Program Partnership Contracts

For a successful collaboration to occur, in-depth discussions need to take place. Some of the questions to be addressed are:

• Has each party clearly defined their roles and responsibilities and determined how compensation is to be calculated? Good contracts make good partnerships.

• Do the personalities of the group match up well? Does each individual show a willingness to discuss and compromise to some degree if needed?

• Are there “deal breakers” that each party would not be willing to accept, either before the program begins or after it is in place.

• Is each side willing to “give and take” not only as the program is initiated but as demand increases? Partnerships are sometimes difficult and each person involved needs to understand that some decisions that may not be ideal for one party may be for the greater good of the program.

• What is the structure of the new program? Is it a true partnership or a contracted labor agreement, possibly with bonuses included for patient goals met?

• What are the expectations (in detail) from each partner?

• Is there an exit strategy for both parties if the collaboration does not work out well?

• How will disputes be resolved and for how long is the agreement in place?