Title
Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 030-S1811 with EDCA Lifeskills, Inc., for the provision of substance use disorder treatment services, for the term July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020, with a maximum contractual obligation of $240,000; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 030-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.
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 030-S1811 to provide substance use disorder treatment services for eligible individuals. Approval of this Agreement will allow for the provision of alcohol and drug counseling and treatment services for both existing and future clients.
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 substance use disorder treatment services due to the specialized skills and qualifications involved in the performance of the work.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is charged with improving the quality and availability of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitative services to reduce illness, death, disability, and cost to society resulting from substance abuse and mental illness. SAMHSA offers many grant opportunities, including the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) Federal block grant, which is mandated by the U.S. Congress to be used to fund substance abuse and mental health services. In California, the public system of care for the prevention and treatment of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is overseen by California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and is administered by counties. DHCS annually receives SAPT, Medicaid, and State Behavioral Health Realignment funding that it makes available to counties to provide these mandated substance abuse prevention and treatment services.
EDCA Lifeskills, Inc. provides a continuum of care that includes a variety of outpatient services including counseling services and substance abuse testing services. HHSA is able to refer both men and women to EDCA Lifeskills, Inc. for treatment.
HHSA has received substance use disorder funding since 2004, first from the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, and later from DHCS. At this time, HHSA has not yet received the renewal funding agreement from DHCS. However, as HHSA consistently receives funding from DHCS, it is anticipated that DHCS will continue to allocate funding to the County to enable continuation of mandated services. If HHSA does not receive funding from DHCS or if the funding is less than anticipated, HHSA will amend or cancel Agreement for Services 030-S1811 accordingly. The Agreement contains both “Fiscal Considerations” and “Default, Termination, and Cancellation” language.
Maximum contractual obligations are determined based upon historical financial analysis, utilization, service availability, location, and consideration of other factors such as changes in the Drug Medi-Cal services and client Medi-Cal eligibility.
ALTERNATIVES
Disapproval of Agreement for Services 030-S1811 will result in difficulty meeting the service demands of the community, may disrupt the progress and continuity of care for clients currently receiving services from EDCA Lifeskills, Inc., and based on current demand, will result in an inability to provide the service levels typically required by the funding agreement.
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.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on two (2) original Agreements for Services 030-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
Health and Human Services Agency Strategic Plan Project 3.2, “External/Community Collaboration.”
CONTACT
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., Director