Youth facility seeks on-site medical services; board to review proposed contract next month

Jeremy Mulvaney, director of the Eaton County youth facility, asked the committee on Jan. 15 to support developing a contract for on-site medical services for residents of the facility.

Mulvaney described a multi-year effort to find a provider. Since COVID, providers have been reluctant to enter the secure building; state licensing requires a physical exam within seven days of admission, which has forced secure transports to community urgent-care centers. Mulvaney said those transports consume staff time, create security and liability concerns and sometimes require mechanical restraints on juveniles.

Mulvaney said he has identified a doctor who is willing to provide services at a rate below market because the doctor is interested in outreach; Mulvaney said the doctor has prior experience in mental hospitals and juvenile facilities. Mulvaney added the county has explored traveling medical and nursing services without success and that this potential arrangement reflects significant outreach and recruitment work over five to six years.

Commissioners asked whether the doctor is a DO or MD and whether a nurse practitioner or physician assistant could fill the role; Mulvaney said a range of licensed medical providers could work if appropriately supervised, though the present candidate is a DO. Mulvaney said the item on Jan. 15 was a proposal and that staff will return next month with a contract and cost estimate once medical malpractice insurance has been evaluated.

Next steps: County staff will produce a draft contract, provide malpractice-insurance estimates and present the item for formal board consideration next month.