Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a non-standard Agreement between County of Santa Cruz, on behalf of its Health Services Agency Behavioral Health Division and County of Monterey, to establish referral and acceptance protocols allowing out-of-county clients to enroll in the Monterey County licensed Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Program. The term of this Agreement shall commence from the date of execution through June 30, 2028 at no cost to either party;
b. Approve the Director of Health Services or designee recommendation for approval of the non-standard indemnity provisions outlined in the agreement; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute up to three future amendments that do not significantly alter the original scope of services and do not add funds to the Agreement.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a non-standard Agreement between County of Santa Cruz, on behalf of its Health Services Agency Behavioral Health Division and County of Monterey, to establish referral and acceptance protocols allowing out-of-county clients to enroll in the Monterey County licensed Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Program. The term of this Agreement shall commence from the date of execution through June 30, 2028 at no cost to either party;
b. Approve the Director of Health Services or designee recommendation for approval of the non-standard indemnity provisions outlined in the agreement; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute up to three future amendments that do not significantly alter the original scope of services and do not add funds to the Agreement.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this Agreement is to establish a cooperative agreement between County of Santa Cruz, on behalf of its Health Services Agency Behavioral Health Division and County of Monterey, to establish referral and acceptance protocols allowing out-of-county clients to enroll in the Monterey County licensed Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Program.
DISCUSSION:
Santa Cruz County has advised the County of Monterey that Santa Cruz County DUI clients will be unable to enroll in a local licensed DUI program due to program closures in their county. Santa Cruz County is seeking to utilize Monterey County’s contracted DUI Program Provider, Sun Street Centers. Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) requires that any county seeking to utilize DUI Program services in another county enter into a formal agreement to outlining the referral and acceptance protocols.
DUI program closures create significant hardships for clients, limiting their ability to apply for a restricted driver’s license and prolonging the timeline for full license reinstatement after completing DUI requirements. These closures may also increase the risk of recidivism, as consistent program participation is a key factor in reducing repeat offenses. Annual reports from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) have identified DUI program attendance as a critical component in lowering rates recidivism across California.
The County of Monterey’s current DUI program(s) is able to provide services through Live Virtual Services, creating the opportunity to serve out-of-county clients. Santa Cruz County DUI clients participating in the County of Monterey contracted DUI Program will not impact or limit enrollment for County of Monterey DUI participants. In the event the County of Monterey’s contracted DUI program experiences staffing shortages, it is agreed that County of Monterey participants will receive priority services. In the event of a staffing or service shortage arise during the period of the term of this Agreement, Santa Cruz County will be responsible for coordinating with the County of Monterey’s contracted DUI program and to develop and implement a plan that supports Santa Cruz County participants without impact to County of Monterey participants.
This Agreement contains a 30-day “without cause” provision (Section 3), which provides that either of the parties may terminate the Agreement.
This work supports the following County of Monterey Health Department 2025-2028 Strategic Plan Goal(s): 2. Provide Exceptional Person-Center Care through Accessible, Community-Focused Health Services. It also supports one of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 7. Link people to need personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The office of the County Counsel and Risk Management have reviewed and approved this Agreement as to legal form and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
This Agreement consists solely of operational protocol and contains no fiscal, insurance or indemnification provisions; therefore, there will be no financial impact as a result of this Agreement.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This Agreement will create a safe environment for people by allow continued access to substance use services for eligible 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
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared by: Rosie Mendoza, Management Analyst II, 262-1175
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Non-Standard Agreement