THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE ELDERLY AND VETERANS SERVICES DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This action supports the Board's Value of "Approaching human Services collaboratively and compassionately, with special emphasis on persons and families experiencing homelessness," and the Goal to "Deliver evidence -based services to the most vulnerable, many of whom are ineligible through other systems of care, and connect those customers to sustainable support (therapeutic, employment, education, housing, etc.)." Public Agency Accreditation will allow the Elderly and Veterans Services Division (EVSD) to meet the state's managing entity requirements.
EVSD has been providing behavioral health services to seniors since 1977 and is the only mental health provider in Broward County dedicated to serving seniors. EVSD specializes in case management services for individuals 55 years of age and older who meet the State of Florida priority definition of having Severe Mental Illness (SMI). EVSD's Behavioral Health Section provides screening, comprehensive assessment, targeted mental health case management, in-home/on-site counseling, recovery support and coordination of resources, information and referrals for seniors with mental health disorders. Clients served include those with forensic involvement and EVSD works directly with the Broward County Mental Health Court to assist these individuals with community integration.
These services are primarily funded by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) through the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition (BBHC). Section 394.9082(4)(a) of the Florida Statutes authorizes DCF to contract for the purchase and management of behavioral health services with community-based managing entities, allowing DCF to place the responsibility for publicly-financed behavioral health treatment and prevention services within a single private, non-profit entity at the local level. BBHC is the managing entity under contract with DCF to manage the day-to-day operational delivery of behavioral health services in Broward County.
As part of a statewide initiative to promote the highest standards of quality, ethics, effectiveness, and accountability in nonprofit mental health and substance use services, BBHC is requiring that all network providers, including EVSD, obtain and maintain national accreditation through either Council on Accreditation (COA), Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) or Joint Commission (JAHCO). Network providers that are not currently accredited, such as EVSD, must start the accreditation process by July 1, 2017, per the BBHC Provider Contract Handbook. EVSD has selected to undergo the COA accreditation process and submitted the formal application to COA on May 23, 2017.
The Agreement is in COA's format and they will sign last, following approval by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. This Agreement has been reviewed and approved as to form by The Office of the County Attorney. |