Title
Ratify execution by the Director of Health of the Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") between the Monterey County Health Department, Behavioral Health Bureau ("BHB") and Salinas Union High School District for the provision of therapeutic services by BHB to Salinas UHSD students for the Fiscal Year 2014-2015, County's costs to be reimbursed by a mix of funding dollars from Salinas UHSD (for a maximum liability of $120,000), Medi-Cal and Mental Health Services Act ("MHSA").(ADDED VIA ADDENDUM)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Ratify execution by the Director of Health of the Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") between the Monterey County Health Department, Behavioral Health Bureau ("BHB") and Salinas Union High School District for the provision of therapeutic services by BHB to Salinas UHSD students for the Fiscal Year 2014-2015, County's costs to be reimbursed by a mix of funding dollars from Salinas UHSD (for a maximum liability of $120,000), Medi-Cal and Mental Health Services Act ("MHSA").
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The demand for mental health services in the community continues to increase and therapeutic services in the school districts are crucial in meeting the ever increasing demands for mental health services, particularly in school districts with a high degree of violence. It is well documented that students who receive early treatment can be prevented from requiring special education services for social emotional problems and even higher levels of service such as a residential placement facility. Additionally, students who are treated early do better in school and go on to be more productive members of society. To address the need for these services in the schools, the Monterey County Health Department Behavioral Health Bureau ("MCBH") has partnered with school districts in Monterey County to provide Psychiatric Social Workers ("PSW") for the provision of therapeutic services.
On March 17, 2015, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors approved the standard MOU template used to partner with school districts in Monterey County and approved the delegation of authority to the Director of Health to execute the standard MOU, retroactive to July 1, 2014. Pursuant to the approved standard MOU template, MCBH staff will provide treatment to students identified as having trouble with their educational goals due to social, emotional or behavioral needs. MCBH staff has been working with Salinas Union High School District ("SUHSD") for over ten months on assessing behavioral health services needed and developing language for standard MOU template in concert with the entity's Counsel.
MCBH seeks the Board of Supervisors approval to ratify and authorize the Director of Health to execute the MOU with SUHSD retroactive to July 1, 2014 as services have been rendered in this school district since November of the current FY 2014-15 school year. The MOU with SUHSD is being presented to the Board for approval much later than anticipated due to lengthier than expected negotiations.
This work supports the following Monterey County Health Department 2011-2015 strategic plan initiative: 1) Empower the community to improve health through programs, policies, and activities; and 3) Ensure access to culturally and linguistically appropriate, customer-friendly, quality health services. It also supports one or more of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 4) Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems; and 7) Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provisions of health care when otherwise unavailable.
The standard template MOU contains a 30-day "without cause" provision (Section 9, a), which provides that either the County or school district may cancel the MOU.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel, Auditor-Controller, and Risk Management have reviewed and approved these MOUs as to legal form, fiscal provisions, and insurance requirements, respectively. A copy of the MOU is on file with Clerk of the Board.
FINANCING:
There are sufficient appropriations and revenues in the MCBH (4000-HEA012-8410) FY 2014-15 Adopted Budget. The costs for these services are funded by a mix of school reimbursement, Medi-Cal and Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) dollars. The school district has agreed to provide more than one half of MCBH's cost for provision of services. MCBH will bill Medi-Cal for services rendered to Medi-Cal eligible students that meet medically necessary criteria. In addition, there is funding available through the Mental Health Services Act for outreach and engagement for students not currently covered by Medi-Cal. The level of SUHSD financial support for FY 14-15 is $120,000 ($40,000 for 3 FTE's). There will be no impact to the County General Fund associated with this request.
Prepared by: Sarah Trueblood, Management Analyst II, 8996
Approved by: Ray Bullick, Director of Health, 4526
Attachment:
MOU is on file with the Clerk of the Board