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Board expands Public Health oversight of jail care and endorses CalAIM implementation plans
Summary
Public Health presented audit results showing repeated noncompliance on some Wellpath measures; the Board received the report, directed continued monitoring and corrective action, and supported Public Health’s proposed role in implementing the CalAIM justice‑involved initiative and related billing.
The Board received and filed an update from the Public Health Department on correctional health monitoring and the county’s planned implementation of CalAIM for justice‑involved populations. Public Health staff described a newly formed correctional health team, audit results showing several repeated noncompliant measures (for example, some comprehensive health assessments and safety‑cell checks), and recommended a quarterly reporting cadence to the Board.
Public Health described the CalAIM justice‑involved initiative — which funds pre‑release screening, reentry care planning, and up to 30 days of discharge medication through Medi‑Cal — and proposed that Public Health play a leading role implementing care coordination, EHR (Epic) integration and claims oversight. Staff said implementation funds from the state are available for initial setup and estimated the county could realize Medicaid revenue in the low millions (a conservative estimate of $4–6 million) once claims flows are live.
Board concerns and findings: Supervisors asked whether staffing shortfalls contributed to noncompliance and whether the county requires stronger contract enforcement of Wellpath. Public Health and Behavioral Wellness described corrective action plans and increased audit frequency; the Sheriff’s Office said it expects to bring a revised Wellpath contract to the Board for consideration on April 1. Public comment from the League of Women Voters urged rigorous oversight and suggested replacement if performance does not improve.
Board action: The Board voted to receive and file the jail health monitoring update, to receive the CalAIM justice‑involved implementation update, and to deem the actions discussed not a CEQA project (administrative). Staff will continue quarterly reporting and pursue contract compliance and implementation steps for CalAIM billing and EHR work.
What’s next: Staff will return with contract amendments and a plan to implement CalAIM activities, including readiness assessments required ahead of the October 1, 2026 go‑live date for some justice‑involved billing elements.
