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Health and Human Services Agency, Mental Health Division, recommending the Board authorize the Chair to sign a letter of recommendation for Tahoe Turning Point's application to seek a license with the California Department of Health Care Services Substance Use Disorder Programs to provide counseling and education services for South Lake Tahoe clients who have been convicted of a Driving Under the Influence offense.
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Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost
There is no fiscal impact or change to Net County Cost associated with this agenda item.
Background
Although the California Department Health Care Services (DHCS), Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program is responsible for licensing all Driving Under the Influence (DUI) programs statewide, the licensing process begins at the county level. Applicants must first contact the appropriate County Alcohol and Drug Program Administration to determine whether applications for new DUI programs are being accepted. Applications may be accepted to provide first offender services, multiple offender services, or both. An application packet may then be obtained from the Substance Use Disorder Services - Compliance Branch at DHCS. Once the application is completed, it must be submitted to the appropriate County Alcohol and Drug Program Administration for approval. The County Alcohol and Drug Program Administration must submit the application to the Board of Supervisors to obtain a recommendation for licensure. Once the recommendation is obtained, the application is then submitted by the applicant to DHCS-Substance Use Disorder Program, along with the non-refundable application fee.
Within the application, the applicant must demonstrate that it possesses the adequate administrative, fiscal, and operational capabilities to operate a DUI program; that the program is clean, safe, and free of alcohol or illicit drug use; and the applicant will adhere to all applicable statutes and regulations. After review and approval of the application by DHCS, a license may be issued to provide DUI services.
The County Alcohol and Drug Program Administration has reviewed Tahoe Turning Point's (TTP) application including policies, procedures, program descriptions, and staffing plan, and has also performed a site visit to ensure compliance with Title 9, California Code of Regulations.
TTP, a non-profit public benefit corporation, qualified as a tax exempt organization under Title 26 Code of Federal Regulations Section 1.501 (c) (3), has been providing Group Home Residential Care services for adolescents placed there by Child Protective Services or the Courts since 1999. In addition, since 2012, TTP has been providing Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Treatment services through contracts with the County, and has highly qualified staff certified in Alcohol and Drug Counseling. TTP has received inquiries from the community requesting DUI counseling and education services, specifically in the South Lake Tahoe region. TTP is now seeking licensure to provide said services to County residents.
Reason for Recommendation
The Health and Human Services Agency, Alcohol and Drug Program is requesting the Board sign a letter recommending TTP's application to the California Department of Health Care Services SUD Programs for consideration of DUI Program licensing.
In the event that the State approves this application for DUI Program services licensing, the County will have an additional qualified, licensed DUI Program available to provide education and counseling services for those individuals convicted of a DUI, ensuring availability of said services in the South Lake Tahoe region.
Clerk of the Board Follow Up Actions
1. Clerk of the Board to obtain the Chair's signature on two (2) original letters of recommendation for TTP's application for DUI Program licensing.
2. Clerk of the Board to return one (1) original signed letter of recommendation to HHSA Contracts Unit, 3057 Briw Road, Suite B.
Contact
Don Ashton, MPA, Director