Provider urges pause to New Dawn Counseling nonrenewal, cites EHR audit problems

Cynthia Torres, founder and CEO of New Dawn Counseling, urged the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on June 15 to pause a contract nonrenewal and order an independent review after audit findings she says were tied to documentation barriers in the county'used SmartCare electronic health record system.

Torres told the board her organization has partnered with the county for 10 years providing specialty mental health services to children and families and said audit findings and communication gaps created "fear and confusion for families." She said her agency had submitted appeals and tickets, but had not received a formal response to an appeal initiated June 8 and asked the board to protect continuity of care while facts are reviewed.

CEO Dr. Johnson and staff responded that behavioral health and human services have been providing extensive public outreach and technical assistance to providers as California changes (including CalAIM requirements). Dr. Johnson said state standards are strict and that audit findings that show missing documentation are "a red flag for the state and therefore that is going to be a red flag for behavioral health," requiring accountability.

Torres asked the board to: pause the nonrenewal while reviews occur; order an independent review of SmartCare and the county audit process; allow a corrective period with clear expectations; and, if the county proceeds to replace the provider, require a fair and open RFP process. Staff said behavioral health has communicated changing requirements and offered assistance but that providers must meet state criteria for continued reimbursement.

The board did not take immediate action on Torres'specific requests during the June 15 meeting but did adopt the FY27 budget; staff said they will continue communications with providers and return to the board as items requiring approval arise.