Title
Approve and authorize the Director of Health to execute the Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) between the Monterey County Health Department, Behavioral Health Bureau (“BHB”) and Soledad Unified School District (“SUSD”) for the provision of therapeutic services by BHB to SUSD students for Fiscal Year 2015-2016, County’s costs to be reimbursed by a mix of funding dollars from SUSD (for a maximum liability of $120,000), 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 to execute the Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) between the Monterey County Health Department, Behavioral Health Bureau (“BHB”) and Soledad Unified School District (“SUSD”) for the provision of therapeutic services by BHB to SUSD students for Fiscal Year 2015-2016, County’s costs to be reimbursed by a mix of funding dollars from SUSD (for a maximum liability of $120,000), 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 SUSD 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.
The SUSD 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 SUSD retroactive to July 1, 2015. The MOU with SUSD 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:
There are sufficient appropriations and revenues in the MCBH (4000-HEA012-8410) FY 2015-16 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 SUSD financial support for FY 15-16 is $120,000 (2 FTE). 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