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Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 235-S1711 with A Helping Hand Homecare, LLC., for the provision of “as requested” in-home and community care support services for HHSA’s Behavioral Health Division, Public Health Division, and Community Services Division; for the term October 11, 2016 through November 30, 2019 and with a maximum contractual obligation of $927,000 (comprised of $900,000 Behavioral Health, $17,000 Community Services, and $10,000 Public Health); and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 235-S1711, 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 Agreement for Services 235-S1711 to ensure ongoing availability of “as requested” in-home and community support services for existing and future HHSA clients. The contractor provides homemaker and personal care services, as well as transportation to medical appointments. These supportive services enable individuals to remain in their homes.
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 requested services.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The County has historically contracted with providers who offer twenty-four hour per day, seven day per week supportive services for HHSA clients on an “as requested” basis through residential treatment centers. However, in accordance with Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5600.0, “The mission of California’s mental health system shall be to enable persons experiencing severe and disabling mental illnesses …to access services and programs that assist them, in a manner tailored to each individual, to better control their illness, to achieve their personal goals, and to develop skills and supports leading to their living the most constructive and satisfying lives possible in the least restrictive available settings.” To facilitate this mission, HHSA desires to enter into an agreement with A Helping Hand Homecare, LLC., for the provision of an in-home and community support services.
Approval of Agreement for Services 235-S1711 will permit HHSA’s Behavioral Health Division to continue to assist specific clients who are able to live independently and function at a high level, as long as they receive specific in-home supportive services. By utilizing the services offered by A Helping Hand Homecare, LLC., HHSA can avoid placing high functioning clients in more costly and more restrictive residential treatment centers. The Behavioral Health portion of the Agreement is funded through the State Realignment and Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Funds.
Additionally, HHSA’s Community Services Division - Family Caregiver Support Program and Public Health’s Multipurpose Senior Service Program may utilize the services offered by A Helping Hand Homecare, LLC., to provide in-home services to specific clients on an “as requested” basis. Per HHSA’s contract with California Department of Aging, the primary objectives of the aging programs are to “avoid the premature placement of frail older persons in nursing facilities and to foster independent living in the (individual’s) community. To that end, HHSA’s Community Services and Public Health Divisions contract with A Helping Hand Homecare, LLC. for personal care services, meal preparation services, and transportation services. The Community Services Division and the Public Health Division portion of the Agreement is funded through HHSA’s agreement with the California Department of Aging.
Approval of this Agreement for Services 235-S1711 will terminate the existing Agreement for Services, 203-S1410, thereby ensuring continuity in services.
ALTERNATIVES
Disapproval of Agreement for Services 235-S1711 will result in difficulty in meeting the service demands of the community and will disrupt the continuity of care for clients currently receiving services from this vendor. Additionally, HHSA’s Behavioral Health Division would be required to pay for services from more costly residential treatment providers.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel, Risk Management, Human Resources, and Procurement and Contracts.
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 2016-17 budget, and will be included in future budgets for the term of the Agreement. The Behavioral Health Division has experienced cost savings in other contractual expenditures as a result of fewer long-term residential placements in more costly programs.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on two (2) original Agreements for Services 235-S1711.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to the HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
County strategic goal: Healthy Communities, Objective 1, "Protect against adverse outcomes among children, adults, and senior citizens."
CONTACT
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., Director