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Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Amendment I to Agreement for Services 2454 with Aegis Treatment Centers, LLC, for the provision of narcotic treatment program services, extending the term for two (2) years to cover the period of July 17, 2018 through June 30, 2021, with no change to the maximum obligation;
2) Make findings in accordance with County Ordinance 3.13.030 that it is more economical and feasible to contract with Aegis Treatment Centers, LLC for services provided under this Agreement 2454 because the County has neither the staff nor facilities to perform said services; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent or their designee to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 2454, 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: 47% Federal, 11% State, 26% Realignment, and 16% Other.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
On July 28, 2017, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) released Mental Health Substance Use Disorder Services (MHSUDS) Information Notice No. 17-036 which obligates all Counties to provide Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) State Plan services to all beneficiaries who reside in that county per Section 2: Covered Services of Exhibit A, Attachment 1 of the “State/County” DMC contract and Government Code 30026.5 (e)(5). The Information Notice clarified that Counties are expected to establish contractual arrangements to ensure that the county of residence is financially responsible to pay for any DMC entitlement services being provided to its residents by another county. Historically, Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) clients receiving narcotic treatment services pursuant to HHSA’s current Agreement #220-F1811 with DHCS were paid for by the neighboring counties of Sacramento or Placer.
Aegis provides outpatient medication assisted treatment and patient-centered substance abuse counseling, specifically in the form of a Narcotic Treatment Program. Treatment is provided by physicians, clinic and caseload managers and counselors, medical assistants, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, vocational nurses, and psychiatric technicians. Aegis operates multiple treatment centers throughout California. The closest center to El Dorado County is located in Roseville.
Furthermore, through California’s Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Expansion Project, Aegis has developed a Roseville Community Outreach Program that outlines how Aegis will distribute information regarding available services through the California Hub and Spoke System (CA H&SS) in Placer, El Dorado, and Nevada counties. The CA H&SS program is being implemented as a way to improve, expand, and increase access to MAT services throughout the state.
Amendment I extends the term of the Agreement for an additional two (2) years to allow for continued treatment of clients in need of services.
In accordance with Board of Supervisors Procurement Policy C-17, Section 7.11, the contractor selection process for service contracts in excess of $100,000 must include a review of the scope of services and contractor’s professional qualifications by a group of individuals (including at least one representative from outside the department requesting the services) qualified to judge the contractor’s ability to perform the services. HHSA has documentation on file that such a review was performed for Agreement 2454 with Aegis Treatment Centers, LLC.
ALTERNATIVES:
Disapproval of Amendment I to Agreement for Services 2454 will limit HHSA’s ability to provide narcotic treatment services, will limit availability of appropriately licensed and trained substance abuse counselors, could result in difficulty meeting the needs of the community, and may disrupt continuity of care for clients currently receiving services from this vendor.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
07/17/18 18-0233 Approved
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 utilizes Federal, State, Realignment, and other funding. There is no increase to the maximum obligation under this Agreement. Funds have been allocated for this Agreement in fiscal year 2018-19, and will be continue to be allocated in future fiscal years for the duration of the Agreement.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on two (2) originals of Amendment I to Agreement for Services 2454; and
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Amendment to the HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road, Suite B.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Healthy Communities
CONTACT
Don Semon, Director