Title
Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Amendment II to Agreement for Services 339 (170-S1611) with Sierra Child & Family Services, Inc., for the provision of Specialty Mental Health Services for minors, extending the term for a period of six months to be October 13, 2015 through December 31, 2018, and increasing the maximum contractual obligation by $1,087,908, effective July 1, 2018, for a new total of $4,934,701; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 339 (170-S1611), 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: State and Federal, Mental Health Services Act, and Realignment.
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION:
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign Amendment II to that Agreement, thereby extending the term for six months through December 31, 2018, and increasing the maximum contractual obligation in an amount sufficient for an additional six months of service, effective July 1, 2018.
Additionally, HHSA has determined, in accordance with County Ordinance Section 3.13.030, it is more economical and feasible to engage an independent contractor for the provision of Specialty Mental Health Services.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 5897 directs the State Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to implement the mental health services defined in Section 5850 (The Children's Mental Health Services Act) through agreements with county mental health programs or with counties acting jointly. Therefore, HHSA is contracted with DHCS to act as the County of El Dorado’s Mental Health Plan (MHP), which requires the County to provide Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) to eligible Medi-Cal beneficiaries of the County of El Dorado.
HHSA has existing agreements with multiple contractors for the provision of Specialty Mental Health Services for minors, including this Agreement #339 (170-S1611). HHSA had taken appropriate steps to renew said agreement for a term beginning July 1, 2018. However, on June 6, 2018, the State distributed an agreement for Counties that includes significant changes to the terms and conditions pertaining to the provision of Specialty Mental Health Services. These changes will require review and revision of the agreements with contractors for SMHS, including agreements that were intended to become effective July 1, 2018, but will now be processed with a January 1, 2019 target date. Therefore, HHSA is recommending the Board approve and authorize the extension of term for the existing Specialty Mental Health Services Agreement #339 (170-S1611) and a commensurate increase in compensation for the additional six month term, to allow time for analysis and response to the new terms and conditions.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could decline to approve the recommended Amendment to this Agreement, thereby allowing the Agreement to expire effective June 30, 2018, and creating a gap in available services.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel and 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 were 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) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on two (2) original Amendments to Agreement for Services #339 (170-S1611).
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Amendment to the HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road, Placerville, CA.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
N/A
CONTACT
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., M.P.A., Director