Management to provide medical care for inmates at state correctional facilities.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to George Little, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Correction.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Duane Dominy