Board approves patient-rights advocacy contract after public allegations of abuse at county facilities

The Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to renew the countys contract with a patient-rights advocacy provider for certification review and related services, a vote that followed intense public comment alleging mistreatment and oversight failures at some mental-health facilities.

Public speakers described personal experiences of alleged improper placement, forced medication and retaliation after complaints. One speaker said he had been physically harmed after filing a complaint and urged stronger oversight. County staff described the contract scope: hiring certification-review hearing officers and patient-rights advocates, and building training around the states SB 43 implementation.

Ian Kemmer, Behavioral Health Director at the Health Care Agency, told supervisors the agency is developing SB 43 training for providers, police agencies and patient-rights staff and that trainings will be rolled out this year prior to implementation in 2026. Kemmer said the county expects the training to help staff and external partners respond to changes that affect involuntary treatment and service eligibility.

Supervisor Sarmiento recused himself from the vote to avoid a perceived conflict of interest because a related advocacy entity receives state funding that indirectly connects to his household; his abstention was recorded and the motion otherwise carried.

The board asked staff to ensure advocates are trained on SB 43 and to continue oversight of patient complaints and certification-review processes.