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Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Make findings in accordance with County Ordinance 3.13.030 (B) that it is appropriate to contract with New Morning Youth and Family Services, Inc. for the provision of Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) for children and young adults provided under Amendment I to Agreement 5615 because “Specialty skills and qualifications not expressly identified in classifications are involved in the performance of the work;”
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Amendment I to Agreement for Services 5615 with New Morning Youth and Family Services, Inc., to retroactively shift the maximum annual contractual obligation funding between Traditional SMHS and Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) SMHS programs for Fiscal Year 2021-22, and to shift funding between these programs for Fiscal Years 2022-23 through 2023-24, with no change to the maximum obligation or term of the Agreement; and
3) Authorize the HHSA Director, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement 5615, 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: 50% Medi-Cal, 39% Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), and 11% Traditional.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
The Mental Health Plan (MHP) in each county is responsible for providing or arranging for the provision of Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) to local residents that are Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Beneficiaries become eligible for SMHS when an identified mental health condition has a significant impact on the individual’s life functioning. SMHS require a specialized skill set and treatment approach and are not effectively remediated by a general provider in the field of mental health. The Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) Behavioral Health Division acts as the MHP for the County of El Dorado and thereby has the obligation to provide eligible children, youth, and young adult residents with access to designated SMHS, including acute psychiatric care, in accordance with California Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 5600 et seq., 14000 et seq., and 17000 et seq.
This Agreement with New Morning Youth and Family Services, Inc. (NMYFS) ensures compliance with all Federal and State requirements and will continue to uphold parameters such as consistency in service delivery expectations, performance measures and outcomes, productivity, and funding. To date, NMYFS performance measures for services provided under Agreement #5615, such as timely access to services and services offered, have indicated that they are providing high quality SMHS to eligible children, youth, and young adults in our community.
Amendment I is necessary to retroactively shift maximum annual contractual obligation funding between Traditional SMHS and MHSA SMHS programs for Fiscal Year 2021-22, and to shift funds between programs for Fiscal Years 2022-23 through 2023-24, with no change to the maximum obligation or term of the Agreement.
Regarding the retroactive nature of this Amendment I, the services provided were critical, serving El Dorado youth that are facing mental health challenges. The services provided were allowable within the scope and did not exceed the maximum contractual obligation; however, the services provided did exceed the amount identified for MHSA funding by $30,283.36. The HHSA remains focused on process and procedure improvements to reduce retroactive requests within HHSA’s control. To mitigate this from reoccurring, HHSA will collaborate with NMYFS to document total categorical funding spent on invoices submitted to HHSA for approval. This will allow the provider and HHSA to more closely partner in monitoring total categorical spending on a regular and ongoing basis.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this recommendation, HHSA will be limited in its capacity to provide SMHS and clients currently receiving services from NMYFS would experience a disruption in the continuity of services.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
1) 21-0543, 06/08/21, Approval of Agreement 5615
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Approved by County Counsel, Human Resources, and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Services under this Amendment I are funded with 39% Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) and 11% Traditional, as well as Medi-Cal reimbursement of approximately 50%. Funds have been allocated for these services in Fiscal Year 2021-22 and will continue to be allocated in future fiscal years for the duration of this Agreement.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on one (1) original Amendment I to Agreement for Services 5615.
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
Daniel Del Monte, Interim Director, Health and Human Services Agency