Title
Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 4603 with Nancy Callahan, doing business as I.D.E.A. Consulting, to provide assessment, analysis, and recommendations regarding the Behavioral Health Adult System of Care, for the term of twelve months upon execution, in the amount of $100,000;
2) Make findings that in accordance with County Ordinance Section 3.13.030 (F), this contract is necessary to “protect against a conflict of interest or to ensure independent and unbiased findings where there is a need for an outside perspective”; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 4603, 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: 50% Behavioral Health Realignment and 50% MHSA funding.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
The Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) Behavioral Health Services division has faced high levels of staff vacancy and turnover for many years, resulting in challenges to providing direct services to the community. Children's Specialty Mental Health Services have been contracted with local providers at least since 2004-05, thereby allowing the County staff to focus on Adult Mental Health Services. In 2014, the Psychiatric Health Facility services were contracted with Telecare, allowing the Behavioral Health staff to focus on adult outpatient services. In the fall of 2019, the Chief Administrative Office inquired as to the potential benefits of contracting for all Adult Mental Health Services. The goal would be to ensure the most effective, efficient and appropriate levels of service for Adult Mental Health Services in El Dorado County. In response to these considerations, the Health and Human Services Agency determined that an overview of the current practices, policies, and processes would help inform a plan of action to address concerns regarding the provision of services to the community and clients involved with the Adult Mental Health Services.
HHSA undertook a review of available consultants to provide a review, assessment, and recommendations regarding current Behavioral Health services. It was determined that this consultant, Nancy Callahan dba I.D.E.A. Consulting, offers the background, experience, and expertise in the area of working with counties on Behavioral Health organizational and systematic concerns and issues. I.D.E.A. Consulting has contracted with the following counties regarding Behavioral Health Services, including: Alpine County, Butte County, Colusa County, Del Norte County, Fresno County, Glenn County, Inyo County, Lake County, Mariposa County, Mendocino County, Nevada County, Placer County, Sacramento County, San Benito County, Tehama County, Trinity County, and Yolo County.
The review will include an analysis of the most current, available data over the past three years on clients, service utilizations, and outcomes. In addition, on-site interviews and observations of programs will be conducted by the Review Team. For both county and contract providers, these interviews will involve each organization’s director, clinicians, case managers, and Quality Management staff. In addition, consumers, family members and other key stakeholders will be interviewed. These interviews will provide an overview of the programs, services, clients, and budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this Agreement #4603, the Behavioral Health Division would continue to operate status quo.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Approved by County Counsel, and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
This Agreement for Services will result in a decrease in available Behavioral Health Realignment and MHSA funding by $100,000. Sufficient appropriations are included in the fiscal year 2019-20 budget, and will be included in future budgets for the term of this 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 #4603.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to the Health and Human Services Agency Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road, Suite B.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Good Governance and Healthy Communities.
CONTACT
Don Semon, Director