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Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 3320 with BAART Behavioral Health Services, for the provision of Narcotic Treatment Program services, effective upon execution through June 30, 2020 with a maximum contractual obligation of $124,000;
2) Find in accordance with County Ordinance Section 3.13.030 it is more economical and feasible to engage an independent contractor for Narcotic Treatment Program services; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 3320, including amendments which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement, and contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: Estimated to be 50% Federal and 50% Realignment.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On July 28, 2017, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) released Mental Health Substance Use Disorder Services (MHSUDS) Information Notice No. 17-036 which obligates all Counties to provide Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) State Plan services to all beneficiaries who reside in that county per Section 2: Covered Services of Exhibit A, Attachment 1 of the “State/County” DMC contract and Government Code 30026.5 (e)(5). The Information Notice clarified that Counties are expected to establish contractual arrangements to ensure that the county of residence is financially responsible to pay for any DMC entitlement services being provided to its residents by another county. Historically, pursuant to HHSA’s current Agreement #220-F1811 with DHCS, HHSA’s clients receiving narcotic treatment services were only available in neighboring counties of Sacramento or Placer and were paid for by those counties.
NTPs provide outpatient medication assisted treatment and patient-centered substance abuse counseling. Treatment is provided by physicians, clinic and caseload managers and counselors, medical assistants, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, vocational nurses and psychiatric technicians.
BAART Behavioral Health Services has the necessary expertise to provide NTP and since the need for services in any given fiscal year is difficult to anticipate, HHSA plans to contract with multiple vendors in order to provide sufficient availability of NTP services.
ALTERNATIVES
Disapproval of Agreement for Services #3320 will limit HHSA’s ability to provide narcotic treatment services, it will limit availability of appropriately licensed and trained substance abuse counselors, it could result in difficulty meeting the needs of the community, and may disrupt continuity of care for clients currently receiving services from these vendors.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel & Risk Management
CAO RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. Sufficient appropriations have been included in the Fiscal Year 2018-19 budget, and will be included in future budgets for the term of the Agreement.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Obtain signature of Chair on two (2) originals of Agreement for Services #3320.
2) Forward one (1) fully executed document of the Agreement to HHSA-Contracts Unit, 3057 Briw Road, Placerville for further processing.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
County strategic plan goal #5 - Healthy Communities - “Improved health, well-being, and self-sufficiency of El Dorado County communities, residents, and visitors.”
CONTACT
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., MPA,
Director, Health and Human Services Agency