Announcement of an Exempt Purchase

Patient Communication Boards are used in the hospital which involves patients in the pain management treatment planning process through the following: 1. Developing realistic expectations and measurable goals that are understood by the patient for the degree, duration, and reduction of pain. 2. Discussing the objectives used to evaluate treatment progress (for example, relief of pain and improved physical and psychosocial function). 3. Providing education on pain management, treatment options, and safe use of opioid and non-opioid medications when prescribed. This is a requirement for pain management for patients by The Joint Commission for certification of the hospital. (See also RI.01.02.01, EPs 68 RI.01.03.01, EP 6).

This purchase is exempt from the usual selection processes of the Procurement Code because the procurement expenditure is for medical supplies or medical services necessary for the delivery of care and treatment at medical, dental, or veterinary teaching facilities utilized by SIU or U of I (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b-5)) Patient Communication Boards are used in the hospital which involves pain management treatment planning and direct patient care. Without access to these specific equipment the hospital would not be able to offer proper patient care, which in turn would drive patients else where and a loss in revenue to their hospital partners and possible state certification loss to the hospital.