To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Mental Health
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Certification of the Need for Aegis Treatment Centers, LLC to Operate a Narcotic Treatment Program in Humboldt County
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve, and authorize the Humboldt County Substance Use Disorder Administrator to execute, the attached California Department of Health Care Services Form 5027 certifying the need for Aegis Treatment Centers, LLC to operate a narcotic treatment program in Humboldt County; and
2. Direct the Clerk of the Board to send a certified copy of the Board Order approving, and authorizing the Humboldt County Substance Use Disorder Administrator to execute, the attached California Department of Health Care Services Form 5027 to the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services - Contract Unit for further processing.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Mental Health Fund
DISCUSSION:
Aegis Treatment Centers, LLC manages 31 narcotic treatment programs at outpatient clinics across California. Aegis Treatment Centers, LLC is currently in the process of becoming licensed to operate a narcotic treatment facility located on First Street in Eureka, California. As part of the licensing process, Aegis Treatment Centers, LLC is required to submit a California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Form 5027 that has been executed by the Humboldt County Substance Use Disorder Administrator. Execution of the attached DHCS Form 5027 will affirmatively certify that there is a need for the provision of narcotic treatment program services in Humboldt County, and that any and all local ordinances, fire regulations and local planning agency requirements applicable to the operation of a narcotic treatment program have been complied with.
In 2017, Humboldt County had the second highest per capita opioid overdose death rate among California counties. There is currently a lack of any certified narcotic treatment program providers in Humboldt County, which has created a gap in addressing this community need. Aegis Treatment Centers, LLC will be the first narcotic treatment program provider in Humboldt County.
The Substance Use Disorder Services Agreements (State Standard Agreement Nos. 17-94072 and 17-94129) that the County of Humboldt has with DHCS contractually obligate the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services - Mental Health (DHHS - Mental Health) to provide, or arrange for the provision of, the covered services set forth therein, including, without limitation, narcotic replacement therapy services. Having a certified narcotic treatment program located in Humboldt County will allow DHHS - Mental Health to fulfill its contractual obligations regarding the provision of narcotic replacement therapy services, and other covered services, to eligible Drug Medi-Cal beneficiaries residing in Humboldt County.
Accordingly, DHHS - Mental Health recommends that the Board approve, and authorize the Humboldt County Substance Use Disorder Administrator to execute, the attached DHCS Form 5027 certifying the need for Aegis Treatment Centers, LLC to operate a narcotic treatment program in Humboldt County.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no immediate costs associated with approving and authorizing the Humboldt County Substance Use Disorder Administrator to execute the attached DHCS Form 5027 certifying the need for Aegis Treatment Centers, LLC to operate a narcotic treatment program in Humboldt County. Once the appropriate licensure and certification processes have been completed, DHHS - Mental Health will seek Board approval of a narcotic replacement therapy services agreement with Aegis Treatment Centers, LLC regarding the provision of narcotic replacement therapy services to eligible Drug Medi-Cal beneficiaries residing in Humboldt County. As a result, approving, and authorizing the Humboldt County Substance Use Disorder Administrator to execute, the attached DHCS Form 5027 will not impact the Humboldt County General Fund.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
The recommended actions support the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Framework by protecting vulnerable populations, supporting self-reliance of citizens, improving the safety and health of our communities and providing appropriate levels of services.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to approve and authorize the Humboldt County Substance Use Disorder Administrator to execute, the attached DHCS Form 5027 certifying the need for Aegis Treatment Centers, LLC to operate a narcotic treatment program in Humboldt County. However, this alternative is not recommended since it will not allow DHHS - Mental Health to fulfill its contractual obligations regarding the provision of narcotic replacement therapy services, and other covered services, to eligible Drug Medi-Cal beneficiaries residing in Humboldt County.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. California State Department of Health Care Services Form 5027 Certifying the Need for Aegis Treatment Centers, LLC to Operate a Narcotic Treatment Program in Humboldt County
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: 18-1209
Meeting of: 10/2/2018