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Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Make findings in accordance with County Ordinance 3.13.030 that it is appropriate to contract with Psynergy Programs, Inc. for services provided under Agreement 4738 because (B) “Specialty skills and qualifications not expressly identified in County classifications are involved in the performance of the work;”
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Amendment 2 to Agreement for Services 4738 with Psynergy Programs, Inc., which increases the maximum obligation from $450,000 to $950,000, with no change to the term of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023; and
3) Authorize the HHSA Director, or their designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement 4738, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management, including amendments, which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement.
FUNDING: Federal and State Funding: 50% Federal Medi-Cal; 50% State Mental Health Realignment.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
Acting as the Mental Health Plan for the County of El Dorado, the County has the obligation to provide eligible County residents with mental health services, including adult residential facility services in accordance with Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5600 et seq., 5775 et seq., 14000 et seq., and 17000 et seq.
Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs), like those operated by Psynergy Programs, Inc. (Psynergy), facilitate the movement of mental health clients from restricted living environments to less restricted, independent-living, in the community. To meet the demand for client ARF placements, the County contracts with ARFs both in the County and out-of-county; however, bed availability is limited, which may result in long wait times for client admissions. By contracting with Psynergy, the County will have access to seven additional facilities in the State, four of which are located in Sacramento County.
Agreement 4738 with Psynergy was approved by the Board on June, 23, 2020 (File ID 20-0347) with a maximum obligation of $450,000 and a term effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023. Amendment 1 to that Agreement, approved by the Purchasing Agent on June 16, 2021, updated language primarily to the Scope of Work.
With the closure of El Dorado County’s in-County ARF in November 2021, the need for available ARF beds has increased drastically. Therefore, this Amendment 2 to the Agreement 4738 updates standard articles and adds an additional $500,000 to the maximum obligation, for a new maximum obligation of $950,000, as necessary for continued and additional client placements.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this recommendation, HHSA would continue to provide services through existing contracts, but would be limited in its ability to provide services to eligible County clients.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
06/23/20, 20-0347, HHSA Psynergy Programs, 4738
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Approved by County Counsel, Human Resources, and Risk Management. The Auditor-Controller has been notified per Board Policy B-12.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. Sufficient appropriations were included in the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget, and will be included in future budgets for the term of the Agreement.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on two (2) original Amendment 2s to Agreement 4738; and
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Amendment to HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Rd, Suite B.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
County of El Dorado Strategic Plan Goal: Healthy Communities - Improved health, well-being and self-sufficiency of El Dorado County communities, residents, and visitors.
CONTACT
Don Semon, Director, Health and Human Services Agency