The California State Auditor released areport this
week on the role of key state agencies in the implementation of
the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). Looking at three counties
(Alameda, Riverside, and San Diego), the report examined how they
accounted for and spent the funding, as well as the effectiveness
of the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the Mental
Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC)
in overseeing the MHSA.
The audit found that DHCS has not provided effective direction to
local mental health agencies on how to spend MHSA funds, which
has impacted the ability of local mental health agencies to use
MHSA funds. Additionally, the audit reports that DHCS
inadequately oversees the MHSA funds received by local mental
health agencies, such as not enforcing reporting deadline or
establishing a guideline for reserves. The report notes that only
one of the 59 mental health agencies submitted the FY 2015-16
annual report on time, and CSAC, along with the County Behavioral
Health Directors Association (CBHDA), have been working to help
resolve the reporting issues and guidance questions.
The audit also reports that while the MHSOAC is implementing
processes to evaluate the effectiveness of MHSA-funded programs,
there is still work needed on issues such as developing guidance
on the Innovation program approval process.
Overall, the audit provides a fair look at the implementation of
the MHSA and the issues that the state and counties must work
together to resolve. The MHSA has provided much-needed funding
for behavioral health services and counties are committed to
implementing it and providing these services in an accountable
and effective manner.
