COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Health Services Agency

DATE:

July 2, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

July 15, 2003

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Margaret Taylor, Director of Health Services

Charlene Silva, Director, Aging and Adult Services Division

SUBJECT:

Interagency Agreement Between the County of San Mateo and the In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority for FYs 2003-2005

Recommendation

1.

Adopt a resolution, as the Board of Supervisors, authorizing:

a.

Execution of an Interagency Agreement between the County of San Mateo and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Public Authority for FYs 2003-2005, and

b.

The County Manger to execute a Business Associate Agreement between the County of San Mateo and IHSS Public Authority for FYs 2003-2005.

2.

Adopt a resolution, as the Governing Board of the IHSS Public Authority, authorizing execution of an Interagency Agreement between the IHSS Public Authority and the County of San Mateo for FYs 2003-2005.

Background

In September 1993, by ordinance of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, a separate Public Authority was established to administer the provider components of the In-Home Supportive Services Program. The enabling ordinance designated the Board of Supervisors as the Governing Board of the IHSS Public Authority.

IHSS Public Authority regulations require that the County and the Public Authority have an Interagency Agreement. That Agreement must specify the purpose, scope or nature of the arrangement, roles and responsibilities of each party, provisions ensuring compliance with all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations, and fiscal provisions under which the Public Authority will be reimbursed. The term of the previous agreement was July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2003.

Discussion

The proposed Interagency Agreement meets all of the regulatory requirements and reflects the relationship that exists between the County and IHSS Public Authority. Approval of the Interagency Agreement will allow a new provider rate request to be submitted to the State and will enable the IHSS Public Authority to receive reimbursement for State and Federal shares of the IHSS Public Authority's expenses. The two-year term of the Interagency Agreement provides additional flexibility in meeting the requirements imposed by the State and in responding to changes in areas such as reimbursement procedures.

Two resolutions are required for approval of the Interagency Agreement. One resolution reflects your approval on behalf of the County and authorizes the County Manager to execute a Business Associate Agreement as required by Federal and State law in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996; the other is for your approval as the IHSS Public Authority's Governing Board.

County Counsel has reviewed and approved this Interagency Agreement as to form and content.

Vision Alignment

This Interagency Agreement with IHSS Public Authority keeps the commitment of Ensuring Basic Health and Safety for All and goal number 8: Help vulnerable people - the aged, disabled, mentally ill, at-risk youth and others - achieve a better quality of life. The agreements contribute to this commitment and goal by providing services throughout the county designed to assist individuals with the greatest needs to maintain their independence and dignity within the least restrictive setting possible.

Fiscal Impact

The term of this Interagency Agreement is from July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2005. Annual costs for administration of IHSS Public Authority (exclusive of services) are budgeted at $782,898 for 2003-04 and $800,686 for 2004-05. Based on past history, reimbursements for administrative costs of the IHSS Public Authority will be $340,915 in State funds and $264,214 in Federal funds in 2003-04, leaving a County share of $177,769. Projected reimbursements in 2004-05 are $351,279 from the State and $271,638 in Federal revenues, leaving a County share of $177,769. These costs and revenues are included in the recommended 2003-04 and 2004-05 IHSS Public Authority budgets. There will be no additional Net County Cost as a result of the approval of this Interagency Agreement.