Board approves amendment for jail psychiatry and telepsychiatry services amid public vendor questions

The Orange County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 27 approved Amendment 2 to master and individual contracts for on-site psychiatry and telepsychiatry services to support correctional mental health needs, including a new program for people found incompetent to stand trial and for youth requiring medication support.

Ian Kemmer, representing the Health Care Agency, told the board the amendment expands services delivered in person and via telehealth to prescribe medications and conduct assessments for people awaiting placement with the state Department of Health Services and for youth in custody. "So these are services... to provide medication, psychiatric services and medication in the jail for a couple of populations," Kemmer said.

A public commenter who identified herself as Kathleen questioned the capacity and track record of the named vendors and cited large dollar figures in her remarks. Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento and Supervisor Katrina Foley asked staff to clarify the scope. Supervisor Sarmiento asked about vendor vetting and performance metrics; Kemmer said the vendors have previously provided correctional mental-health services and that the department will continue performance monitoring.

Supervisor Armiento corrected a public figure cited during comment, noting the amendment under consideration was for $830,000 rather than larger amounts suggested in the public comment. The board moved and seconded the item and carried it unanimously.

The amendment is intended to address local shortages of psychiatrists, particularly child and youth psychiatrists, and to ensure continuity of care while clients await state placement, according to staff. The board directed staff to continue reporting on performance outcomes tied to the contracts.

Next steps: county staff will execute the amendment and continue performance measurement of vendor outcomes as part of contract oversight.