Title
Sheriff's Office recommending the Board approve and authorize Sheriff’s Captain, Tasha Thompson, to execute a reimbursement Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the California Health and Recovery Solutions, P.C., (CHRS) for the provision of Corrections Services needed by CHRS to facilitate the provision of Early Access and Stabilization Services (EASS) in California correctional facilities, in the monthly amount of $16,666.66 for the initial term of three years from the date of full execution.
FUNDING: Reimbursement MOU.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The County wishes to enter into a reimbursement MOU with CHRS to provide Corrections Services which could include but are not limited to, providing security and escorts for EASS staff throughout the jail, moving inmates to and from EASS activities, and monitoring inmates during EASS activities. These Corrections Services will enable CHRS to provide EASS for patients deemed incompetent to stand trial in the County’s correctional facilities.
For those deemed incompetent to stand trial, criminal proceedings are postponed and patients are held at County correctional facilities until competency treatment can be provided. Most patients will be placed on a wait list for admission to a state hospital facility for restoration services. In California, a significant demand for these services has resulted in a months-long waiting period for individuals to receive restoration services. This delay is not only difficult for the patients but also challenging for facilities and the courts.
The EASS program includes weekly psychiatric appointments, daily nursing services, weekly counseling, and psychological assessments. If EASS participants fail to overcome barriers to competency, they are transferred to more intensive Department of State Hospitals restoration programs. A primary goal of the EASS program is to evaluate patients, stabilize them psychiatrically, and provide treatment with individualized medication therapy. Once stabilized, individuals can more quickly complete a competency restoration program.
The EASS program provides services to patients at correctional facilities, and requires only small adjustments in facility staffing, with funding provided by the State. CHRS is a division of Wellpath, who is the contractor for the State providing EASS activities. CHRS will reimburse the County for the services provided in monthly payments of $16,666.66. At the end of the three-year term, the MOU will automatically be renewed for two (2) additional three (3) year terms unless CHRS delivers written notice to the County that their contract with the State of California has terminated.
ALTERNATIVES
Failure to provide this MOU to the State would prevent the Sheriff’s Office from receiving the CHRS services.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel has reviewed and approved and terms of this MOU.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no Net County Cost associated with this item. Reimbursement is from CHRS to the Sheriff’s Office.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Public Safety
CONTACT
Undersheriff Bryan Golmitz