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Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 012-S1811 with Charis Youth Center, for the provision of “as requested” Specialty Mental Health Services for minors, for the term July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020, with a maximum contractual obligation of $185,000; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 012-S1811, 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 the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 012-S1811 to provide “as requested” Specialty Mental Health Services for eligible minors, thus ensuring HHSA meets the requirements of the funding source.
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 Specialty Mental Health Services as the County does not possess the facilities, special qualifications, or support services required to perform the work described in the Agreement for Services.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
The County has contracted with the State of California, Department of Health Care Services to serve as the Mental Health Plan (MHP) for the County of El Dorado. As the MHP, there are certain services required of the County, including but not limited to outpatient Specialty Mental Health Services for children and youth as identified in California Welfare and Institutions Code section 14684(a)(7).
The Agreement with Charis Youth Center provides mandated Specialty Mental Health Services to eligible minors, on an “as requested” basis. Charis Youth Center provides twenty-four (24) hour treatment and services, specialized outpatient treatment services, and Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS) for mentally ill minors with the highest needs. All Specialty Mental Health Services are provided in accordance with Title 9 California Code of Regulations, Division 1, Chapter 11. Contracting with Charis Youth Center provides clients with intensive services at the lowest appropriate level of care, thus reducing the high cost of placements in more restrictive environments. HHSA contracts with several vendors who provide the same services, to ensure the volume and scope of services required by this particular population continues to be met.
The rates in this agreement include a two percent increase over the Fiscal Year (FY) 2016/17 rates. HHSA contacted the vendor to request holding the rates constant at the FY 2016/17 rates. Charis Youth Center denied this request and indicated that the rate increase is necessary due to their increased cost in providing the services. The County does not possess the 24 x 7 facilities required to provide Specialty Mental Health Services and there are limited vendors who do provide this specialized service. Failure to contract with Charis Youth Center will negatively impact HHSA's ability to meet the service requirements outlined in the MHP.
ALTERNATIVES:
Disapproval of Agreement for Services 012-S1811 will result in difficulty meeting the service demands of the community, and may disrupt progress and continuity of care for clients currently receiving services from Charis Youth Center. Disapproval of this Agreement also will negatively impact HHSA’s ability to provide mandated services.
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 were included in the FY 2016-17 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 012-S1811.
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 plan goal - “Healthy Communities - Improved health, well-being and self-sufficiency of El Dorado County communities, residents, and visitors.”
CONTACT
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., Director