Citizen's Complaint-mental Health Services

The Grand Jury met with complainant and received updated information regarding the specifics of the complaint.

The Grand Jury met on two separate occasions with the Acting Director of the Lake County Mental Health Services together with a Program Analyst and Fiscal Officer.

The Grand Jury reviewed the Mental Health Services “Monthly Billing Cycle Process” and the complainants billing statements.

The Grand Jury reviewed the Lake County Mental Health Plan.

The Grand Jury reviewed the State of California’s regulations which set forth the billing and collection policies and practices to be followed by county Mental Health Services.

The Grand Jury reviewed the proposed standard operating procedure to be followed by the Mental Health Staff in referring clients with potential complaints to the Member Services Review Officer. BACKGROUND: The Grand Jury received a written complaint from a client of the Lake County Department of Health, Mental Health Services. The Complainant was concerned that the billing statements they were receiving regarding services supposedly provided by Mental Health Services were in error as they pertained to dates and times complainant was not hospitalized. http://www.co.lake.ca.us/generalinformation/grandjury/report0203/mhsb.html (1 of 2)4/17/2007 3:07:56 PM County of Lake - 2002/2003 Grand Jury Report -Citizen's Complaint-Mental Health Services FINDINGS:

Abuse of the 911 system seriously impacts not only the service providers, but also other residents who might require emergency assistance at the same time.