Title
Approve and adopt the proposed amended Bylaws of the County of Monterey Behavioral Health Commission (BHC).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Approve and adopt the proposed amended Bylaws of the County of Monterey Behavioral Health Commission (BHC).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The County of Monterey Behavioral Health Commission (BHC) acts in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors and the County of Monterey Health Department Behavioral Health Bureau on topics related to the provision of mental health and substance use disorder needs and services in the County pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5604 (WIC § 5604) by Resolutions Nos. 2021 and 86-76 of the Board of Supervisors for the County of Monterey (Board of Supervisors).
In September 2023, the BHC voted to accept some proposed amendments to newly numbered section 2.01(d). In March 2024, California voters elected to pass Proposition One, which further amended the statutes controlling Behavioral Health Commissions. In August 2024, the BHC adopted further amendments to the BHC bylaws to address Proposition One and other changes. The bylaws before the Board for approval today reflect the changes made in September 2023 and August 2024.
The proposed amended bylaws update some Articles and Sections of the bylaws to ensure the committee’s purpose, powers, and authority are reflective to WIC §5604 for the following:
1. Add the requirement at least one appointed member of the BHC be a veteran or veteran advocate pursuant to WIC §5604(a)(2),
2. Add the requirement at least one of the Consumer, Family Members appointed to BHC shall be an individual who is 25 years of age or younger, pursuant to WIC §5604(a)(2)(B),
3. Add the requirement at least one appointed member of the BHC be an employee of a local education agency, pursuant to WIC §5604(a)(2)(D),
4. Add the requirement that the Board of Supervisors appoint one member to service as an alternative on the BHC, and
5. Replace the requirement at least one appointed member of the BHC be a law enforcement officer with the recommendation one appointed member of the BHC be a first responder, inclusive of a law enforcement officer. The County of Monterey Behavioral Health Commission has made several other non-substantive corrections and legally required updates to the Bylaws.
This work supports the following County of Monterey Health Department 2025-2028 Strategic Plan Goal(s): 1 Build Community Power and Partner’s Capacity to Increase Equity and Improve Health, and 4 Deepen Organizational Effectiveness and Support Long-Term Sustainability, it is in support of one or more of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 7. Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable and 9. Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based health services.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel has reviewed and approved the amended Bylaws of the County of Monterey Behavioral Health Commission as to legal form.
FINANCING:
There is no financial impact resulting from this Board action.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐ Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☒ Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒ Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐ Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐ Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Shannon Castro, Management Analyst III, 275-3335
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Attachment A - Current Bylaws of the Behavioral Health Commission
Attachment B - Proposed Amended Bylaws of the Behavioral Health Commission (Red-line Version)
Attachment C - Proposed Amended Bylaws of the Behavioral Health Commission (Clean Version)