Lehigh County Board of Commissioners have decided to retain Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania Inc. for one more year.

The board voted 7-0 Dec. 17 in favor of Magellan.

Lisa Scheller, chair of the board, said the citizens who have attended meetings to express concern with the current provider will benefit from the quality of services.

"The work that advocates have done is going to lead to better outcomes," she said.

She stressed a no vote would result in the board investing time in searching for a new provider.

Scheller also said if Magellan does not produce results in 2015, the board will inform the county administration of its intent to seek another provider.

Commissioner Michael Schware also stressed the board should seek a new provider if Magellan fails to meet the requirements of the new contract.

Commissioner Geog Brace requested a host of items be included in the contract, including more autism providers, family oversight committee, improvements in communication and manuals relating to care.

Magellan, which has been a county provider for 13 years, provides behavioral health services for county residents who are eligible for medical assistance.

Community Care Behavioral Health was the other behavioral managed care organization that submitted a proposal

A number of concerns surfaced regarding CCBH, including its limited use in Pennsylvania and a poor score.

Once the Magellan contract is drawn up, the commissioners will formally give their stamp of approval.