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 (CalMHSA) 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 (CalMHSA) to provide concurrent review services, for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $1,466,976.
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BACKGROUND:
Formed in 2009, the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) is a joint powers authority created under California law, of 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 hospitals 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.
Pursuant to 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-hour, seven-day-a-week basis.
Concurrent review occurs while treatment is in progress, typically starting within 24 to 72 hours of admission to a hospital. The review process monitors utilization of resources and patient progress to ensure individuals receive medically necessary care in the appropriate setting and to reduce the likelihood of post-treatment denials of coverage.
In December 2023, a DHCS audit of BHRS found the Coun...
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