Contract negotiation. The basics.

The contractual process for the purchase of a health-care facility information system is a major endeavor for today's informatics practitioners as more facilities purchase information solution from vendors rather than producing proprietary systems. The goal of the contractual process is not simply to protect either party from future litigation but to produce a clearly understood document that outlines the duties and responsibilities of both the organization and the vendor. This document should anticipate and set forth contingencies for problems that may arise in the future. Guidelines are offered to assist nurses who are members of the acquisition team better understand the contract review process.