Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Louise F. Rogers, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Jei Africa, Director, Behavioral Health, and Recovery Services
Subject: Agreement with Horizon Services, Inc. for Residential Substance Use Disorder Detoxification Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Horizon Services, Inc. for residential substance use disorder detoxification services, for the term of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $3,739,626.
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BACKGROUND:
For over 35 years, Palm Avenue Detox (Palm Avenue), a program of Horizon Services, Inc. (Horizon), has been serving residents of San Mateo County. Horizon assists clients in connecting to ongoing substance use disorder treatment programs, primary and psychiatric care, housing, and other health-related services.
In July 2019, Horizon began providing services under the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) waiver, allowing Horizon and other providers to bill for many more services than they were previously able.
In early 2021, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) issued an Immediate Temporary Suspension Order (Order) on Palm Avenue's license to operate, for violations of the Health and Safety Code and applicable regulations and rules, subsequent to the death of a Palm Avenue client. In June 2021, DHCS and Horizon executed a Stipulated Settlement Agreement (SSA) to resolve all the issues pertaining to the Order. In the SSA, Palm Avenue agreed to remain closed through August 14, 2021, and could reopen thereafter under a probationary status for three years.
During the closure of Palm Avenue, Horizon completed an extensive re-organization and hired all new staff, from line staff to their Executive Director and Medical Director. Horizon also created new standard operating procedures, implemented new training requirements, increas...
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