Laura’s Law in Nevada County a Model for Action – Saving Money and Lives

Recommendations 2

• R1
  The Jury commends those who have worked to implement Laura’s Law, especially the Nevada County Board of Supervisors, the Directors and staff of the Nevada County Behavioral Health Department and of Turning Point, Providence Center.
• R2
  The Jury recommends that Nevada County continue to serve as a model for other California counties. Responses No responses are required. Attachment Calculation of Cost Savings Calculated savings are based on data collected by the Nevada County Behavioral Health Department from April 28, 2008, (the date the first individual entered into AOT) through December 31, 2010. • Calculation based on the first 2.64 years of implementation. • Of the 19 individuals that entered into AOT, data was collected on 17 individuals. Of the two omitted, one was active for 17 days and the other was active for 7 days. Cost of providing services to 17 participants for 2.64 Years: ($ 482,443) (A) (This is the actual amount paid by the Nevada County Behavioral Health Department to Turning Point.) Aggregate costs incurred by the each of the 17 participants during the year prior to the participants entering AOT: • Hospitalizations (514 days @ $675 per day) $ 346,950 • Incarcerations (521 days @ $150 per day) $ 78,150 Total cost prior to AOT: $ 425,100 Projected cost for 2.64 years that might have been incurred if the 17 individuals had not entered AOT: $ 1,122,264 (B) Actual Hospitalization and Incarceration Costs for 17 individuals during 2.64 years after entering AOT: • Hospitalizations (198 days @ $675 per day) ($ 133,650) • Incarcerations (17 days @ $150 per day) ($ 2,550) Total cost after AOT: ($ 136,200) (C) TOTAL COST SAVINGS ((A) + (B) + (C)): $ 503,621 !