Revisions to the composition of the CalOptima Board of Directors were formally adopted by the Orange County Board of Supervisors in a 3-2 vote this week after an initial “first reading” vote that was taken on Dec. 6. The changes include the designation of a permanent seat for hospitals on the CalOptima Board, give hospitals a voice in the selection of their representative, and minimize the need for conflict-of-interest-related recusals by provider representatives on the CalOptima Board.

The revisions also increase the size of the CalOptima Board from 9 to 11, and more specifically delineate criteria for serving in Board seats. The changes bring CalOptima’s Board into closer alignment with those of similar entities across the HASC region. At the request of the Orange County membership, HASC strongly supported the hospital-related changes and the concept of closer alignment in composition for the CalOptima Board with the boards of other County Organized Health System and Local Initiative entities as a means toward achieving a stronger partnership among all stakeholders striving to serve the Medi-Cal population.

Supporting this week’s second reading vote were Chairman Campbell, Supervisor Bates, and Supervisor Nguyen. Supervisors Moorlach and Nelson voted no. Revisions to the Ordinance will take effect in 30 days.