Sonoma County Supplier Systems #SC001-0000002199

Sonoma County Mental Health Patients’ Rights Advocate Services

Sonoma County is seeking an independent provider to protect the rights of people receiving behavioral health services throughout the county. - Government buyer: County of Sonoma, Department of Health Services (DHS), Behavioral Health Division; procurement offices referenced include SPI Purchasing and the DHS Contract & Board Item Development Unit. - OEMs and vendors: No product manufacturers, prospective vendors, or awarded contractor are named. No products or part numbers are specified. - Service requested: Independent, person-centered Mental Health Patients’ Rights Advocate services for adults, older adults, youth, and children in outpatient and facility settings. Work includes Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) certification review and capacity hearings, advocacy related to Riese hearings, complaint investigations and resolution, rights-denial reviews, facility and program monitoring, rights notification, education and training, consultation, and collaboration with County staff, providers, patients, families, and community partners. - Coverage and delivery: At least 40 staff hours of coverage per week during regular business hours, with continuity during absences and timely responses to urgent requests. Core client-facing services must be in person in Sonoma County; fully remote delivery is not acceptable. Coverage includes six local emergency departments and two LPS-designated facilities. Two additional rehabilitation centers may be added if approved and funded. - Notable requirements: The advocate function must remain independent. Services should be accessible, person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsible; the provider must meet applicable patients’ rights requirements, protect confidential and privileged advocacy records and protected health information, and provide activity, outcome, trend, and recommendation reporting. Prior written County approval is required before using AI. The agreement is subject to the County Living Wage Ordinance. - Payment and insurance: Service categories are paid at a single all-inclusive hourly rate for approved hours, against an approved line-item budget; the maximum contract amount will be established by agreement. Required coverage includes workers’ compensation and employers liability, general liability, sexual abuse and molestation liability when not included in general liability, automobile liability, professional liability, and cyber liability. - Operational context: Historical activity included approximately 2,469 certification review hearings, 212 capacity hearings, and 32 facility monitoring activities in one fiscal year; these are reference volumes, not guaranteed future quantities. - Contract term: Anticipated initial term of three years, with two optional one-year extensions, for a potential total of five years. Service readiness is expected by the beginning of the agreement period.

Description

The County of Sonoma Department of Health Services seeks proposals for Mental Health Patients’ Rights Advocate services in Sonoma County. The selected provider will protect and promote the rights of people receiving behavioral health services, including conducting Lanterman-Petris-Short certification review hearings, investigating complaints, notifying patients of their rights, and monitoring compliance with state and federal requirements. The scope also includes education and training and collaboration with County staff, providers, individuals served, and community partners. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the County Supplier Portal by October 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM PDT; the solicitation states that the contract is subject to the County Living Wage Ordinance.

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