Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Colleen Chawla, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Jei Africa, Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Subject: Recommending Driving Under the Influence Licensure and Authorizing Revenue Generating DUI Provider Agreements with El Centro de Libertad and Sitike
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution:
A) Recommending licensure to operate Driving Under the Influence (DUI) program for El Centro de Libertad and Sitike; and
B) Authorizing the Chief of San Mateo County Health, or designee(s), to enter into revenue generating DUI Provider agreements and/or subsequent amendments with El Centro de Libertad and Sitike to perform DUI Program Services, effective February 1, 2025 until terminated, with a requirement for Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) to provide to the Board of Supervisors annual assessments of the program.
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BACKGROUND:
San Mateo County has a long history of DUI programs designed to address alcohol and drug use while improving traffic safety. The establishment of DUI programs statewide began in 1978, when legislation authorized structured interventions for multiple offenders. In 1990, the state expanded these efforts by licensing programs for first-time offenders. Subsequent legislative developments in 1999 mandated DUI education for individuals convicted of "wet and reckless" offenses. Then, in 2006, a nine-month program was introduced for first offenders with a blood alcohol content of 0.20 or higher. In 2017, San Mateo County further enhanced its efforts by launching the DUI Court, offering intensive supervision and support for repeat offenders.
Currently, the County operates a Multiple DUI Court Program, which provides structured intervention and oversight for high-risk individuals, offering treatment and rehabilitation opportunities for offenders with multiple DUI convictions. The overarching goals of these programs are to reduce repeat DUI offenses, support participants in addressing substance use issues, enhance traffic safety, encourage behavioral change, and promote positive lifestyle adjustments. Through these structured interventions, San Mateo County remains committed to reducing impaired driving and improving public safety.
DISCUSSION:
COVID-19 significantly impacted DUI service providers in San Mateo County, including the closure of our largest provider, Occupational Health Services. This closure disrupted services for hundreds of participants and resulted in a substantial loss of revenue for BHRS and DUI providers. Currently the one DUI service provider in San Mateo County is unable to meet the needs of the community and has announced it will close as of March 14, 2025.
In response to this lack of providers and the continued demand for services, Alcohol and Other Drug Services issued a Request for Information last fall, successfully securing two new providers, Sitike Counseling (Sitike) Center and El Centro de Libertad (El Centro), to establish and expand both First Offender and Multiple Offender DUI services.
Sitike and El Centro must first obtain a DUI MOP (multiple offender program) license. State of California Department of Health Care Services Driving-Under-the-Influence Regulations require a license applicant to submit a board of supervisors’ resolution recommending licensure, including a statement from the board indicating there is a demonstrated need for new DUI programs and that the establishment of additional programs will not jeopardize the fiscal integrity of existing licensed DUI programs. The accompanying resolution will therefore be submitted to the State by El Centro and Sitike as part of their licensure application.
BHRS will enter into revenue generating agreements with Sitike and El Centro, once they obtain their DUI MOP license. These agreements will be approved by County Attorney as to form, and Risk Management if necessary, and will comply with applicable County ordinances. Furthermore, BHRS will provide to the Board annual assessments of the DUI program.
The resolution has been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney as to form.
It is expected that the 2024 graduation rate of 87% will be either maintained or improved.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Estimated |
FY 2025-26 Projected |
|
Maintain or improve the 2024 graduation rate of 87% |
87% |
87% |
EQUITY IMPACT:
These agreements will significantly enhance equitable access to DUI services for low-income and underserved residents in San Mateo County, many of whom face complex challenges such as justice system involvement, co-occurring mental health needs, homelessness, and chronic health conditions. By expanding DUI services through providers offering bilingual and bicultural care, the County ensures that residents, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, have access to quality, culturally responsive care to support long-term recovery and wellness.
To advance health equity and reduce disparities, the County requires all providers to comply with National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services Standards and submit annual cultural competence plans. These plans outline current and future efforts to address the diverse needs of clients, families, and the workforce, reinforcing the County’s commitment to equitable and inclusive services for all residents.
FISCAL IMPACT:
These agreements, with a term of February 1, 2025 until terminated, establishes a revenue-generating service in compliance with state law, which mandates that licensed DUI programs be funded entirely through participant fees. The County is responsible for the local administration and oversight of these programs to ensure both programmatic and fiscal integrity. As part of these agreements, the Contractors will pay the County an administration and monitoring fee of up to 7% of the net fees collected each month. Payments will be made to the County on a monthly basis, submitted alongside the Contractors’ financial reports, including the Remittance Form and, when applicable, the Quarterly Licensing and Participant Enrollment Report.