Earlier editions: 2026-09
San Diego County Municipal Code Art. XVII Behavioral Health Services Department
San Diego County Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-03 · San Diego County
Cite as: San Diego County Municipal Code Article XVII · Text as of 2026-10-03
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*Note--Article XVII, San Diego County Foster Care Services Committee, Sections 300--300.11, added by Ord. No. 7461 (N.S.), effective 5-5-88; article repealed and new Article XVII, San Diego County Foster and Relative Care Services Committee, added by Ord. No. 8468 (N.S.), effective 12-8-94; committee renamed San Diego County Foster Care Services Committee, Ord. No. 9715 (N.S.), effective 6-9-05. Repealed by Ord. No. 10851 (N.S.), effective 7-13-23. New Article XVII, Behavioral Health Services Department, §§ 300--300.5, added by Ord. No. 10990 (N.S.), effective 5-21-26, operative 7-1-26.
Cross reference(s) -- Definitions, § 20 et seq.; general rules, § 50 et seq.
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SEC. 300. RECOGNITION OF THE DEPARTMENT.¶
There is in the County a Department of Behavioral Health Services (Department). The Department shall be under the supervision of the Chief Administrative Officer.
(Added by Ord. No. 10990 (N.S.), effective 5-21-26)
SEC. 300.1. RECOGNITION OF THE DIRECTOR.¶
There is in the County and the Department the position of Director of Behavioral Health Services. Any vacancy in this position shall be filled by appointment by the Chief Administrative Officer in accordance with the County Charter and County ordinances. The Director shall serve as the Local Mental Health Director, County Drug and Alcohol Program Administrator, and Public Conservator.
(Added by Ord. No. 10990 (N.S.), effective 5-21-26)
SEC. 300.2. DUTIES OF THE DIRECTOR.¶
The Director shall act under the supervision of the CAO. The Director shall supervise all activities of the Department. The Director shall also perform other duties assigned by the CAO. The Director may delegate to a designee the duties of the Public Conservator as described in Welfare and Institutions Code section 5355.
(Added by Ord. No. 10990 (N.S.), effective 5-21-26)
SEC. 300.3. DIRECTOR TO APPOINT PERSONNEL.¶
The Director shall hire sufficient personnel to carry out the Department's duties. The Director shall comply with the County Charter, Civil Service Rules and all applicable laws when hiring employees.
(Added by Ord. No. 10990 (N.S.), effective 5-21-26)
SEC. 300.4. DIRECTOR TO PREPARE BUDGET AND SUPERVISE EXPENDITURES.¶
The Director shall prepare and file the required annual itemized estimates of expenditures and revenues for the Department in accordance with State law and this Code. The Director shall supervise the expenditures of all funds allotted to the Department.
(Added by Ord. No. 10990 (N.S.), effective 5-21-26)
SEC. 300.5. FUNCTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT.¶
(a) County behavioral health programs, which shall include mental health and drug and alcohol programs.
(b) Programs for persons falling within the provision of Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code including:
(i) Public conservatorships for gravely disabled individuals.
(ii) Assisted outpatient treatment.
(iii) Community Assistance Recovery and Empowerment Act.
(c) The administrative supervision and control of:
(i) County operated outpatient behavioral health facilities.
(ii) The San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital.
(iii) Edgemoor Distinct-Part Skilled Nursing Facility.
(d) Any other duties or functions directed by the Board of Supervisors or Chief Administrative Officer.
(Added by Ord. No. 10990 (N.S.), effective 5-21-26)
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