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Adopt a resolution affirming the Mental Health Plan Performance Contract with the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), as newly required by DHCS, for the period of July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021 outlining conditions and requirements to receive funding for Mental Health Services Act, Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness and Community Mental Health Services Block Grant programs; and Authorize the County Administrator to sign and execute this contract and any administrative amendments
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution affirming the Mental Health Plan Performance Contract with the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), as newly required by DHCS, for the period of July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021 outlining conditions and requirements to receive funding for Mental Health Services Act, Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness, and Community Mental Health Services Block Grant programs; and Authorize the County Administrator to sign and execute this contract and any administrative amendments.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The State Department of Health Care services (DHCS) recently issued the Mental Health Plan (MHP) performance contract retroactively to July 1, 2018, and also recently implemented a requirement for Board of Supervisors approval of DHCS contracts for mental health and substance use disorder services.
Described as the MHP Performance Contract, this contract outlines the responsibilities that the County has in providing mental health services in accordance with several functions: Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act, Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) grant, Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG), Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP), and community mental health services pursuant to the Bronzan McCorquodale Act. Of note, the CCP section does not currently apply; it defines funding that can be awarded upon Presidential declaration of an emergency. If enacted, participation in the CCP is voluntary.
The contract outlines the County’s obligations such as reporting requirements and audits. Solano County receives funds in accordance with three of the functions covered by this contract, each with county-specific annual agreements: MHSA, PATH, and MHBG. The regulations that apply to these funding sources are outlined in the contract. For MHSA, for example, the contract includes the County’s requirement to conduct an MHSA stakeholder process, develop Three-Year Plans, and submit annual MHSA Revenue and Expenditure Reports. The contract also cites the sections of the California Code of Regulations and the Welfare and Institution Code that apply to MHSA. In Solano County, the PATH grant funds a portion of a Mental Health Specialist who conducts outreach to the homeless. The MHBG has two set-aside requirements: 1) Early Psychosis - these funds contribute to the Aldea early psychosis program; and, 2) Dual diagnosis - these funds are used to provide residential substance use disorder treatment to mental health clients. The purpose of the unrestricted portion of the MHBG funds are identified annually in a project plan; in the current year they are primarily augmenting the dual diagnosis services and to supplement training activities for Peer Support Specialists.
Services provided under the LPS Act refer to standards associated with involuntary commitment, with a requirement to provide services in the least restrictive setting for individuals served under the Act. The contract outlines the County’s obligations in accordance with the LPS act, including requirements of data reporting. Lastly, services provided under the Bronzan McCorquodale Act are those services provided to the indigent population. This act allows for the County to provide services to the indigent to the extent that resources are available.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
This agreement covers activities funded under the MHSA, PATH, and MHBG programs. The FY2019/20 Adopted Budget includes $26,408,622 in MHSA, $294,175 in MHBG, and $65,709 in PATH. There is no impact to the County General Fund.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to approve this contract. This is not recommended because the County is required to execute this contract to continue providing mental health services under State oversight.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
There are no other agencies involved in this contract.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION