Chapter 2.44
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAM*
Sections:
2.44.010 Department responsibilities.
2.44.030 Behavioral health advisory committee is created.
2.44.050 References to state law.
*Prior legislative history: Ord. 2017-018 repealed Ch. 2.44. Ord. 2012-042 was formerly codified in the chapter.
*Prior legislative history: Ord. 2012-042 repealed Ch. 2.44. Ords. 87-79, 88-9, 96-032 and 96-061 were formerly codified in the chapter.
2.44.010 Department responsibilities.
A. Administration of Funding. The health department shall administer the behavioral health program under the authority of the county executive. The department shall administer funds for behavioral health programs, including substance abuse and mental health services. This administration will include state and federal funds, local sales and use tax (Chapter 82.14 RCW), local property tax (Chapter 71.20 RCW), and local two percent liquor profits and excise taxes (Chapter 71.24 RCW).
B. Compliance with Federal and State Regulations. The health department shall adhere to all federal and state laws for the administration and coordination of behavioral health services and funding (Chapters 71.20, 71.24, and 82.14 RCW).
C. Behavioral Health Services. The health department shall plan and prioritize programs and services for people with behavioral health disorders. The health department shall ensure, to the extent allowed by state and federal laws, a system of integrated and coordinated behavioral health care.
D. Cooperation and Coordination with Other Entities. The health department may enter into contracts with and/or receive moneys from public and private entities to carry out behavioral health services. The department will work with state, regional, and local entities which provide services or funding to assure a reasonable system of care for people with behavioral health disorders. (Ord. 2017-018 Exh. A).
2.44.020 Contracts.
All previous contracts, agreements, rights, claims and obligations shall continue in full force. (Ord. 2017-018 Exh. A).
2.44.030 Behavioral health advisory committee is created.
A. The Whatcom County behavioral health advisory committee is created to serve in an advisory capacity to the county executive via the health department on matters of general priorities for behavioral health programs, including substance abuse and mental health services.
B. To ensure advice, implementation and evaluation, the county council authorizes the county executive to appoint 10 members of an 11-member advisory committee consisting of one representative from each of the following areas: PeaceHealth Hospital, the judicial branch of Whatcom County government, the Whatcom County sheriff or designee, the chief of corrections or designee, and the Whatcom County public health director or designee. The remaining five executive appointed positions shall include two people that are advocates of mental health recovery, two people that are advocates of substance use disorder recovery, and one behavioral health professional. The behavioral health advisory committee shall also include a county council member appointed by the county council. The priorities and framework of the advisory committee include the following:
1. Provide advice regarding the planning and development of a continuum of care to effectively provide prevention, intervention, treatment and aftercare services at a capacity that will benefit residents who are impacted by mental illness, emotional disturbances, and substance use disorders.
2. Ensure the local sales and use tax (Chapter 82.14 RCW), property tax (Chapter 71.20 RCW), and two percent liquor profits and excise taxes (Chapter 71.24 RCW) are directed to the intended purpose as outlined by state statute and county code.
3. Ensure an ongoing evaluation process is established and implemented to assure quality of behavioral health programs and services provided to residents.
4. Ensure that a report is provided to county council no less than once annually that highlights programs funded by sales tax monies.
The term of office for the advocacy and behavioral health professional positions appointed by the executive shall be three years. In order to stagger the terms of office on the initial board:
1. Two members shall be appointed to serve for three years.
2. Two members shall be appointed to serve for two years.
3. One member shall be appointed to serve for one year.
The term of office for the member appointed by the county council shall be for one year. The council member’s term extends from the time of the council’s reorganization meeting in January to the next such meeting in the following year.
C. At their initial meeting or as soon as possible, the advisory committee shall elect officers and adopt a charter. The committee shall adopt rules and regulations of procedure as needed for the conduct of their business.
D. The behavioral health advisory committee may advise the health department about nominees to act as representatives on other county, regional, and state advisory boards and committees. (Ord. 2017-018 Exh. A).
2.44.040 Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this chapter or the application of the provisions to other persons or circumstances is not affected. (Ord. 2017-018 Exh. A).
2.44.050 References to state law.
Any and all reference to state statutes are in effect as referenced above or as hereinafter amended by state authority. (Ord. 2017-018 Exh. A).