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Grundy County board weighs reinstating behavioral health department, seeks outside consultant
Summary
Board members discussed restarting the county behavioral health department, reviewed past CARF audit findings and licensing concerns, and tentatively endorsed hiring an outside consultant to assess licensing, business model, wages and reimbursement before rehiring staff.
The Grundy County Board of Health discussed restarting the county behavioral health department and said it will seek independent expertise before pursuing licensing and hires.
Board members opened a broad discussion about whether to pursue Medicaid licensing and rebuild the department, noting that prior accreditation (a CARF audit for 2023–24) identified strengths and areas needing improvement. A board member summarized the audit and recommended an external review to craft a feasible business model and clear steps for licensure and reimbursement.
"One of the big issues is wages. We can't compete with the outside world," a board member said, urging the board to consider how increased pay and benefits would affect the department's budget. The chair said staff had prepared a draft job description for a reopening consultant to help the board evaluate licensing requirements and advise on a phased restart.
Board members stressed that a consultant should have experience obtaining Medicaid licensing and building sustainable operating models. "We almost need somebody way sooner than later that understands the whole process and to help guide where to start," a board member said.
Officials noted prior communications with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Department of Human Services and said IDPH and DHS shared lists of consultants and examples of successful models. Several members cited the need to learn what other counties have done and whether regional partners could be part of a start-up model.
The board did not take formal action to reestablish the program during the meeting; members agreed to further research and to solicit feedback on the draft consultant job description before authorizing a procurement or contract. The chair said staff will return with revisions after outreach to potential consultants and partners, including local hospital contacts who have previously assisted in behavioral-health efforts.
The discussion concluded with a consensus to continue planning and to evaluate consultant proposals before making staffing or licensing commitments.
