DATE:
March 24, 2026
06
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
ADOPT AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING ARTICLE XV OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE REGARDING THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY AND ADDING ARTICLE XVII REGARDING THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
On August 26, 2025 (24), the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) approved the establishment of an Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Social Safety Net and Behavioral Health Systems Transformation (Subcommittee) to explore, study, plan and recommend actions to support and strengthen the County of San Diego's social safety net and behavioral health system. The Subcommittee was tasked with, among other efforts, advising the Board on transforming the Behavioral Health Services (BHS) department into a distinct organization.
To establish BHS as a distinct organizational structure, County Administrative Code must be amended. Today's action brings forward an ordinance to repeal and replace County Administrative Code Article XV related to the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) to remove the duties and responsibilities of BHS, as defined by applicable laws and regulations, and establish a new County Administrative Code Article XVII that sets out the duties and responsibilities of BHS as a standalone organizational structure distinct from HHSA. The proposed action requires two steps. Today's first action requests the Board to approve the introduction of an Ordinance amending the County Administrative Code relating to HHSA and adding a new Administrative Code article related to BHS (first reading). If the Board approves today's recommended action, then on April 21, 2026, the Board is requested to consider and adopt the Ordinance.
If approved, these actions will advance the transformation of BHS into a distinct organization and support a more optimal operational structure that is positioned to support better health outcomes, a better experience of c...
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