Fiscal Note
The Fire Department's operating budget includes funding for the services provided under this contract. The estimated cost is $75,000 to $90,000, depending on the number of employees receiving medical exams.
Title
Approving a contract with the Dean Clinic Health System for occupational medical services.
Body
The Fire Department has for several years contracted with Dean for firefighter occupational medical services. The contract was awarded by bid. The City has never received more than two bids for occupational medical services.
The Fire Department program was developed to be in compliance with National Fire Protection Association Standards-1582 for occupational services. Standard 1582 extensively covers the medical services required for firefighters. We have required mandatory medical exams for the Department members on the hazardous materials team, voluntary medical exams, respirator requirements, employee exposures and pre-employment medical exams.
The Fire Department has employees scheduled on duty for exams and needs more than one site that is within the City of Madison to provide these services. Employee exams must be conducted as efficiently as possible so firefighters can get back to their assigned stations to be available for emergency response. Dean and the Fire Department have spent significant time on developing a program that best meets the needs of the Department. Occupational medical services is a specialized field of medical services that is specific to job functions. We do not believe there another provider within the City that can deliver these services and best meet the specific needs of the Fire Department.
Our health and wellness program has the support of Firefighters Local 311 and employees have benefited from early detection of health issues. Some employees have been removed from working as an emergency responder until the employee submits a medical release for return to duty. The Department does not w...
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