(c) (1) The department shall contract with a county or counties acting jointly for the delivery of specialty mental health services to each county’s eligible Medi-Cal beneficiary population. If a county decides not to contract with the department, does not renew its contract, or is unable to meet the standards set by the department, the county shall inform the department of this decision in writing.
(2) If the county is unwilling to contract for the delivery of specialty mental health services, the department shall ensure that specialty mental health services are provided to Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
(3) If the department or county determines that the county is unable to adequately provide specialty mental health services, or that the county does not meet the standards of a mental health plan, the department shall ensure that specialty mental health services are provided to Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
(4) The department may contract with qualifying individual counties, counties acting jointly, or other qualified entities approved by the department for the delivery of specialty mental health services in any county that is unable or unwilling to contract with the department. The county may not subsequently contract to provide specialty mental health services under this chapter unless the department elects to contract with the county.
