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Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 2454 with Aegis Treatment Centers, LLC, for the provision of narcotic treatment program services, effective upon execution through June 30, 2019, with a maximum contractual obligation of $170,000; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 2454 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: Federal and State Funding.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION:
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board approve and authorize Agreement for Services #2454 with Aegis Treatment Center, LLC (Aegis) to provide specialized services in the form of a Narcotic Treatment Program for those eligible individuals of the HHSA Alcohol and Drug Program, upon execution through June 30, 2019, with a maximum obligation of $170,000.
Additionally, HHSA has determined that services provided pursuant to this Agreement #2454 satisfy the criteria defined in Chapter 3.13, Section 3.13.030 of the County Ordinance in that the work performed under this Agreement is on an “as requested” basis; therefore, it is more economical and feasible to engage an independent contractor for substance abuse treatment services.
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, HHSA’s clients receiving narcotic treatment services pursuant to HHSA’s current Agreement #220-F1811 with DHCS were paid for by the neighboring counties of Sacramento or Placer.
Aegis provides outpatient medication assisted treatment and patient-centered substance abuse counseling, specifically in the form of a Narcotic Treatment Program. Treatment is provided by physicians, clinic and caseload managers and counselors, medical assistants, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, vocational nurses, and psychiatric technicians. Aegis operates multiple treatment centers throughout California and the closest center to El Dorado County is located in Roseville.
Furthermore, through California’s Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Expansion Project, Aegis has developed a Roseville Community Outreach Program that outlines how Aegis will distribute information regarding available services through the California Hub and Spoke System (CA H&SS) in Placer, El Dorado, and Nevada counties. The CA H&SS program is being implemented as a way to improve, expand, and increase access to MAT services throughout the state.
ALTERNATIVES:
Disapproval of Agreement for Services #2454 will limit HHSA’s ability to provide narcotic treatment services, will limit availability of appropriately licensed and trained substance abuse counselors, could result in difficulty meeting the needs of the community, and may disrupt continuity of care for clients currently receiving services from this vendor.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel, Risk Management, Procurement and Contracts, and Human Resources
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) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on two (2) original Agreements for Services #2454.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Rd., Ste B.
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., M.P.A., Director