Whether effective protocols for identifying and responding to individuals such as Levesque are being implemented, including specific clinical directives for responding to potentially life-threatening conditions such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). - AS THE PRIMARY LOCAL GOVERNING AUTHORITY, THE SUTTER BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SHOULD PROVIDE MORE EFFECTIVE OVERSIGHT OF SYMH/PHF TO ENSURE THAT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ARE DELIVERED IN A SAFE, HUMANE, AND CONSTITUTIONALLY SUFFICIENT MANNER. The Sutter-Yuba Bi-County Mental Health Services Department was created in 1969 pursuant to a joint powers agreement between the counties of Sutter and Yuba. Sutter County has, and continues to assume, "overall administrative responsibility" for the delivery of mental health services "throughout Sutter and Yuba Counties as specified by the Act and local policy." However, there is a long-standing pattern of inadequate care and treatment and denials of other basic civil and constitutional rights of persons who receive inpatient services at SYMH/PHF, including, but not limited to, the inappropriate and excessive use of seclusion, restraint and medications. This indicates that more effective and comprehensive local governmental oversight and intervention is needed if the facility is to become a viable, competent, and trusted provider of mental health services to the mentally disabled citizens of Sutter and Yuba Counties. The Sutter Board of Supervisors should, without delay, pursue the following measures. Develop a long-term corrective action plan in consultation with the Mental Health Advisory Board and consumers (especially present and former recipients of SYMH/PHF services) following an hearing which affords the local mental health community, especially consumers, as well as family members, a full and fair opportunity to meaningfully influence the plan, particularly potential outcome performance measures. Take all necessary steps to ensure that the newly appointed Mental Health Services Director is provided with the necessary resources
Whether effective protocols for identifying and responding to individuals such as Levesque are being implemented, including specific clinical directives for responding to potentially life-threatening conditions such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). - AS THE PRIMARY LOCAL GOVERNING AUTHORITY, THE SUTTER BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SHOULD PROVIDE MORE EFFECTIVE OVERSIGHT OF SYMH/PHF TO ENSURE THAT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ARE DELIVERED IN A SAFE, HUMANE, AND CONSTITUTIONALLY SUFFICIENT MANNER. The Sutter-Yuba Bi-County Mental Health Services Department was created in 1969 pursuant to a joint powers agreement between the counties of Sutter and Yuba. Sutter County has, and continues to assume, "overall administrative responsibility" for the delivery of mental health services "throughout Sutter and Yuba Counties as specified by the Act and local policy." However, there is a long-standing pattern of inadequate care and treatment and denials of other basic civil and constitutional rights of persons who receive inpatient services at SYMH/PHF, including, but not limited to, the inappropriate and excessive use of seclusion, restraint and medications. This indicates that more effective and comprehensive local governmental oversight and intervention is needed if the facility is to become a viable, competent, and trusted provider of mental health services to the mentally disabled citizens of Sutter and Yuba Counties. The Sutter Board of Supervisors should, without delay, pursue the following measures. Develop a long-term corrective action plan in consultation with the Mental Health Advisory Board and consumers (especially present and former recipients of SYMH/PHF services) following an hearing which affords the local mental health community, especially consumers, as well as family members, a full and fair opportunity to meaningfully influence the plan, particularly potential outcome performance measures. Take all necessary steps to ensure that the newly appointed Mental Health Services Director is provided with the necessary resources
701001.docx