To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Meeting Date: June 23, 2026
|
Department Contact: |
Jenine Miller, Psy.D. |
Phone: |
707-472-2341 |
|
Item Type: Consent Agenda |
|
Time Allocated for Item: N/A |
Agenda Title:
title
Approval of Agreement with Farrington Law in the Amount of $45,000, to Conduct Certification Review Hearings for Individuals Who Remain Detained Beyond the Initial 72-Hour Hold and Continue to Meet Criteria for Involuntary Detention But Who Have Not Been Certified Under WIC Section 5250 to Mendocino County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Clients, Effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Approve Agreement with Farrington Law in the amount of $45,000, to conduct certification review hearings for individuals who remain detained beyond the initial 72-hour hold and continue to meet criteria for Involuntary detention but who have not been certified under WIC Section 5250 to Mendocino County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services clients, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027; authorize the Health Services Director or designee to sign any future amendments to the Agreement that do not increase the annual maximum amount; and authorize Chair to sign same.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
None.
Summary of Request:
Assembly Bill (AB) 2275 amended California Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 5150 and expanded counties’ responsibilities regarding individuals subject to involuntary detention for mental health evaluation and treatment. Under the revised law, counties are required to provide a qualified Hearing Officer to conduct Certification Review Hearings for individuals who remain detained beyond the initial 72-hour evaluation period and continue to meet criteria for involuntary detention, but who have not been certified under WIC Section 5250. Certification Review Hearings are a critical due-process protection that ensures individuals detained under involuntary psychiatric hold authority are reviewed on a legal and clinical basis for continued detention independently. The hearings must be conducted by a qualified Hearing Officer who has completed the specialized training required by state law and can perform the duties in accordance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. Failure to provide timely Certification Review Hearings could result in noncompliance with state law, jeopardize the County’s ability to lawfully continue involuntary detention when clinically necessary, and expose the County to potential legal and liability risks
After assessment of available resources, Anthony Farrington remains the only known qualified Hearing Officer within the County’s geographic service area who is willing and available to provide these specialized services. Approval of this agreement will allow the County to continue providing legally mandated Certification Review Hearing services during Fiscal Year 2026-2027, ensure uninterrupted compliance with state law, and support the County’s ongoing responsibility to safeguard the rights of individuals receiving involuntary behavioral health services.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Return to staff for alternative handling
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: A Safe and Healthy County
Supervisorial District: All
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supplemental Information Available Online At: N/A
Fiscal Details:
|
source of funding: 4050, 4051 |
|
current f/y cost: $45,000 |
|
budget clarification: No |
|
annual recurring cost: No |
|
budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): Yes |
|
revenue agreement: No |
AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: Yes
CEO Liaison: Darcie Antle, CEO
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
|
Executed By: Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Item Status |
|
Date: Date Executed |
Executed Item Type: item |
|
|
Number: |
|
|
|