§ 6-703. Operation and Function of District Health Centers.
   (1)   The Health Department shall continue at a minimum to maintain and directly operate a system of at least nine (9) District Health Centers at which each of the following services shall be offered, except one may provide only Sexually Transmitted Disease services, in a manner that makes available to all citizens of the City the following services:
      (a)   a Family Medical Care Program providing the following pediatric and internal medicine ambulatory services to all enrollees: 127
         (.1)   completion of a medical history and provision of an initial complete physical examination;
         (.2)   continuity of care for each individual by the assignment of a single physician to provide, or supervise the provision of, all medical services in the Family Medical Care Program;
         (.3)   laboratory tests, EKG, and radiologic services, as needed;
         (.4)   immunizations for children and adults with appropriate consent, on a walk-in basis as needed;
         (.5)   medical services for the diagnosis and treatment of disease, and other preventive, counseling, and therapeutic or other services needed to maintain and promote good health, provided that:
            (.a)   treatment at a District Health Center or referral to an appropriate cooperating hospital for emergency conditions shall be available on an immediate basis, and for urgent conditions shall be available no later than twenty-four (24) hours from the time of request;
            (.b)   all other appointments shall be available on average no later than fourteen (14) days after the date of the request;
         (.6)   referral for needed in-patient services to an appropriate hospital facility;
         (.7)   same-day provision of required formulary medication on-site by a State-licensed pharmacist, through a pharmacy at each District Health Center participating in the Family Medical Care Program open for the receipt and dispensing of patient prescriptions during daytime hours of District Health Center operation with suitable arrangements for emergencies and other urgent cases occurring other times of District Health Center service, and provision of special order medication on-site by a State-licensed pharmacist as soon as possible, with approval by the Clinical Director and Pharmacy Director to be given in an event within seventy-two (72) hours of its being ordered;
         (.8)   mental health, intellectual disability, drug and alcohol and social services on-site by referral; 128
         (.9)   nutritional counselling for patients determined to be suffering from or determined to be at high risk for illnesses for which nutrition has impact;
         (.10)   referral to the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC);
         (.11)   ambulatory specialty services through arrangements with a hospital facility reasonably accessible to the referred enrollee;
         (.12)   referral for visiting nursing care services for patients as needed;
         (.13)   professional social work services on-site including referrals to other outside agency services;
         (.14)   trained personnel and supplies for on-site administration of basic emergency medical stabilization.
      (b)   Women's Health Program, including prenatal, obstetrics, gynecological and family planning and providing the following services in any District Health Center which is not limited to the diagnosis and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Disease.
         (.1)   Completion of a medical history and provision of an initial comprehensive physical examination and, for those receiving prenatal obstetrical care, a risk assessment including identification of high risk factors (by obstetrical or medical history) that may require special management;
         (.2)   Papanicolaou smears and follow-up;
         (.3)   Laboratory tests as needed;
         (.4)   Pregnancy testing;
         (.5)   Reproductive health including family planning counseling;
         (.6)   Contraceptive medicine and supplies;
         (.7)   Routine gynecological care;
         (.8)   Referral to needed in-patient services at an appropriate hospital facility on a timely basis;
         (.9)   Same-day provision of required formulary medication on-site by a State licensed pharmacist, through a pharmacy at each District Health Center which is open during daytime hours with suitable arrangements for emergencies and other urgent cases occurring at other times of District Health Center activity;
         (.10)   Complete prenatal medical care, including history and examination, laboratory tests, procedures and medication in as many visits as needed to provide comprehensive prenatal care;
         (.11)   Appointments shall be available an average of no later than fourteen (14) days after the date of request;
         (.12)   Professional social work services on-site including at least two (2) assessments during pregnancy (including one (1) during last trimester) and on-going assistance for patients requiring follow-up;
         (.13)   For prenatal patients, assistance in applying for Medicaid and determination of presumptive eligibility for Medicaid;
         (.14)   Professional nutrition services on-site including at least two (2) counseling sessions during pregnancy, and on-going assistance for patients requiring follow-up;
         (.15)   Complete postpartum medical care for postpartum patients;
         (.16)   Referral for supplemental food through the Women Infant and Children (WIC) program for pregnant women, new mothers and breastfeeding women.
      (c)   a Dental Program providing preventive, primary dental services for all children under eighteen (18) years of age, pregnant women, and patients who, due to their infection with Human Immunodeficiency virus or for other non-economic reason, cannot purchase or obtain dental care from any other reasonably accessible source; and providing such services for all other adults on an as available basis.
      (d)   a Sexually Transmitted Disease program providing comprehensive diagnosis, counseling and treatment services on a same day walk-in basis for all residents requesting such services.
   (2)   The Health Department shall operate a comprehensive system for billing and collecting from third-party payers for the costs of any services provided at the District Health Centers for which such payers may be held responsible, as set forth more fully in subsection 6-706(1) below.
   (3)   The Health Department shall directly operate each of the District Health Centers with sufficient and appropriate clinical and administrative staff so that all clinical and administrative services identified in this Section can be fully provided and the service mandate is complied with.
   (4)   In each of the services described in the subsection 6-703(1), there shall be a quality assurance mechanism in accordance with contemporary professional standards.
   (5)   The Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee serving the District Health Centers shall review the pharmaceutical formulary at least annually.

 

Notes

127
   Amended, Bill No. 130224 (approved May 8, 2013).
128
   Amended, Bill No. 130723 (approved January 20, 2014).