Approve third amendment to Agreement No. 17-217 with LocumTenens.com, LLC to add funding in the amount of $200,000 for 2021-22 for a new contract maximum of $2,200,000, for the period of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2022, for the provision of locum tenens medical psychiatric adult services. (No general fund impact) (Sullivan)

Approve third amendment to Agreement No. 17-217 with LocumTenens.com to add funding in the amount of $200,000 for Fiscal year 2021-22 for a new contract maximum of $2,200,000, for the period of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2022, for the provision of locum tenens medical psychiatric adult services.

Pursuant to the County’s contract with the State of California regarding the provision of Specialty Mental Health Plan services, the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is required to provide psychiatry services to either: 1) residents with severe and persistent mental illness who are indigent, or 2) residents who are recipients of Yolo County Medi-Cal.  Approval of this contract will provide for the continuation of required outpatient psychiatry services specifically needed for seriously mentally ill consumers, reducing the risk of placement at higher level/cost facilities.

In Yolo County, the need for Adult Psychiatrist services has steadily increased—especially given the changes in the number of qualified Medi-Cal recipients. However, it has become increasingly difficult to find providers due to national and statewide shortages in the field, increasing demand for psychiatry services, increasing number of Medi-Cal recipients as a result of the Affordable Healthcare Act, and competition with the private sector.

Approval of this Amendment will ensure Adult Psychiatric services are available to our community residents with severe mentally illness, as currently, relevant staffing within HHSA is challenged with numerous vacancies.   

County Counsel has approved this Agreement as to form.