To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Behavioral Health
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Memorandum of Understanding with Mendocino County Regarding the Provision of Patients’ Rights Advocacy Services to be Exchanged, for Coverage in Each County
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve, and authorize the Chair of the Board to execute, the attached memorandum of understanding with Mendocino County regarding the provision of reciprocal coverage of patients’ rights advocacy services for the period of upon execution through December 31, 2024;
2. 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 memorandum of understanding with Mendocino County, after review and approval by County Counsel, Risk Management and the County Administrative Office; and
3. Direct the Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed original copy of the attached memorandum of understanding with Mendocino County, to the Department of Health and Human Services - Contract Unit for further processing.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Behavioral Health Fund
DISCUSSION:
Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services - Behavioral Health and Mendocino County are required to provide patients’ rights advocacy to clients in accordance with Sections 862, et seq. of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations (“C.C.R.”). Patients’ Rights Advocacy services are needed to conduct probable cause hearings, with certain proceedings being scheduled weekly. Both Counties employ only one patients’ rights advocate causing hardship with vacations and other paid time off being utilized. The attached memorandum of understanding will provide adequate reciprocal coverage to perform the services required for both counties.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The attached memorandum of understanding does not include any exchange of funds between Humboldt and Mendocino counties. The patients’ rights advocates providing coverage per the attached memorandum of understanding with Mendocino County for the period of upon execution through December 31, 2024, will do so within their regular scope of service. Expenditure appropriations for Salary and Benefits for 1.0 FTE Patients’ Rights Advocate is included in DHHS-Behavioral Health Administration budget unit 1170-424, with funding available from Medi-Cal Federal Financial Participation and Behavioral Health Realignment. As such, there is no impact on County General Fund.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by protecting vulnerable populations , creating opportunities for improved health and safety and providing community-appropriate levels of service.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board could choose not to approve the attached memorandum of understanding with Mendocino County regarding the provision of patients’ rights advocacy services to be exchanged for coverage in each county. However, this alternative is not recommended since it will not allow DHHS - Behavioral Health to provide comprehensive coverage of patients’ rights advocacy services.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Memorandum of Understanding with Mendocino County Regarding the Provision of Patients’ Rights Advocacy Services to be Exchanged for Coverage In Each County.
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A