To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Behavioral Health
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Data Sharing Agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California Regarding the Exchange of Protected Health Information and Other Data Pertaining to Identified Medi-Cal Enrollees
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Waive the requirements of the Humboldt County Nuclear Free Ordinance with regard to the attached data sharing agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California;
2. Approve, and authorize the Department of Health and Human Services - Behavioral Health Director, or a designee thereof, to execute, the attached data sharing agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California regarding the exchange of Protected Health Information and other data pertaining to identified Medi-Cal enrollees;
3. Authorize the Department of Health and Human Services - Behavioral Health Director, or a designee thereof, to execute any and all subsequent amendments to the attached data sharing agreement with Partnership Health Plan of California; after review and approval by County Counsel, Risk Management and the County Administrative Office; and
4. Direct the Clerk of the Board to provide the Department of Health and Human Services - Contract Unit with one fully executed, certified copy of the Board order pertaining to this item.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
DHHS - Behavioral Health Funds (1170-424; 1180-425; 1180-431)
DISCUSSION:
In 2022, the California Department of Health Care Services launched the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal Intiative (CalAIM) which is designed to transform and strengthen the Medi-Cal Program by offering Californians a more equitable, coordinated and person-centered model to help people maximize their health and life trajectory. CalAIM will integrate Medi-Cal Enrollees’ care coordination and case management across physical health, behavioral health and social service providers. This model focuses on the need for integrated care for Medi-Cal enrollees at various stages of risk and needs, while also providing care to enrollees with the highest risk through Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports. CalAIM builds upon the county-based Whole Person Care pilots and plan-based Health Home Program that use whole-person care approaches to address underlying social drivers of health. CalAIM envisions enhanced coordination, integration and information exchange among managed care plans; physical, behavioral, community-based and social service providers; and county agencies.
CalAIM requires the exchange of Protected Health Information and other data pertaining to Medi-Cal enrollees, including an array of administrative, clinical, social and human service information across sectors. This exchange must occur in compliance with federal and state privacy laws, regulations and other data sharing rules.
Partnership HealthPlan of California is a county organized health system contracted with the State of California Department of Health Services to develop and maintain a health delivery system for assigned Medi-Cal enrollees in several counties in Northern California. The County of Humboldt is a contracted provider in good standing with Partnership HealthPlan of California. The attached data sharing agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California will allow the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services - Behavioral Health (DHHS - Behavioral Health) to meet CalAIM data sharing and regulatory obligations in accordance with the applicable requirements established by the California Department of Health Care Services.
Accordingly, DHHS - Behavioral Health recommends that the Board approve, and authorize the DHHS - Behavioral Health Director, or a designee thereof, to execute, the attached data sharing agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California regarding the exchange of Protected Health Information and other data pertaining to identified Medi-Cal enrollees. It is also recommended that the Board authorize the DHHS - Behavioral Health Director, or a designee thereof, to execute any and all subsequent amendments to the attached data sharing agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California, after review and approval by County Counsel, Risk Management and the County Administrative Office, in order to avoid any unnecessary delays in the exchange of needed Protected Health Information and other data pertaining to identified Medi-Cal enrollees.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no direct costs associated with the attached data sharing agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California.
STAFFING IMPACT:
Approval of the attached data sharing agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California will not impact current staffing levels.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
The recommended actions support the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Framework by protecting vulnerable populations, creating opportunities for improved safety and health and providing community-appropriate levels of service.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to approve the attached data sharing agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California regarding the exchange of Protected Health Information and other data pertaining to identified Medi-Cal enrollees. However, this alternative is not recommended as participation in the attached data sharing agreement is required by the California Department of Health Care Services.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Data Sharing Agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California Regarding the Exchange of Protected Health Information and Other Data Pertaining to Identified Medi-Cal Enrollees
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A