File #: 20-1604    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Informational Report Status: Passed
File created: 12/7/2020 In control: DHHS: Administrative
On agenda: 1/5/2021 Final action: 1/5/2021
Title: Deallocation of Psychiatric Physician's Assistant and Allocation of Psychiatric Mid-Level Practitioner
Attachments: 1. Staff Report

To: Board of Supervisors

From: DHHS: Administration

Agenda Section: Consent

SUBJECT:
title
Deallocation of Psychiatric Physician's Assistant and Allocation of Psychiatric Mid-Level Practitioner
end

RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the deallocation of one full time equivalent (FTE) 1.0, Psychiatric Physician's Assistant (salary range 504, class 0921) position 01, in budget unit (BU) 1170-424; and
2. Approve the allocation of one FTE 1.0, Psychiatric Mid-Level Practitioner (salary range 555, class 0912) in BU 1170-424; effective the pay period following Board approval.

Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Behavioral Health Fund (1175)

DISCUSSION:
The current Psychiatric Physician's Assistant position has been vacant for an extended period and has been difficult to fill due to the limited number of applicants with the type of licensure needed for the job classification. Allocating a Psychiatric Mid-Level Practitioner would expand the license types available to fill the position and allow for more flexibility in recruiting and filling much-needed positions in the Department of Health and Human Services - Behavioral Health (DHHS - Behavioral Health). Given the competitive job market and Humboldt County being a critical need area for licensed practitioners, it is advantageous for the DHHS-Behavioral Health to broaden this position to accommodate similarly scoped licenses into one job category.

A Psychiatric Physician's Assistant is required to have a Supervising Physician present in the building, while different license types under a Psychiatric Mid-Level Practitioner may allow the practitioner to work independently or in collaboration with a physician, expanding and strengthening continuity of care at DHHS - Behavioral Health while allowing the reduction in usage of contracted providers.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Psychiatric Physician's Assistant and Psychiatric Mid-Level Practitioner positions are funded by Mental Healt...

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