County mental-health director says psychiatric acute facility saw higher use and improved audits

The Santa Barbara County Department of Mental Health presented its annual report on the county psychiatric acute facility (PAF) on May 12, describing operational metrics, funding streams and planned expansions.

Director Navarro and clinical staff explained the PAF operates a 16-bed acute psychiatric unit (with administrative-day transitions) and has seen an increase in hospitalizations in the most recent year. Staff said the county has worked to increase throughput—reducing average stay while expanding capacity—and highlighted that reimbursement is primarily through Medical (Medi-Cal) and Medicare, with payer mix influencing per-day revenues.

Presenters reported recent state audits with only minor clinical documentation deficiencies and described improvements in electronic medical record transfers that have shortened bed-availability communications to hospitals. Staff requested and the board approved receipt and filing of the report and accepted recommended administrative actions. Board members asked follow-up questions about repeated users and options to add two beds in 2027 subject to staffing and reimbursement constraints.

No public speakers registered for this item. The board approved the staff recommendations unanimously and directed staff to return with requested follow-up data where available.