Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services, or designee, to execute Amendment No. 2 to Standard Agreement with Orbit Health, Inc., (Orbit) for the placement of licensed mental health providers, increasing the contract amount by $1,788,800 for a revised contract amount not to exceed $1,986,800 and extending the term an additional two years for a new full term of May 15, 2023 to May 31, 2026; and
b. Authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three (3) future amendments to this Agreement where the amendments do not exceed 10% of the original contract amount ($198,680) and do not significantly change the scope of work.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services, or designee, to execute Amendment No. 2 to Standard Agreement with Orbit Health, Inc., (Orbit) for the placement of licensed mental health providers, increasing the contract amount by $1,788,800 for a revised contract amount not to exceed $1,986,800 and extending the term an additional two years for a new full term of May 15, 2023 to May 31, 2026; and
b. Authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three (3) future amendments to this Agreement where the amendments do not exceed 10% of the original contract amount ($198,680) and do not significantly change the scope of work.
Report
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Health Department Clinic Services Bureau (Clinic Services) operates ten community clinic sites designated as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) which provide preventive, primary, and specialty medical care services.
Orbit Health is a psychiatrist-led company delivering telepsychiatry services to over a dozen counties in California since 2015. Orbit’s experience with providing County-operated mental health services includes Los Angeles County, Imperial, and Orange Counties.
Due to the competitive market to hire psychiatrists, it has been a challenge to recruit mental health providers to provide in-person patient services. In an effort to continue to provide patient access to mental health services, Clinic Services entered into a Standard Agreement with Orbit for licensed mental health physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and/or licensed therapists to provide telepsychiatry for an initial term of May 15, 2023 to May 31, 2024 in the amount of $198,000. Amendment No. 1 was executed on January 1, 2024 to adjust the rate sheet for services.
Mental health services remain essential and in short supply, and approval of the recommended action will allow Clinic Services to maintain access for Orbit tele psychiatric services currently being provided by one (1) Psychiatrist and one (1) Licensed Clinical Social Worker under this contract, while additionally supporting up to four (4) new mental health providers projected to be utilized under this contract over the next two years.
This work supports the County of Monterey Health Department 2018 - 2024 Strategic Plan Goals(s): 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: 7) Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable; and 8) Assure competent public and personal health care workforce.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel has approved this Amendment No. 2 as to form. Auditor Controller has approved as to fiscal provisions.
FINANCING:
Sufficient funds are available in the FY 2023-24 Adopted Budget and FY 2024-25 Proposed Budget for Clinic Services Bureau, Health Department (4000-HEA007). This Agreement will be funded by revenue generated from Medi-Cal and Medicare. There is no financial impact to the General Fund resulting from approval of this Amendment No. 2.
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: Prisca Segovia, Management Analyst II, 755-4939
Approved by:
___________________________Date:____________________ _________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Amendment No. 2
Amendment No. 1
Agreement