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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEMSA Correctional Care,Inc. Augusta Richmond GA DOCUMENT NAME: ~\'<)~ c.o'({ec~()\\oJ. Qn'(e, \(1(. DOCUMENT TYPE: OCC'< e.ernertt YEAR: C\\ BOX NUMBER: t:S-\ Fll..E NUMBER: \'3-\ ~S NUMBER OF PAGES: \C , \ . I. ! ~ HEALTH SERVICE AGREEMENT This Agreement entered into this I~day of December 1997, by and between Augusta, Georgia, a political subdivision of the State of Georgia (hereinafter referred to as "CAG") and EMSA CORRECTIONAL CARE, INC. (hereinafter referred to as EMSA"). WHEREAS, CAG is charged by law with the responsibility for administering, managing and supervising the healthcare delivery system for the following correctional facilities: Augusta- Richmond County Detention Facility, Augusta-Richmond County Law Enforcement Center, Augusta-Richmond County Correctional Institution ("Facilitiesj; and WHEREAS, EMSA desires to provide, and CAG desires to engage EMSA to provide, such services for Facility under the terms and conditions set forth herein; NO~ THEREFORE, with intent to be legally bound, and in consideration of the covenants and promises hereinafter made, the parties agree as follows: 1. REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTIES 1.1 As to EMSA: EMSA warrants that it is a Florida corporation whose business includes providing correctional healthcare services and that it is authorized to do business in the State of Georgia. EMSA furt(1er agrees: (a) that it has or shall obtain all licenses necessary to render healthcare services in ccordance with this Agreement; (b) that it shall require that all its employees at the Facility shall ssess the professional licenses necessary to render medical services required by this Agreement; d (c) that the representative(s) executing this Agreement has been duly authorized to executet~is Agreement on its behalf. 1.2 As to CAG: CAG warrants that. it \~s duly authorized to enter into this Agreement on behalf of the Facilities so as to promote the delivery of quality health care to inmates in accordance with applicable laws. CAG shall designate a Health Services Representative who shall have the authority to act on behalf of CAG in carrying out this Agreement. 2. HEALTH CARE SERVICES 2.1 General Engagement. CAG hereby engages EMSA to provide or arrange for the delivery of reasonable and necessary medical care and dental care as well as mental health care (at least equal to the staffing matrix set forth in EMSA's proposal to CAG) to individuals under the custody and control of CAG and sentenced to and incarcerated at the Facilities ("Inmates"), and EMSA hereby accepts such engagement according to the terms and provisions hereof. Health Service Agreement Page 1 , I . ~ . , 2.2 Scope of Services. EMSA will provide on a regular basis professional medical, dental and administrative services for the Inmates, including a program for preliminary screening of Inmates upon arrival at the Facility, a comprehensive health evaluation of each Inmate following admission to the Facility in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, regularly scheduled sick call, nursing coverage, regular physician visits on-site, infirmary care, hospitalization, medical specialty services, emergency medical care, medical records management, pharmacy services, health education and training services, a quality improvement program, administrative support services, and other services, all as more specifically described hereinafter. . Additionally, EMSA shall provide mental health care to the extent consistent with the staffing matrix set forth in EMSA's proposal to CAG. EMSA represents and warrants that the scope of the services and personnel provided by EMSA will be sufficient to provide the scope of services set out in paragraph VII of the bid specifications provided to EMSA by CAG, which. portions of said bid specifications are specifically incorporated herein by reference. 2.3 Specialty Services. EMSA will provide specialty services (e.g., laboratory services) on-site to the extent reasonably possible. To the extent specialty care is required and cannot be rendered on-site, EMSA will make appropriate off-site arrangements for the rendering of such care. 2.4 Emergency Services. EMSA will provide emergency first aid treatment to Inmates, visitors and Facility staff as necessary and appropriate on site. In the case of Inmate emergency conditions which cannot be appropriately treated on site, transportation to an appropriate Hospital emergency department shall be arranged as described in Section 2.8 below. 2.5 Hospitalization Services. EMSA will arrange for the admission of any Inmate who, in the opinion of the on-site Medical Director, requires hospitalization, and will bear the costs thereof up to the limits set forth herein. EMSA will be responsible for costs associated with hospitalization, all off-site and on-site specialty services, inclusive of diagnostic procedures, and emergency transportation services. "Hospitalization" refers to those services which will be rendered in a licensed hospital which provides comprehensive adult medical care. Such services include inpatient hospitalization, ambulatory surgery, emergency ambulatory care, diagnostic and therapeutic radiology, laboratory and pathological capabilities, and physical medicine capabilities. "Off-site medical specialist care" refers to those services rendered by licensed medical specialists which are not provided on site at the Facility, and which are provided off-site in a hospital, physician's office or clinic, or other medical facility. 2.5.0.1 EMSA will not be responsible for the cost of outside medical services which costs are incurred prior to an Inmate being physically booked into the Facilities covered by this Agreement. 2.5.0.2 EMSA's liability for hospital and off-site medical specialty costs excludes any inmate who is hospitalized at the inception date of this Agreement. Health Service Agreement Page 2 \ . . . I , . , 2.6 Infant Care. EMSA will provide health services to any pregnant Inmate, but health care services provided to an infant following birth will not be the responsibility of EMSA. 2.7 Elective Medical Care. EMSA will not be responsible for elective medical care to Inmates. For purposes of the agreement "elective medical care" means medical care which if not provided would not, in the opinion of EMSA's Medical Director, materially jeopardize or impair the Inmate's health. In the event of a dispute between the EMSA's Medical Director and the designated representative of Facility regarding elective medical care, EMSA will state in writing to the Facilities reasons why the medical care is deemed to be elective. 2.8 Transportation Services. . To the extent any Inmate requires off-site health care treatment (hospitalization, specialty services, etc.), the Facility will provide appropriate transportation services as requested by EMSA. In the event of an emergency, EMSA will coordinate with the Facility's office for emergency transportation to be provided at the expense of EMSA. 2.9 Unauthorized Absence. To the extent medically appropriate, EMSA agrees to render on-site medical services to Inmates for injuries incurred prior to incarceration, or while the Inmate was away from the Facilities and in the custody of CAG, but will not be responsible for payment of off site changes and in no event shall EMSA be liable for or responsible for the payment of: 2.9.0.1 any claim, liability, cost or expense arising or incurred at any time in connection with treatment of any Inmate's injury if such injury occurred during any period of an Inmate's excused absence because of a furlough or; 2.9.0.2 any claim, liability, cost or expense arising or incurred while the Inmate was away from the Facility during an unauthorized absence but prior to the Inmate being taken into the custody and control of CAG's officers. 2.10 Periodic Reports. EMSA shall submit monthly and other periodic reports to the Director of Facility or the Facilities' Health Services Representative, concerning and reflecting on the overall operation of the Inmates committed to the custody of CAG. Such reports shall be submitted on a regular, periodic, or as requested basis to be determined by mutual written agreement of EMSA and CAG. EMSA will fully cooperate with CAG to respond to reporting requests reasonably necessary to support any provision or section of this Agreement, without any additional charge, fee or assessment to CAG. Health Service Agreement Pege 3 \ . . .' . 3. PERSONNEL 3.1 Staffing. 3.1.0.1 EMSA will provide a . licensed . physician Medical Director who will provide medical services to inmates and who will be responsible for overall clinical direction of medical and dental services rendered to inmates. The Medical Director will be on site at the Facility an average of 15 hours per week and will provide for a backup physician on call for emergencies 24 hours per day, seven (7) days per week. EMSA will provide a licensed dentist for on site dental services to inmates for an average of 12 hours per week with an on-call backup for emergencies. 3.1.0.2 Additionally, EMSA will provide nursing and clerical support personnel necessary for the rendering of health care services to inmates, at least equal to the weekly staffing matrix included as Exhibit "A" of this Agreement. 3.2 Licensure, Certification and Registration. All professionals provided or made available by EMSA to render services hereunder will be licensed, certified or registered, as appropriate, in their respective areas of expertise pursuant to applicable law, in the State in which Facilities are located. 3.3 Satisfaction with Health Care Personnel. If CAG should become dissatisfied with any health care personnel or professionals provided by EMSA hereunder, EMSA, in. recognition of. the sensitive nature of correctional services, will, following receipt of written notice from CAG's designated health services representative of its dissatisfaction and the just cause reasons thereof, exercise its best efforts to resolve the problem and, if the problem in not resolved, remove the individual about whom CAG has expressed its dissatisfaction. The just cause reasons cannot be in violation of Section 3.5 of this Agreement. EMSA will be allowed a reasonable time to find an acceptable replacement, without being charged any penalties hereunder. 3.4 Use of Inmates in the Provision of Health Care Services. Inmates will not be employed or otherwise engaged by either EMSA or CAG in the direct rendering of any health care service. Inmates may be used in positions not involving the provision of health care services directly to Inmates as EMSA and CAG may mutually agree. 3.5 Discrimination. EMSA will recruit, select, train, promote, transfer and release its personnel, as contemplated hereunder, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, handicap, Vietnam veteran status, age or sex (except where age, sex or handicap is a bona fide occupational qualification). : Health Service Ag......nt Page 4 \ . . 3.6 Restrictive Covenant. Recognizing, among other things, the unique services provided by the employees, subcontractors and agents of EMSA during the term of this Agreement, CAG will not, directly or indirectly, solicit, engage or permit to be engaged at the Facility said employees, subcontractors or agents of EMSA during the term of this Agreement (including any renewals thereof) and for a period of one (1) year thereafter without the prior written consent of EMSA, provided, however, that this limitation shall not apply to persons who were employed at the Facility immediately prior to the commencement of EMSA's services hereunder. 3.7 Pre-existing Medical Staff. In selecting staff for the provision of services hereunder, EMSA will give first consideration to health care personnel currently engaged at and working at the Facilities if such current employees or agents are not bound by non-compete agreements. 3.8 Status of EMSA Employees. All persons 'and/or health care personnel engaged by EMSA pursuant to this Agreement and any employees of EMSA shall not be considered employees of CAG, the Augusta-Richmond County Commission, nor the Sheriff of Richmond County. Neither CAG, the Augusta-Richmond County Commission, nor the Sheriff of Richmond County will be considered or deemed to be engaged in the practice of medicine or other professions practiced by these professionals, and will not exercise control over the manner or means by which these independent contractors perform their professional duties. 4. ACCREDITATION 4.1 Accreditation. EMSA warrants and agrees that the services provided by EMSA pursuant to this Agreement shall meet the standards sufficient to achieve and/or maintain MAG and National Commission on Correctional Health Care for Jails accreditation for the health care delivery system at the Facilities. It is specifically understood by EMSA that the Facilities are currently accredited and after the first year of this Agreement if said accreditations are not maintained then EMSA will be deemed in breach of this Agreement. If the accreditations are not maintained due to inadequate staffing levels of health care personnel and/or inadequate services provided by EMSA under this Agreement, EMSA will, at its sole expense without any increase in the contract price, provide further staffing and/or services to reestablish such accreditation(s). 5. EDUCATION AND TRAINING 5.1 Inmate Health Education. EMSA will conduct an ongoing health education program for Inmates and Correctional officers at the Facility with the objective of raising the level of Inmate health and health care. This Health Service Agreement Page 6 . . health care education program will include, at CAG's request, programs in first aid, signs and symptoms of chemical dependency, and reactions to medical emergencies. 5.2 Staff Education. EMSA will require that its medical, professional and para-professional staff receive all necessary and requisite statutorily mandated 'in-service annual or proficiency training, and other such professional or para-professional education ancf training programs needed to provide current proficiency in the professional or para-professional's particular medical discipline or specialty. 6. REPORTS AND RECORDS 6.1 Medical Records. EMSA will cause to be maintained a medical record for each Inmate who has received health care services. This medical record will be maintained pursuant to applicable law and will be kept separate from the Inmate's confinement record. A complete copy of the applicable medical record will be available to accompany any Inmate who is transferred from the Facilities to another location for off-site services. Medical records will be kept confidential, and EMSA will follow the Facilities' policy with regard to access by Inmates and Facilities staff to medical records, subject to applicable law regarding confidentiality of such records. No information contained in the medical records will be released by EMSA except as provided by the Facilities' policy, by a court order, or otherwise in accordance with applicable law. Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, all such records shall thereupon become and remain property of CAG; provided, however, EMSA shall have reasonable access to such records when necessary to enable it to properly prepare for litigation or anticipated litigation or any other legal or regulatory action brought or threatened by third persons in connection with services rendered during the term hereof. 6.2 Inmate Information. In order to assist EMSA in providing the appropriate health care services to Inmates, the Facility will provide EMSA with information pertaining to Inmates that EMSA identifies as reasonable and necessary for EMSA adequately to perform its obligations hereunder. 6.3 EMSA Records Available to the Facility with Limitations on Disclosure. EMSA will make available to the Facilities, at the Facilities' request, all records, documents and other papers relating to the direct delivery of health care services to Inmates hereunder; provided, however, that the Facilities understand that the systems, methods, procedures, written materials and other controls employed by EMSA in the performance of its Obligations hereunder are proprietary in nature and will remain the property of EMSA and may not, at any time, be used, distributed, copied or otherwise utilized by the Facilities except in connection with the delivery of health care services hereunder, unless such disclosure is approved in advance in writing by EMSA. 6.4 Facilities' Records Available to EMSA with Limitations and Disclosure. During the term of this Agreement and for a reasonable time thereafter, the Facilities will provide EMSA, at EMSA's request, Facilities' records' relating to the provision of health care Health Service Agreement Page 8 I . ' . services to Inmates as may be requested by EMSA or as are pertinent to the investigation or defense of any claim related to EMSA's conduct. The Facilities will make available to EMSA such records as are maintained by the Facilities, hospitals, and other outside health care providers involved in the care or treatment of Inmates (to the extent the Facilities have any claim to those records) as EMSA may reasonably request consistent with applicable law; provided, however, that any such information released by the Facility to EMSA that the Facilities considers and clearly labels confidential will be kept confidential by EMSA and will not, except as may be required by law, be distributed to any third party without prior written approval by the Facilities. 7. SECURITY 7.1 General. EMSA and CAG understand that adequate security is necessary for the safety of the agents, employees and subcontractors of. EMSA, as well as for the security of inmates and Facilities'staff. The Facilities will do its best to provide security to EMSA sufficient to enable EMSA and its personnel to safely provide the health care services called for hereunder. However, EMSA and its staff and personnel understand that the facilities in which services will be rendered is a detention or jail facility, and that working in such facilities involves inherent dangers. EMSA and its staff and personnel further understand that CAG cannot guarantee anyone's safety in such a facility and that CAG hereby does not make any guarantee as to the safety of EMSA and/or its agents, employees and subcontractors. In the event that any recommendation by EMSA for particular health services for any inmate, or transfers to a medical facility, should not be implemented and carried out for security reasons, Facility shall be responsible for any liability for any damages resulting from any such decision on the part of the Facility not to respond or to institute a requested transfer of any inmate. 7.2 Transportation Off-Site. The Facility will provide security as necessary and appropriate in connection with the transportation of any Inmate between the Facilities and any other location for off-site services as contemplated herein. 8. OFFICE SPACE AND EQUIPMENT . 8.1 Office Space and Support:.. ." .;....;.,,:. -":....~,,.. -'. '....' The Facilities agree to provide EMSA with office space, facilities, office furniture and utilities sufficient to enable EMSA to perform its obligations hereunder. EMSA will s'upply telephone service and equipment within the Facilities for local and long distance access for use of its personnel. 8.2 Delivery of Possession. The Facilities will deliver to EMSA on the date of commencement of this Agreement possession and control of all office equipment and supplies then in place at the Facilities' health care facilities that are the Facilities' property. Health Service Agreement Page 7 I . . . . . 8.3 General Services. The Facility will provide for each h;mate cOnfined to reside'in a health care/clinical ward or infirmary setting, services no less than the full range of services and facilities provided by CAG for other Inmates at the Facility including, but not limited to, daily housekeeping services, dietary services, building maintenance services, personal hygiene supplies and services, and linen supplies. 8.4 Medical Equipment Budget. Based on input from the EMSA medical administrator, the detention department will submit an annual budget for any capital equipment items necessary to provide services in the Facility. 8.5 Equipment and Supplies. EMSA represents and warrants that it will maintain a sufficient quality and quantity of medical supplies, disposable medical equipment and drugs and medications on hand during this Agreement to enable EMSA to perform its obligations hereunder. 9. TERM AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT 9.1 Contract Term. This Agreement will be effective 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 1998 for an initial term of one (1) year. This Agreement is renewable under like terms for two (2) additional terms for one (1) year years each, unless either party delivers written notice of non-renewal to the other party at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the then-existing term, in which event this Agreement will terminate upon the expiration of the then-existing term. 9.2 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated sooner on the first to occur of the following. 9.2.0.1 Termination by Agreement. In the event CAG and EMSA mutually agree in writing, this Agreement may be terminated on terms and date stipulated therein. 9.2.0.2 Termination for Default. In the event either party shall give notice to the other that such other party has materially defaulted in the performance of any of its material obligations hereunder and such default shall not have been cured within thirty (30) days fOllowing the giving of such notice in writi~g, the party giving notice shall have the right immediately to terminate this Agreement; proVided, however, that the cure period shall be 'limited: to ten (10)'days'if the default is failure by CAG to timely make any payments due EMSA hereunder. Health Service Agreement P8ge 8 t. . " . 9.2.0.3 Lack of Funds. Failure of the governing body of CAG to authorize or appropriate funds sufficient for CAG to meet its obligations hereunder. 9.3 Changes in the Law. If any statute, rule or regulation is passed or any order issued or any statute or guideline adopted materially increasing the cost to EMSA of providing health care services hereunder, EMSA and CAG will agree on additional compensati,on to be paid by CAG to EMSA as a result of such changes. ...... I; .. 10. COMPENSATION 10.1 Base Compensation. CAG will pay EMSA the sum of One Million Three Hundred Sixty-three Thousand Eight Hundred Eleven and 00/100 Dollars ($1,363,811.00) for the first year of this Agreement for the daily average base inmate population of 1,096, payable in twelve (12) equal monthly installments of One Hundred Thirteen Thousand Six Hundred Fifty and 92/100 Dollars ($113,650.92) per month. EMSA will bill CAG fifteen (15) days before the first day of the month for which services will be rendered, and CAG agrees to pay EMSA on or before the fifteenth day of the month for which services will be rendered. In the event this Agreement should terminate, or be amended on a date other than the end of a calendar month, compensation to EMSA will be pro-rated accordingly based on the fractional portion of the month during which EMSA actually provided services. 10.1.0.1 For the second year of this Agreement, CAG will pay EMSA the sum of One Million Four Hundred Four Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty-five and 00/100 ($1,404,725.00) for a daily average population of 1,096, payable in twelve (12) monthly installments of One Hundred Seventeen Thousand Sixty and 42/100 Dollars ($117,060.42) per month. EMSA will bill CAG fifteen (15) days before the first day of the month for which services will be rendered, and CAG agrees to pay EMSA on or before the. fifteenth .day of .the month for which services will be rendered. In the event this Agreement should terminate, or be amended, on a date other than the end of a calendar month, compensation will pro rated accordingly based on the fractional portion of the month during which EMSA actually provided services. 10.1.0.2 For the third year of this Agreement, CAG will pay EMSA the sum of One Million Four Hundred Fifty-three Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety and 00/100 dollars ($1,453,890.00) for a daily average population of 1,096, payable in twelve (12) monthly installments of One Hundred Twenty-one Thousand One Hundred Fifty-seven and 50/100 dollars ($121,157.509) per month. EMSA will bill CAG fifteen (15) days before the first day of the month for which services will be rendered, and the CAG agrees to pay EMSA on or before the fifteenth day of the month for which services will be rendered. In the event this Agreement should terminate, or be amended, on a date other than the end of a calendar month, compensation will pro rated accordingly based on the fractional portion of the month during which EMSA actually provided services. Health Service Agreement Page 9 . ....... . 01 ~ _,: .o!..... ... . . ..... ... . ,.. t . , 10.2 Increases in Inmate Population. A per diem rate of $1.16 will be applied to the monthly base compensation for each Inmate in excess of the daily base population (beyond a twenty-four hour period) of 1096 during the first year of the Agreement. During the second year of the Agreement, per diem rate of $1.19 will be applied to the monthly base compensation for each Inmate in excess of the daily base population (beyond a twenty-four hour period) of 1,096. During the third year of the Agreement, per diem rate of $1.23 will be applied to the monthly base compensation for each Inmate in excess of the daily base population (beyond a twenty-four hour period) of 1,096. 11. LIABILITY AND RISK MANAGEMENT 11.1 Professional Liability Insurance. At all times during the term of this Agreement, EMSA will maintain professional liability insurance covering EMSA, its employees, its 'officers; and 'agents with limits not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000) in the aggregate annually. Physicians and dentists provided by EMSA will be included in the above coverage. 11.2 Comprehensive General Liability. EMSA will maintain over the term of this Agreement, Comprehensive General Liability coverage of at least One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) bodily injury and property damage, combined single limit. 11.3 Workers' Compensation Insurance. EMSA will maintain over the term of this Agreement, Workers' Compensation Insurance for all of its employees' connected with the work of this Agreement and in any case of sub-contracting, will require that the sub-contractor has sufficient coverage as well. Such insurance will comply fully with the Worker's Compensation Law in the State in which Facility is located. 11.4 Indemnification. EMSA hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless CAG, Richmond County, the Augusta-Richmond County Commission,. th~ Sheriff of. Richmond County, a.nd their officers, employees and agents from and against any claims including but not limited to attorney's fees, costs and expenses of litigation against' 'CAG; the Augusta-Richmond County Commission, Richmond County, the Sheriff of Richmond County and their officers, employees and agents based on the negligence and/or inadequate medical care rendered pursuant to this Agreement regardless of whether the claim is brought pursuant to state tort laws or pursuant to federal law under 42 U.S.C. section 1983; provided, however that EMSA will not be responsible for any claim arising out of: (1) CAG or its employee(s) or agent(s) preventing an inmate from receiving medical care ordered or recommended by EMSA, its employees, agents or contractors; (2) failure of CAG's employee(s) or agent(s) to exercise good judgment in promptly presenting an ill or injured inmate Health Service Agreement Page 10 , , . . . . to EMSA for treatment; or (3) any other act or omission of CAG, its employees, contractors or agents. 12. MISCELLANEOUS 12.1 Independent Contractor Status. CAG expressly acknowledges that EMSA is an' independent contractor, and nothing in this Agreement is intended nor shall be construed to create an agency relationship, an employer/employee relationship, a joint venture relationship, or any other relationship allowing CAG to exercise control or direction over the manner or method by which EMSA or its subcontractors perform hereunder. 12.2 Assignment. EMSA may assign this Agreement to a parent, subsidiary or affiliate corporation upon providing ten (10) days prior notice to CAG. CAG and EMSA each binds itself, its successors, assigns and legal representatives to the other party hereto and to the successors, assigns, and legal representatives of such other party in respect to all covenants, agreements and obligations contained herein. 12.3 Notice. All notices or other communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally in hand or mailed certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid on the date posted, or by Federal Express or other nationally recognized overnight mail delivery for which evidence of delivery is obtained by sender, and addressed to the appropriate party at the following address or such other address may be given in writing to the parties:"" ....,... .' .....,. '- -, -.. . ...... '. CITY: Augusta, Georgia Attention: Chartes R. Oliver, Administrator Room 801 City-County Building 530 Greene Street Augusta, Georgia 30911 EMSA: President 1200 So. Pine Island, Suite 600 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33324 12.4 Governing Law; Venue. This Agreement and rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed by, and construed according to, the laws of the State of Georgia. All claims, disputes, and other matters in Health Service Agreement ... . ~.."1. ".. Page 11 , . . ~ '.. . . f ~ question between CAG and EMSA arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach thereof, shall be decided in the Superior Court of Richmond County, Georgia. EMSA, by executing this Agreement, specifically consents to venue in Richmond County, Georgia and waives any right to contest the venue in the Superior Court of Richmond County, Georgia. 12.5 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties and is intended as a complete and exclusive statement of the promises, representations, negotiations, discussions, and agreements that have been made in connection with the subject matter hereof. No modification or amendment to this Agreement shall be binding upon the parties unless the same is in writing and signed by the respective parties hereto. 12.6 Waiver of Breach. The waiver by either party of a breach or violation of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate as, or be construed to be, a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or other provision hereof. 12.7 Force Majeure. EMSA shall not be deemed in violation of this Agreement if it is prevented from performing any of its obligation hereunder for any reason beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, Inmate disturbances, lack of CAG's financial or physical resources, failure of CAG to provide proper security services, acts of God, civil or military authority, acts of public enemy, war accidents, fires, explosions, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods failure of transportation, or any similar cause beyond the reasonable control of either party. 12.8 Severability. In the event any provision of this Agreement is held to be unenforceable for any reason, the unenforceability thereof shall not affect the remainder of the Agreement which shall remain in full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with its terms. 12.9 Authority. Each party hereto expressly represents and warrants that the person executing this Agreement is the legal, valid and binding of each party. 12.10 Rights of Parties. Nothing in this Agreement, whether express or implied, is intended to confer any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement on any person other than the parties to it and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Health Service Ag......nt Page 12 , .. ' . .J~ .... . . IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have set their hands and seals hereto as of the day and year first above written. A~ar;l~ Attest: ~;"7"~~ Health Service Agreement CITY OF AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ~FVJi1 EMSA CORRECTIONAL CARE, INC. BY~ Marta Prado President Date: ~2.h"/97 , , ., Page 13