El Dorado County Board of Supervisors on March 12 authorized staff to look at different options to house the county’s mental health program.

In addition to exploring renewal options for its space at 670 Placerville Drive, facilities staff will consider lease options for the Victory Mine Building in Diamond Springs.

County Health and Human Services Agency Director Daniel Nielson has expressed concerns about the future of mental health program in the existing facility in regards to being able to meet privacy requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, as well has accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Most of the funding for the Mental Health Division is provided by state and federal sources. This funding may be jeopardized by continuing to operate in a facility that cannot meet accessibility and privacy standards for clients.

County facilities manager Russ Fackrell also noted that the market for commercial office space has significantly changed since the county began leasing the current location nearly six years ago.

 — Lake Tahoe News staff report