DATE: June 18, 2019
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Dawan Utecht, Director, Department of Behavioral Health
SUBJECT: Agreement with West Hills Community College District for Clinical and Field Student Training
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute an Agreement with West Hills Community College District for clinical and field placement experience for students, effective July 1, 2019, not to exceed five consecutive years, which includes a three-year base contract and two optional one-year extensions ($0).
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will provide clinical and field experience opportunities to students enrolled in the West Hills Community College District’s Psychiatric Technician and Nursing Programs. Students will be placed in internships at clinics and facilities within the Department of Behavioral Health without monetary compensation and with no increase in Net County Cost.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If the recommended Agreement is not approved, Fresno County will not be able to provide clinical and field training experience for West Hills Community College District Psychiatric Technician and Nursing students. Additionally, the County will not benefit from the opportunity to introduce said students to the County and engage those that may return as future employees.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action or monetary compensation under the recommended agreement. West Hills Community College District will provide worker’s compensation, general liability and professional liability insurance coverage for all student placements.
DISCUSSION:
The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) has agreements with local business schools, colleges and universities to provide clinical and field experience for student interns. Students receive training in clinics and facilities throughout the Department.
The Psychiatric Technician program was implemented in August 2001 at West Hills Community College District (West Hills) and is accredited by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, a division of the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs. The one-year program is divided into three 16-week terms. In addition to classroom work, each student must receive clinical training at a qualified facility three 8-hour days each week of each term. Once students complete the program, they are eligible to apply for licensing to become Licensed Psychiatric Technicians in the State of California. During each term, approximately 15 students will be placed in DBH clinics and facilities.
The Nursing program was implemented in May 2008 at West Hills and is accredited by the Board of Registered Nursing, a division of the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs. The Nursing program is divided into four 18-week semesters and requires two years to complete. The nursing curriculum consists of classroom theory concepts and clinical nursing skills. The instruction of nursing skills takes place in various clinical settings. On completion of the nursing program, the students are eligible to apply for the licensing exam and become Registered Nurses in the State of California. During each term, approximately 15 students will be placed in DBH clinics and facilities.
The opportunity to provide clinical and field experience to West Hills students enhances services for individuals seeking services from Fresno County as well as provides the students with the awareness of the challenges and rewards of working with children and families. All students will be required to meet Fresno County health clearance requirements and adhere to privacy regulations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
There is no cost associated with the recommended agreement. Upon approval by your Board, the recommended agreement will become effective July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2022, with two (2) additional twelve-month periods upon the same terms and conditions, unless written notice of non-renewal is given by either party no later than sixty (60) days prior to the close of the current agreement term. The agreement also includes language allowing for the termination of the agreement without cause by the County or County’s DBH Director (or designee) upon providing thirty (30) days advance written notice. The agreement also includes language allowing for other West Hills College programs to be added upon the written consent of the County DBH Director (or designee) and West Hills.
OTHER REVIEWING AGENCIES:
The Behavioral Health Board was informed of the recommended agreement at the June 2019 meeting.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #44, August 19, 2014
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Agreement with West Hills Community College District
CAO ANALYST:
Ronald Alexander