Title
Health and Human Services Agency, Mental Health Division, recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 083-2015 designating specified professional personnel working at the Barton Healthcare System and Marshall Medical Center, pursuant to the Welfare and Institutions Code Sections 5150(a) and 5585.50(a), the authority to perform evaluations, and write and/or release involuntary psychiatric holds of adults and minors.
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Health and Human Services Agency, Mental Health Division (HHSA) recommending the Board adopt a resolution designating specified professional personnel working at the Barton Healthcare System and Marshall Medical Center to perform evaluations and write and/or release involuntary psychiatric holds of adults and minors pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 5150(a) and 5585.50(a).
For purposes of this resolution, specified professional personnel includes the following classes of persons as “other professional persons” under WIC 5150(a) and 5585.50(a): Physicians, Psychiatrists, licensed Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists working for Marshall Medical Center or Barton Healthcare System while on duty at said facility.
HHSA anticipates proactive and more efficient services to shared clients, a reduction in wait times for clients and families, a safer environment within the Emergency Department (ED) and a positive collaboration between the County Mental Health Division (MH) and hospitals in addressing the needs within the community as a result the changes herein. Under this Resolution, decisions regarding hospitalization, potential placement and treatment options will continue to reside with Mental Health clinical staff.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
As of November 4, 2014, the County of El Dorado Board of Supervisors approved Resolution No. 195-2014 delegating to the HHSA Mental Health Director, the authority to carry out the responsibi...
Click here for full text