HomeMy WebLinkAbout191023 - Minutes, Mental Health Auth (2)Washington County Mental Health Authority Board of Director’s Meeting Minutes Date: October 21, 2019 @ 12:00 p.m. Location: 80 W. Baltimore Street, Hagerstown, MD Board Members: Present: E. Branthaver, R. Bratcher, C. Pauley, J. Lowery, K. Mollo, C. Munson, J. Matheny, T. Ryan Planned Absence: R. Clutz. Jr. Absent: K Powderly Guests: Quorum present: Yes WCMHA Staff Present: R. Rock, S. Norberg, B. Kerbs
Ex-Officio Member: Proceedings: Board President Jennifer Lowery called meeting to order at 12:03 PM. Approval of Minutes:
The members present reviewed the August meeting minutes. A motion was made by E. Brandthaver to approve the minutes and C. Pauley seconded it. All members present approved the motion. FY 2019 Financial Audit by SEK CPA’s
Erin Clark with SEK presented the FY 2019 financial audit draft. This draft is pending the board approval
and a final review by SEK. The audit shows a clear opinion, no material findings.
A motion was made by R. Bratcher to approve the audit as presented; it was seconded by C. Pauley. All members present approved the motion. Finance Committee Report by R. Bratcher:
The financials for the first quarter for FY 2020 were distributed to the board members. Our rollover request has been submitted to BHA for approval. This request includes some one-time use expenditures for our office and the Office of Consumer Advocates. Executive Director Report by R. Rock:
Recently I participated in a phone conference with the Behavioral Health Administration and the Maryland Department of Health. BHA and MDH are reviewing the Behavioral Health System of Care, for cost effectiveness and efficiency, to determine if there is anything that needs to be changed. They have developed a flow chart as to how a person would come through the system based on their insurance payer and CSAs are listed at the bottom as a safety net for people moving through that system. Dennis Schrader. the Secretary of
Health said that he really didn’t have a good understanding of the way the local authority system worked but he recognized the importance of the local authority. Dr. Lisa Burgess, BHA, also agrees with that. This will play an important roll in how to develop a better system of care.
I will be attending the Public Meeting tonight at HCC regarding the Lt. Governor’s Commission to Study Mental & Behavioral Health in Maryland. There is an opportunity for public commentary. I would like to address the issues of financial parity for mental health. The new money coming out is focused on programs
for the Opioid epidemic and substance use services. Mental Health continues to get the same money while needs increase and individuals using Medicaid in the Public Mental Health System increase.
There is a new Administrative Service Organization (ASO), Optum. The ASO oversees treatment authorizations, processing of claims and providing payments to the service providers. Optum was awarded
the contract last September and are scheduled to be operational January 1, 2020. There is a big concern that a system might not be in place for providers to get authorizations and payments in a timely fashion. The new provider is Optum Health of United Healthcare.
The Washington County Health Improvement Committee is a group of people in the community working to make Washington County healthier. There is a diabetes education program, somatic health care, recreational activities, healthier food choices, etc. There are Behavioral Health Sub-Committees, Access is one that I am participating on. We are looking at how to expand tele-health into the community here to address workforce shortage issues. Brooke is on the suicide prevention committee. They are working on three main goals. One is data collection, developing a centralized way to collect data on suicide deaths in Washington County. Another goal is to provide support to people who have experienced a loss through suicide. The third piece is education and awareness. Right now, we are working with the community to gain a better idea of the basic
needs.
To update you on the Crisis Services in the community. The Washington County Health Department received a grant for a 24/7 walk in center. The primary purpose of this grant is to provide services for those with
opioid addiction, but we have been trying to broaden that out. It can’t be used for individuals with solely mental health issues. The Health Department has been through the “Request for Proposal” process and has a vendor to provide the services. The Health Department is currently waiting for a letter of commitment from
the Behavioral Health Administration. After they receive that letter, they will go before the County Commissioners to request approval to contract with a vendor to provide those services. Then the Health Department can develop a contract with the vendor. So, the process is moving but moving slowing. The Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program (LEAD) was to be a part of the 24/7 walk in center. The idea was that police could refer individuals who they think would benefit more from services than being charged and going through the legal system. They are operating the LEAD program without the walk-in center at this point, but it would be more effective integrated with the walk-in center.
I am working on reallocating some grant funds that are historically unspent to other program where they are needed. Since there are no new funds, we are working to use existing money more efficiently. Director of Children & Adolescents – Brooke Kerbs
We have been working hard to get the HTI program transitioned from a grant program to a fee-for-service program. There have been a few wrinkles, but things are working out.
Our TAYPS person, Chrystal, who works out of the Office of Consumer Advocates office is developing a short training for young people who are on boards, advisory committees, etc. She will be providing this training in early December if you know of anyone who might be interested.
Meeting adjourned at 1:05 pm The next meeting is scheduled for January 22, 2020. Minutes submitted by:
Marcie Jackson 11/21/2019
___________________________________________________________________ Marcie Jackson, Secretary Date