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Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 3592 with BHC Health Services of Nevada, Inc., doing business as West Hills Hospital, for the provision of inpatient acute mental health treatment, for the perpetual term beginning March 1, 2019 until terminated, with a maximum contractual obligation of $200,000 per fiscal year;
2) Find that the County does not possess the facilities or personnel for inpatient acute mental health treatment and has determined, in accordance with County Ordinance Section 3.13.030, it is more economical and feasible to engage an independent contractor for these services; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 3592, 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: 1991 and 2011 Mental Health Realignment
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 5897 directs the State to implement the mental health services defined in the WIC Section 5800 (Adult and Older Adult Mental Health System of Care Act), Section 5840 (Prevention and Early Intervention Programs), and Section 5850 (The Children’s Mental Health Services Act) through contracts with county mental health programs or with counties acting jointly. The Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), on behalf of the County, contracts with the State to serve as the Mental Health Plan (MHP) of the County.
HHSA, as the MHP, maintains contracts with as many inpatient psychiatric hospital facilities as possible to ensure the availability of inpatient services in order to meet the needs of those we serve in accordance with Exhibit E, Attachment 1 of the MHP Agreement (3190), and per 42 Code of Federal Regulations Section 438.2. Of the five inpatient psychiatric hospitals in Northern California available to non-veteran clients, within an approximate two hour drive of the east slope, HHSA contracts with four of them and is actively developing a contract with the fifth in Sacramento County. Furthermore, the Telecare El Dorado County Psychiatric Health Facility does not serve children, and is not safely accessible to east slope clients during the winter months.
BHC Health Services of Nevada, doing business as West Hills Hospital, is an inpatient psychiatric hospital in Reno, Nevada serving children and adults. HHSA has contracted with West Hills since 2014 to serve clients on the east slope.
In accordance with Board of Supervisors Policy C-17, Section 7.11 “Contracts over $100,000,” prior to finalizing this Agreement 3592 with West Hills Hospital, HHSA sought and received a review of the scope of services and the contractor’s professional qualifications by a group of individuals qualified to judge the contractor’s ability to perform the services, including one representative from outside the department requesting the services.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this recommendation, HHSA would continue to provide services through existing contracts with other vendors, which would limit HHSA’s capacity for these services.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
1) 06/10/2014, 14-0698, HHSA BHC Heritage Oaks, BHC Sierra Vista, and BHC West Hills
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Approved by County Counsel, Human Resources, and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
This Agreement for Services is a renewal of a prior year agreement and continues to be funded with State Realignment funding. The rate has increased 17% since the execution of the original Agreement in 2014. Inpatient psychiatric hospitals located in California are restricted to rates negotiated with the County in which they reside (Host County rate); however, due to its location in Nevada, West Hills is not subject to this requirement. Despite the increase in rates, West Hills Hospital remains the geographic choice for services on the east slope of the County.
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. Sufficient appropriations were included in the fiscal year 2018-2019 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 3592.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
County of El Dorado Strategic Plan Goal: Healthy Communities - Improved health, well-being and self-sufficiency of El Dorado County communities, residents, and visitors.
CONTACT
Don Semon, Director