Date of Award
Summer 6-25-2022
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Abstract
This paper poses the issue of increasing mental health needs as the funding from the Mental Health Services Act of Prop 63 continues to grow with unspent funds that are difficult to track, according to the Department of Health Care Services. Separately, the ability for counties to optout of Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT), known as Laura's Law, with the governing body's approval, as the outcomes indicate that the rate of institutionalized individuals needing state bed stays and IMD stays have increased. The literature review will identify the issues disclosed by the State Auditor, the challenges of behavioral health client retention in programs, and the benefits and drawbacks of court-mandated mental health treatment with medication management. In addition, the literature identifies the full spectrum of challenges associated with funding, accountability, and the population of focus that require more community support to remain out of locked facilities. The research method included semi-structured interviews with subject matter experts in behavioral healthcare field that understand the challenges of program implementation, reporting, and outcome measurements. This report provides insight into the challenges and potential strategies to address the issues.
Recommended Citation
House, Sarah, "Mental Health Services Act Funding and Assisted Outpatient Treatment" (2022). EMPA Capstones. 147.
https://digitalcommons.law.ggu.edu/capstones/147