Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a Memorandum of Understanding between Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas and the County of Monterey, on behalf of the County of Monterey Health Department, Behavioral Health Bureau for the purpose of referral to behavioral health services for Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas patients for a term of November 1, 2025 through October 31, 2028, with no exchange of funds;
b. Continue to accept non-standard indemnity and insurance risk provisions as recommended by the Director of Health Services; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to approve up to three (3) future amendments that do not involve the addition of funds or significantly alter the scope of services.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a Memorandum of Understanding between Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas and the County of Monterey, on behalf of the County of Monterey Health Department, Behavioral Health Bureau for the purpose of referral to behavioral health services for Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas patients for a term of November 1, 2025 through October 31, 2028, with no exchange of funds;
b. Continue to accept non-standard indemnity and insurance risk provisions as recommended by the Director of Health Services; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to approve up to three (3) future amendments that do not involve the addition of funds or significantly alter the scope of services.
SUMMARY:
Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas (CSVS), will continue referrals to behavioral health services for CSVS patients experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges.
DISCUSSION:
The County has a multi-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Clinica de Salud del Valle (CSVS) which will expire on October 31, 2025. The proposed MOU continues the collaboration between CSVS and the County of Monterey and identifies the roles and responsibilities of each party with respect to referrals to behavioral health services for CSVS patients.
CSVS, a California non-profit corporation, is a federally qualified health center providing primary care services in Monterey County. This MOU was developed in the interest of collaborating for more effective behavioral health treatment of CSVS patients who are exhibiting mental health challenges and/or substance abuse issues. The MOU clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of CSVS and the County of Monterey Health Department’s Behavioral Health Bureau with respect to patient referrals.
This MOU contains no indemnity provision. It contains a non-standard comprehensive liability coverage and professional liability provision. This is because the Federally Supported Health Centers Assistance Act of 1992 and 1995 grants medical malpractice liability protection to HRSA-supported health centers such as CSVS through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). Under the Act, health centers are considered Federal employees and are immune from lawsuits, with the Federal government acting as their primary insurer.
This work supports the following County of Monterey Health Department 2025-2028 Strategic Plan Goal(s): 2) Provide Exceptional Person-Centered Care through Accessible, Community-Focused Health Services. It also supports one 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.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved the proposed MOU as to Legal Form; there are no fiscal provisions in this proposed MOU. Risk Management has reviewed but not approved the lack of an indemnity provision and the non-standard insurance provision.
FINANCING:
Approval of this MOU will have no impact on the County General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This MOU will allow continued access to behavioral health services for all residents within the community, aligning with the Strategic Plan Goal of Well-Being and Quality of life.
Mark a check next to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Prepared by: Katherine Bonilla, Management Analyst II, 796-1743
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Memorandum of Understanding