Minutes 02-25-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A motion was made by Commissioner McKee seconded by Commissioner Price to adjourn the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS E. Additional item - CARDINAL INNOVATIONS Chair Jacobs made reference to the item that was added at the beginning of the meeting. He asked the County Attorney to summarize the relationship between Orange County, OPC, and Cardinal Innovations. John Roberts said that in March or April last year, Orange County was one of 15 counties that approved a joint resolution creating Cardinal Innovations, which is a successor entity to Piedmont Behavioral Health. Later last year Orange County entered into an interlocal agreement with other counties and approved the current setup, which is the governing board of Cardinal Innovations has representatives from local governments, behavioral health entities, and local community oversight boards. Orange County's oversight board consists of Orange County, Person County, and Chatham County. Orange County has no direct say in how mental health services are provided in the County. Chair Jacobs said that OPC was a mental health entity and it was adequate, but the state mandated that there had to be a larger entity, which moved it beyond the County's purview. Commissioner Dorosin said that he was appointed to the local oversight board. The board had its first meeting in late summer and there have been several issues of concern of the local board. He said that initially every member of the local oversight board was asked to sign a conflict of interest and confidentiality agreement. There are also concerns about the bylaws. He said that the joint resolution contains very clear language in his opinion that the local oversight board can write its own bylaws. Since that time, there has been a policy change based on the concerns. He said that the governing board is treated more like a private corporate board. He said that he was told that he could not serve on the board due to a conflict of interest regarding some litigation work from his day job. At this time, the local oversight board does not have a representative on the governing board. He plans on attending the governing board meeting because it is a public meeting. He hopes to raise the issue of being able to participate without signing these documents. Commissioner Dorosin said that more recently, Judy Truitt has resigned as local director and the interim director is serving as the regional director and the local executive director. However, the joint resolution states that the local board would participate in the selection of the director. This has not happened and the new person has been hired already without input from the board. He said that this issue has been a distraction for this board. Discussion ensued on the composition of the governing board. Commissioner Gordon asked what could be done about this. John Roberts said that Alamance and Caswell Counties are currently involved in litigation with Cardinal over service issues. He said that a county can withdraw from Cardinal as long as there is continuation of services. Chair Jacobs asked about the joint approach. John Roberts said that the other attorneys would meet with Orange County. A quick meeting will not be hard to set up. He said that he could send a letter to Health and Human Services. John Roberts said that this is a case of declaratory judgment. Commissioner McKee said that he supports having the Attorney pursue these options. Chair Jacobs said that there should probably be some type of public statement related to the concerns. He suggested bringing this to the legislative breakfast as a concern. Commissioner Price suggested speaking with Representative Verla Insko as soon as possible about this because she has been involved in mental health for years. Chair Jacobs suggested having Commissioner Dorosin and the attorney write the cover letter.