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: Participation Agreement with California Mental Health Services Authority for Psychiatric Inpatient Concurrent Review Program for Youth and Adults
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing a Participation Agreement with California Mental Health Services Authority to provide Concurrent Review Services, for the term of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $1,080,912.
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BACKGROUND:
Formed in 2009, the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) is a public entity created under California Law, in which the County is a member, that provides administrative and fiscal services. CalMHSA administers the Psychiatric Inpatient Concurrent Review program with the primary purpose of conducting concurrent review and authorization for all psychiatric inpatient hospital and psychiatric health facility services on behalf of participating California County Mental Health Plans (MHP). Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) is the MHP for San Mateo County. Per the California Department of Health Care Services Behavioral Health Information Notice (DHCS BHIN) 19-026, MHPs are required to conduct concurrent review and authorization for all psychiatric inpatient hospital services and psychiatric health facility services on a 24/7/365 basis.
A concurrent review occurs while treatment is in progress and usually starts within 24-72 hours of admission to a hospital. The main focuses of the review are to track utilization of resources and the patient's progress, to assure that the patient receives the right care, and to reduce denials of coverage after the treatment is complete.
In December 2023, a DHCS audit of BHRS found the County out of compliance for not having a concurrent review program ...
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