SUD System Transformation: Stakeholder Workgroup Survey |
Background
Los Angeles County’s (LAC) participation in California’s Medi-Cal 2020 1115(a) Waiver Demonstration Project and the substance use disorder (SUD) organized delivery system (ODS) component would prompt significant changes to how SUD treatment services are delivered within the County, and to whom such services will be provided. It presents the County with an opportunity to demonstrate innovative ideas and test best practices for a vastly strengthened system of care for a larger and more diverse pool of beneficiaries. Upon approval of the County’s implementation plan by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the LAC Board of Supervisors, the Department of Public Health (DPH) Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC) program will launch a series of transformative steps that include the expansion of reimbursable services under Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) to allow for a more comprehensive continuum of care, establishment of a single SUD benefit package, integration of physical and mental health services with SUD services, and a focus on quality and outcome-based services that meet the clinical needs of beneficiaries.
The success of this transformation, and ultimately the success of our patients, will depend on our collective ability to design, build and implement this new SUD system of care. An initial stakeholder process was conducted between August and December 2015 to gather input for the County’s implementation plan application. The next phase will be to conduct advisory workgroups on the following broad topics:
The success of this transformation, and ultimately the success of our patients, will depend on our collective ability to design, build and implement this new SUD system of care. An initial stakeholder process was conducted between August and December 2015 to gather input for the County’s implementation plan application. The next phase will be to conduct advisory workgroups on the following broad topics:
1. System of Care (Adults and Youth)
2. Integration of Care
3. Quality Assurance and Utilization Management
4. System Operations
5. System Innovations and Network Capacity Building
The System of Care Advisory Workgroup will launch first, given the need to define new services and the benefit package before this transformation takes effect (ideally by Summer 2016, assuming County, State and Federal approvals). The primary role of the Advisory Workgroups will be to provide recommendations to SAPC as the County transforms its treatment system of care. The Advisory Workgroups will be facilitated by a SAPC program manager and/or a guest expert, and will be assisted by a SAPC staff for administrative tasks.
Advisory Member Expectations: SAPC deems all perspectives as important and will need all workgroup members to, at minimum, (1) contribute to meeting discussions, (2) thoroughly review related documents in advance, and (3) provide supplemental research or data, if needed.
The frequency of workgroups will vary, but will most likely be more frequent (e.g., monthly) in the beginning of the implementation process and then quarterly once most system transformation components have been established and maintenance oversight is needed.
Meetings will generally last two hours, and will be held at a SAPC conference room unless workgroup members prefer another location.