BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT - A. YAMAMOTO

Approve contract renewal with Merced Behavioral Center for the period of July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017 for a maximum annual amount of $89,000.

SBC FILE  NUMBER: 810

Behavioral Health Department clients may require inpatient, locked sub-acute level skilled nursing services as part of their ongoing treatment plan. This contract provides for this level of service. Our County does not have a long term locked facility such as Merced Behavioral Center available within our local community. Historically we have utilized this contractor and other similar service providers for this level of care. The Behavioral Health Department by history has placed three to four clients per year requiring this type of care at IMD’s. In recent years, however, we have experienced a decline in utilization of this high level of care, in large measure due to the success of our MHSA Full Service Partnership Services (FSP) that provide 24/7 wraparound care for those with the most severe mental illness. Clients are generally placed at this level of care on an involuntary basis and are under the authority of LPS conservatorship. Because we cannot predict which facility will have available beds, we contract with several providers to create options for available contracted beds. This is done to assure that beds will be available when needed. This service is generally funded with a combination of a client’s SSI benefits and mental health realignment funds. These services are not a covered benefit under the Medi-Cal program for beneficiaries between ages 21-64.

Approve the contract renewal with Merced Behavioral Center for the FY 2016-17 term for a maximum annual amount of $89,000 and; authorize the Board Chair to sign said contract.