The last MSR for the health care districts was done by LAFCo in 2007. That MSR included both districts in one report, as will be done in the next MSR.
See: Web Link
That MSR established a “transitional sphere of influence†recognizing that “The health care needs of all county residents may benefit from alternative organizational structures, boundaries and funding mechanisms including but not limited to dissolution, consolidation, expanded service areas and joint power agreements to include all of San Mateo County.
The 2012-2013 San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury found that the 2007 service review of SHD conducted by (LAFCo) would have had more substance if a consultant knowledgeable about health care districts had assisted in its preparation. The Grand Jury noted that SHD gives funds to the Ravenswood Clinic, even though the clinic is not located within its boundaries. The Grand Jury also noted that the San Francisco State University (SFSU) Nursing Program supported by SHD needs careful monitoring to ensure that future graduates become and remain employed at Sequoia Hospital, or at least elsewhere within the County.
The Ravenswood Clinic clientele consists of 16% district residents and 84% non-residents.
I look forward to this new MSR, and hope that it will facilitate an election in which voters can either:
1. Create one countywide healthcare district funded from within the 1% ad valorem property tax as is how the two districts are now funded, or;
2. Dissolve the districts with property tax revenue apportioned to other agencies sharing those district boundaries.
See: Web Link
