Title
Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to execute the Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) between the Monterey County Health Department, Behavioral Health Bureau (“BHB”) and Alisal Union School District (“AUSD”) for the provision of therapeutic services by BHB to AUSD students for Fiscal Year 2015-2016, County’s costs to be reimbursed by a mix of funding dollars from AUSD (for a maximum liability of $360,000), Medi-Cal, and Mental Health Services Act (“MHSA”).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to execute the Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) between the Monterey County Health Department, Behavioral Health Bureau (“BHB”) and Alisal Union School District (“AUSD”) for the provision of therapeutic services by BHB to AUSD students for Fiscal Year 2015-2016, County’s costs to be reimbursed by a mix of funding dollars from AUSD (for a maximum liability of $360,000), Medi-Cal, and Mental Health Services Act (“MHSA”).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Monterey County Health Department - Behavioral Health Bureau (“MCBH”) is providing therapeutic behavioral health treatment services to students of SUHSD in Monterey County (“School Districts”) for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 (“FY 15-16”). 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. Pursuant to the MOU, MCBH staff will provide treatment to students identified as having trouble with their educational goals due to social, emotional or behavioral needs.
AUSD has agreed to provide more than one half of the cost for each position to MCBH for the provision of these services. MCBH will be funding the remaining cost of these positions by billing Medi-Cal for eligible students for whom the services are determined to be medically necessary. In addition, there is funding available through the Mental Health Services Act (“MHSA”) for outreach and engagement for students not currently covered by Medi-Cal.
MCBH seeks the Board of Supervisors approval to authorize the Director of Health to execute the MOU with AUSD retroactive to July 1, 2015. The MOU with AUSD is being presented to the Board for approval 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 this MOU as to legal form, fiscal provisions, and insurance requirements, respectively. A copy of the MOU is on file with Clerk of the Board.
FINANCING:
The revenue and appropriations associated with this action are included in the MCBH (4000- 8410-HEA012) FY 2015-16 Adopted Budget. The costs of these services are financed by a mix of school reimbursement, Medi-Cal, and Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) dollars. There is no impact to the General Fund associated with this request.
Prepared by: Sarah Trueblood, Management Analyst II, 8996t
Approved by: Ray Bullick, Director of Health, 4526
Attachment:
MOU is on file with the Clerk of the Board