L.A. County supervisors move to consolidate three health agencies

"Los Angeles County supervisors voted Tuesday to consolidate three sprawling health agencies under a single director.

The action caused some advocates to fear that the change would favor county hospitals at the expense of agencies providing mental health and public health services.

Proponents of the new structure include many county psychiatrists and physicians and Health Services Director Mitchell H. Katz, who will probably be tapped to lead the organization. Supporters say a unified agency will save money on administrative costs and better coordinate services to people who may have a combination of physical, mental health and substance abuse issues.

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich said it would "improve access, health outcomes and system efficiency.""

Read more on L.A. Times