Chapter 2.44
COMBINED TREATMENT SERVICES

Sections:

2.44.010 Department established.

2.44.020 Coordinator appointments.

2.44.030 Repealed.

2.44.040 Alcoholism/substance abuse administrative board created.

2.44.050 Mental health advisory board created.

2.44.060 Treatment services.

2.44.070 Other services.

2.44.080 Combined treatment services fund.

2.44.085 Mental health and substance abuse revolving account.

2.44.090 Cooperation with other entities.

2.44.100 Methadone treatment.

2.44.110 Open meetings act.

2.44.120 Contracts.

2.44.010 Department established.

The department of combined treatment services shall be dissolved and all of its duties, powers and responsibilities shall be assigned to the county health department on January 1, 1997, also providing the county executive to take any preliminary or transitional steps necessary for the implementation of this chapter. Combined treatment services shall hereinafter be referred to as a part of the county health department. (Ord. 96-061 Exh. A; Ord. 87-79 § 1).

2.44.020 Coordinator appointments.

The director of the health department shall appoint the county substance abuse coordinator in accordance with the provisions of RCW Chapters 70.96 and 69.54 respectively, and shall also appoint the county mental health coordinator to carry out RCW Chapters 71.05, 71.24 and 71.34. (Ord. 96-061 Exh. A; Ord. 87-79 § 2).

2.44.030 Department staff.

Repealed by Ord. 96-061. (Ord. 87-79 § 3).

2.44.040 Alcoholism/substance abuse administrative board created.

A. The Whatcom County alcoholism/substance abuse administrative board (hereinafter referred to as “substance abuse board”) is created and shall serve in an advisory capacity to the department of combined treatment services on all issues related to substance abuse and in accordance with RCW Chapters 70.96 and 69.54.

B. The substance abuse board shall consist of 10 members who are residents of Whatcom County. Nine members of the substance abuse board shall be appointed by the county executive, subject to confirmation by a majority of the county council, and one member shall be appointed by the county council. The term of office for the members appointed by the executive shall be for three years, except that the three members appointed to the initial boards shall serve for two years and three shall serve for one year. The term of office for the member appointed by the county council shall be for one year, from the time of the council’s reorganization meeting in January to the next such meeting the following year. The substance abuse board shall be composed of members who shall be representative of the community and include representation as described in RCW Chapters 70.96.160 and 69.54.120.

C. At their initial meeting, or as soon thereafter as practical, the board shall elect officers, adopt bylaws and such rules and regulations of procedure as are necessary for the conduct of their business. (Ord. 88-9 (part); Ord. 87-79 § 4).

2.44.050 Mental health advisory board created.

A. The Whatcom County mental health advisory board, hereinafter referred to as the “mental health board,” is created and shall serve in an advisory capacity to the department of combined treatment services on all issues related to the county mental health program and in accordance with RCW Chapters 71.24, 71.05 and 71.34.

B. The mental health board shall consist of 10 members who are residents of Whatcom County. Nine members of the mental health board shall be appointed by the county executive, subject to confirmation by a majority of the county council, and one member shall be appointed by the county council. The term of office for the members appointed by the executive shall be for three years, except that three members appointed to the initial board shall serve for two years and three shall serve for one year. The term of office for the member appointed by the county council shall be for one year, from the time of the council’s reorganization meeting in January to the next such meeting the following year. The mental health board shall be broadly representative of the demographic character of the county council and the mentally ill persons served therein.

C. At their initial meeting, or as soon thereafter as practical, the board shall elect officers, adopt bylaws and such rules and regulations of procedure as are necessary for the conduct of their business. (Ord. 88-9 (part); Ord. 87-79 § 5).

2.44.060 Treatment services.

The department, with the advice of the boards, shall prepare, solicit and evaluate proposals from licensed service providers to provide substance abuse and mental health services within the county. Following the evaluation of such proposals, the department shall file a recommendation with the county executive for action in accordance with state and county regulations. (Ord. 87-79 § 6).

2.44.070 Other services.

A. The department shall provide alcohol assessment services to the following persons:

1. Those who have been arrested for driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs (RCW 46.61.502);

2. Those who have been arrested for having actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs (RCW 46.61.504);

3. Those who petition for a deferred prosecution of the foregoing offenses (RCW Chapter 10.05);

4. Those who are otherwise required to receive such services by order of a court or by law; or

5. Such other persons as are authorized by resolution or ordinance of the county council.

B. 1. The department shall assess such persons’ involvement with alcohol and other drugs and prepare a written assessment and recommendation concerning the need for education and/or treatment.

2. The reports shall be provided to the court of jurisdiction and the State Department of Licensing. The department shall also provide such persons with appropriate referral information.

C. The department shall provide such other services as may be authorized by ordinance or resolution of the county council. (Ord. 87-79 § 7).

2.44.080 Combined treatment services fund.

A. Effective January 1, 1988, the county fund heretofore known as the “Whatcom County mental health fund” shall be known as the “Whatcom County combined treatment services fund,” and all moneys, assets and liabilities of the Whatcom County alcohol services program fund shall be transferred to the Whatcom County combined treatment services fund.

B. Not less than two percent of Whatcom County’s share of liquor profits and taxes, as required by RCW Chapter 70.96 shall be placed in said fund for support of the alcoholism component of the department’s services. (Ord. 87-79 § 8).

2.44.085 Mental health and substance abuse revolving account.

A mental health and substance abuse revolving account is established for $3,000 until revoked by further action of the Whatcom County council. (Ord. 96-032).

2.44.090 Cooperation with other entities.

Subject to the administrative and legislative control of the county executive and the county council, the department may cooperate and enter into contracts with, and receive moneys from, public and private entities to carry out services set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 87-79 § 9).

2.44.100 Methadone treatment.

In accordance with the drug abuse treatment component of local mental health services, there shall be no methadone treatment programs within Whatcom County. (Ord. 87-79 § 10).

2.44.110 Open meetings act.

The substance abuse board and the mental health board meetings shall be subject to the Open Meetings Act, RCW Chapter 42.30 et seq. (Ord. 87-79 § 11).

2.44.120 Contracts.

All contracts, agreements, rights, claims and obligations, either in favor of or against the Whatcom County department of alcohol services, or the Whatcom County department of mental health/ drug abuse at the time the ordinance codified in this chapter takes effect, shall continue in full force and effect, and responsibility therefor shall be transferred to the Whatcom County department of combined treatment services. (Ord. 87-79 § 12).