VHA Handbook 1162.09.pdf

T-1

Department of Veterans Affairs VHA HANDBOOK 1162.09 Veterans Health Administration Transmittal Sheet Washington, DC 20420 May 2, 2014

HEALTH CARE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS (HCHV) PROGRAM

1. PURPOSE: This Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Handbook establishes procedures for the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program (HCHV) and sets forth national authority for the administration, monitoring, and oversight of HCHV-funded services.

2. SUMMARY OF MAJOR CHANGES: This Handbook clarifies the duties of those assigned responsibilities under the HCHV Program including implementing and monitoring HCHV funded programs nationally.

3. RELATED ISSUES: VHA Handbooks 1160.01, 1162.01, 1162.05, 1162.06, and 1162.07.

4. RESPONSIBLE OFFICE: The Office of the Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and Management, VHA Homeless Programs, and the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program are responsible for the contents of this Handbook. Questions may be directed to the National Director, VHA Homeless Programs at 202-461-1635.

5. RESCISSIONS: None.

6. RECERTIFICATION: This VHA Handbook is scheduled for re-certification on or before the last working day of May, 2019.

Robert A. Petzel, M.D.

Under Secretary for Health

DISTRIBUTION: E-mailed to the VHA Publications Distribution List on 5/8/2014.

May 2, 2014 VHA HANDBOOK 1162.09 i

CONTENTS

HEALTH CARE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS (HCHV) PROGRAM

PARAGRAPH PAGE

1. Purpose

2. Background

3. Definitions

4. Scope

5. Range of Services

6. Responsibilities

7. HCHV Program Teams

8. Outreach

9. Case Management

10. HCHV Contracted Residential Services

11. Contract Process

12. Gender Specific Care Provisions

13. Medication Storage and Monitoring

14. Treatment Planning and Treatment Plans in HCHV Contract Residential Services

15. Exit/Discharge from Contract Residential Services

16. Workload

17. Environment and Facilities

18. Local Written Policy and Procedures

19. Conference Calls, Meetings, and Minutes

20. Conflicts of Interest

21. Relationship with VA Medical Facilities and Community

VHA HANDBOOK 1162.09 May 2, 2014 ii

22. Program Evaluation and Data Collection

23. Reporting System - Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System

(HOMES)

24. References

APPENDICES

A Responsibilities of the Contracting Office’s Representative (COR) ...............................A-1

B HCHV Contracted Provider Inspection Form ...................................................................B-1

C HCHV Notice of Contract Form ......................................................................................C-1

D HCHV Community Residential Service (CRS) Action Sheet ..........................................D-1

HEALTH CARE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS (HCHV) PROGRAM

1. PURPOSE: This Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Handbook establishes procedures for the Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program and sets forth national guidelines for the administration, monitoring, and oversight of HCHV-funded services. AUTHORITY:

The HCHV Program is authorized by 38 U.S.C. 2031 and 38 CFR Part 63.

2. BACKGROUND:

a. The foundation of the HCHV program is the provision of outreach services to Veterans who are homeless. The central goal of the HCHV program is to reduce homelessness among Veterans by conducting outreach to those who are the most vulnerable and who are not currently receiving VA services, and then engaging them in treatment and rehabilitation as well as in other VA programs and non-VA community programs that provide prevention and support services.

The HCHV program was developed from the original Homeless Chronically Mentally Ill (HCMI) Program, a 6 month pilot project, established February 12, 1987.

b. In recent years, VA’s effort to eliminate Veteran homelessness has led to the development of a range of additional programs and initiatives implemented by VHA Central Office, Office of Clinical Operations, Homeless Programs Office. Additionally, programs such as Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) have been expanded to include programmatic components that address the gaps in services for homeless Veterans. Because HCHV programs typically are the first to make contact with homeless Veterans, they frequently serve as the entry point for these services and thus, provide VA a way to outreach, assist, and offer homeless Veterans an “Open Door” to the continuum of VA services.

c. In addition to this core mission, HCHV functions as a mechanism to contract with providers for community-based residential treatment for homeless Veterans.

d. Because the least disruptive and most economically efficient way to end homelessness is to prevent its occurrence, VA has expanded its homeless initiatives to include support services aimed at the prevention of homelessness. Unlike VA’s traditional homeless programs, which focus on treatment and rehabilitation of the individual Veteran, prevention services address those Veterans and their families who are at immediate risk for becoming homeless or who have recently become homeless. This group includes Veterans recently released from prison or who are otherwise involved with the criminal justice system. HCHV programs are well positioned to assist these Veterans in accessing the appropriate level of services through other VA programs and non-VA community programs.

e. The HCHV program is vital for providing a gateway to VA and community-based supportive services for eligible Veterans who are homeless. This includes ensuring that chronically homeless Veterans and/or those with serious mental health diagnoses can be placed in community-based programs that provide quality housing and services that meet the needs of these special populations.

3. DEFINITIONS:

a. Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program. The Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program is an essential and critical part of VHA, providing a gateway to VA and community-based supportive services for eligible Veterans who are homeless. HCHV programs provide outreach services; care, treatment, and rehabilitative services, including case management services; and therapeutic transitional housing assistance under 38 U.S.C. 2032 in conjunction with Work Therapy under 38 U.S.C. 1718. The program uses Contracted Residential Services (see paragraph 5.d.) in community locations to engage homeless Veterans who have been underserved. Many of these Veterans would benefit from mental health and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment but will not avail themselves of these services without the encouragement of outreach workers.

a. Homeless. The HCHV Program follows the definition of “homeless” in 38 U.S.C.

2002(1) and section 103(a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C.

11302(a). NOTE: The term “homeless" or "homeless individual" does not include any individual imprisoned or otherwise detained pursuant to an Act of Congress or a state law.

b. Chronically Homeless. The HCHV program follows the Federal definition of the term “chronically homeless” from section 401 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11360.

c. Substance Use Disorder Specialist. The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Specialist is a professional with a Masters degree and an independent license, who is responsible for providing expertise on SUDs to the HCHV and HUD-VASH teams, to other providers within the medical facility, and in the community. The SUD Specialist also provides assessments and treatment to certain high-risk, substance-using homeless Veterans.

d. Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System. The Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System (HOMES) is an online data collection system that tracks homeless Veterans as they move through VA’s Homeless Programs. The system streamlines data collection processes and facilitates communication between VA homeless program staff and leadership on the local, regional, and national levels. By providing a centralized data collection system, HOMES enables VA to efficiently and effectively collect, manage and access homeless Veteran data. Historically, when a Veteran entered a new VA homeless program or episode of care, homeless program staff would re-enter Veteran data into a program-specific system resulting in duplicated data across separate homeless program systems.

Further, these systems did not share information about the Veteran and the care received. The HOMES system allows for single entry of Veteran data and satisfies program operations, management, and evaluation requirements. Any entry into the system is available to all homeless staff across all Veteran Integrated Service Networks (VISN). HOMES is designed so that critical data elements are compatible with HUD’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), allowing VA and HUD to meet the goals of integrating community and VA data into a single Registry.

e. Homeless Management Information System. The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a computerized data collection tool specifically designed to capture client‐ level information over time on the characteristics and service needs of men, women, and children experiencing homelessness and the services provided to them. HMIS implementations can encompass geographic areas ranging from a single county to an entire state and are administered locally within the community (Continuum of Care) by one lead agency that is responsible for standards and privacy compliance, as well as HUD reporting and other funder required aggregate reporting.

f. Community Integration. Community integration (CI) refers to a person’s belonging and full participation in society. CI traditionally has been defined by three main areas:

employment or other productive activity, independent living, and social activity.

g. Community Resource and Referral Centers. Community Resource and Referral Centers (CRRC) are VA-funded and operated outreach centers that provide outreach and referrals for Veterans who are homeless or at risk of being homeless and enhance community partnerships.

h. Medical Respite. Medical respite refers to acute and post-acute medical care provided for homeless persons who are too ill or frail to recover from a physical illness or injury independently, but who are not ill enough to be in a hospital. Unlike “respite” for caregivers, “medical respite” is short-term residential care that allows homeless individuals the opportunity to rest in a safe environment while accessing medical care and other supportive services. Medical respite care can be offered in a variety of settings including freestanding facilities, homeless shelters, nursing homes, and transitional housing. The care can be provided through any one of a number of different models, including a visiting care team (e.g., visiting nurses, rotating teams), an in-house clinical team, and/or in direct consultation with an established care team at a medical facility in such a way that therapeutic care can be provided and a treatment plan can be carried out at the respite facility.

i. Homeless-Patient Aligned Care Teams. The Homeless-Patient Aligned Care Teams

(H-PACT) provide accessible, coordinated, comprehensive, patient-centered care, and are managed by primary care providers with the active involvement of other clinical and non-clinical staff. H-PACTs are Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT) specifically for homeless Veterans that serve three purposes:

(1) Provide a setting for first contact health care to engage the homeless Veteran in care while reducing the use of emergency services.

(2) Provide a care setting that provides “one-stop shopping” where health care is integrated with homeless services.

(3) Provide the services necessary to both assist the Veteran in becoming “housing ready” and help reduce recidivism back to homelessness.

k. Supportive Services for Veteran Families. The Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) Program provides supportive services grants to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives to coordinate and provide supportive services to very low-income Veteran families who:

(1) Are residing in permanent housing;

(2) Are homeless and scheduled to become residents of permanent housing within a specified time period; or

(3) After exiting permanent housing within a specified time period, are seeking other housing that is responsive to such very low-income Veteran families’ needs and preferences.

l. Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education and Network Groups. The Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education and Network Groups (CHALENG) program enhances the continuum of care for Veterans experiencing homelessness. Each VA medical facility is required to participate in CHALENG and to collaborate with the community, State and Federal partners and stakeholders, and Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) to identify needs of local Veterans who are homeless. Homeless and formerly homeless Veterans also provide input regarding gaps in services. These needs are then reported through a national survey. The results are reported to the VA Secretary and are used to help guide future Homeless Program priorities and services.

m. Recovery Model. The recovery model is centered on the belief that it is possible for homeless Veterans with mental health conditions to re-establish normal roles in the community.

The recovery model fully supports community integration and improved quality of life for Veterans who have been diagnosed with a serious mental health condition that impairs their ability to lead meaningful lives. Within this model, psychiatric rehabilitation services are collaborative and encourage the Veteran’s self-determination.

n. Northeast Program Evaluation Center. The Northeast Program Evaluation Center (NEPEC) conducts program evaluations and national mental health system monitoring with respect to quality, cost, and outcomes of VHA mental health programs generally and of specialized treatment programs for homeless Veterans.

o. Stand Downs. Stand Downs are events held by community agencies in partnership with VA in an effort to reach out and provide services to homeless Veterans. Stand Downs are typically 1 to 3 day events. The range of services can include food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, dental services, legal services, VA and Social Security benefits counseling, and referrals to a variety of other necessary services, such as housing, employment and SUD treatment. HCHV Program staff may serve as the local VA facility point of contact (POC) for these events. POCs assist in coordinating the involvement of other VA staff members and outlining their roles in supporting Stand Downs.

p. Operation New Hope. Operation New Hope (ONH) maintains warehouses that support VA homeless outreach efforts. These warehouses served as the distribution hubs for surplus clothing and materials for Stand Downs.

q. State. “State” has the meaning given in 38 U.S.C. 101(20).

r. Supportive Housing. Supportive Housing is a combination of housing and services intended as a cost-effective way to help people live more stable, productive lives. Supportive housing is widely believed to work well for those who face the most complex challenges— individuals and families confronted with homelessness and who also have very low incomes and/or serious, persistent health issues. Supportive housing can be coupled with social services such as job training, life skills training, alcohol and drug abuse programs, community support services, and case management. Supportive housing is intended to be an efficient, pragmatic solution that improves quality of life and, to the extent feasible, reduces the overall cost of care.

s. Supportive Services. Supportive Services encompass a range of services that assist an individual in the transition from the streets or shelters into permanent or permanent supportive housing, and that assist persons with living successfully in housing. Examples of supportive services include, but are not limited to: assistance in securing permanent housing; vocational assistance, including mentoring and coaching as well as job placement; income assistance and financial planning; relapse prevention; and social and recreational activities.

t. Veteran. A Veteran, for the purpose of HCHV programs, is a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable and is enrolled or eligible for VA health care under 38 CFR 17.36 or 17.37.

An eligible veteran must meet the criteria specified in 38 CFR 63.3 to qualify for benefits under the HCHV program.

4. SCOPE:

a. The HCHV Program, a component of VHA Homeless Programs, provides outreach, case management, and HCHV Contracted Residential Services to Veterans who are homeless. The central goal of the HCHV Program is to reduce homelessness among Veterans by conducting outreach to those who are the most vulnerable and engaging them in supportive and rehabilitative services.

b. The HCHV Program works in collaboration with other VA programs (e.g., Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) program, Healthcare for Reentry Veterans (HCRV) program) and community outreach providers (e.g., 100,000 Homes Campaign, Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH), HUD Continuums of Care (CoC)).

c. HCHV awards contracts to community-based agencies to provide short-term residential treatment to Veterans who need an immediate housing placement as they seek permanent housing and/or additional care and services. Depending on the provisions outlined in the contract Statement of Work (SOW), HCHV may be responsible for the direct provision of case management and additional care and services. Additional care and services may include, but are not limited to, vocational training and skills development, and mental health and/or SUD counseling, depending on the terms of the contract SOW and the needs of the particular Veteran.

d. The HCHV Program provides VA medical facilities the information necessary to properly inspect, monitor, and submit the required documents to comply with Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR).

5. RANGE OF SERVICES: Depending on the provisions outlined in the contract SOW, the elements of HCHV care that might be provided to a homeless Veteran directly by VA or through a contractor may include:

a. Outreach to identify homeless Veterans encountered in encampments, shelters, drop in centers, and other community locations. The intent of outreach is to provide Veterans with information on resources such as housing assistance, medical and psychiatric inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, other community-based residential programs or social services, and entitlement providers with referral and linkage to indicated services. Encouraging Veterans to participate in the assessment of and engagement with these services is a vital component of outreach. HCHV works to lower barriers and maintain easy access for Veterans to services in VA and the community.

b. Clinical Assessment to provide a determination of the strengths, needs, abilities and preferences of each Veteran.

c. Initiation of case management to plan and coordinate the homeless Veteran’s care. In cases where the HCHV program staff responsible for outreach assume additional responsibility for a Veteran’s case management, documentation of this transition needs to be reflected in both the medical record and in HOMES. At a minimum, case management services will include the following:

(1) Working toward the rapid placement of the Veteran in a safe, appropriate setting, with an emphasis on utilizing “housing first” approaches wherever possible. Referral will be based on assessment of needs and patient interest in services.

(2) Arranging, coordinating, and/or providing direct clinical services (enrollment, assessment, treatment plan, reassessment, etc.) and support.

(3) Using Recovery Model principles, actively involving the Veteran in treatment planning with specific and individualized goals and objectives utilizing the Mental Health Treatment Suite. Input from other related clinical disciplines (e.g., psychiatry, nursing, vocational rehabilitation) should be included whenever possible. When the Veteran is receiving his or her primary clinical services through another VA provider, the HCHV case manager will actively contribute to that treatment plan.

(4) Refer and provide linkage to VA medical facilities, VA Regional Offices, other Federal agencies and partners (such as the Department of Labor (DOL), HUD, and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)), and/or community-based agencies for services necessary to prevent or eradicate homelessness. These services may include but are not limited to: housing placement and counseling services; health care; financial planning and income support;

transportation; legal services; child care; entitlements; vocational assistance; education;

recreation; and any other needed assistance. The case manager will ensure the availability of mental health and SUD counseling, either through linkage to available resources or directly, if necessary. The case manager will also work with the VA Information Security Officer and Privacy Officer to ensure security and privacy concerns have been met.

(5) Provide crisis management services and monitor psychiatric status and stability.

(6) Intervene, when necessary, and advocate on behalf of the Veteran to fill gaps in the delivery of services. Typically, this includes referrals for transportation assistance, credit problems, and legal issues stemming from child support, fines, and warrants.

(7) Case management responsibility shifts when the Veteran enters another VA Homeless Residential or Case Management Program, such as Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program, Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans (DCHV), HUD-VASH, VJO, HCRV, or Compensated Work Therapy/Transitional Residence (CWT/TR). When a Veteran is admitted to a HCHV-funded program, case management duties may be assumed by the contractor or remain with the HCHV case manager. In either case, the Veteran needs to be informed who will be the primary case manager.

d. HCHV Contracted Residential Services. These services are funded through HCHV to address the causes and effects of homelessness in a community-based setting that provides direct services in a safe environment that supports recovery and meets the needs of homeless Veterans.

Where applicable, every effort must be made to ensure that community-based settings are equipped to provide for the safety and privacy of homeless women Veterans referred for residential services. There are two distinct levels of HCHV Contracted Residential Services, as outlined below:

(1) Contracted Emergency Residential Services (CERS) programs target and prioritize homeless Veterans transitioning from literal street homelessness, Veterans being discharged from institutions, including those in need of medical respite, and Veterans who recently became homeless and require safe and stable living arrangements while they seek permanent housing.

CERS Programs, either directly or through linkage with community and other VA services, provide time-limited services such as supporting mental health stabilization, SUD treatment services, enhancement of independent living skills, vocational training, and employment services. Emphasis is placed on referral and placement in permanent housing or longer term residential programs utilizing VA and/or community resources. Lengths of stay in CERS typically range from 30 to 90 days with the option to extend based on clinical need. NOTE:

CERS programs represent a consolidation of existing HCHV contract residential programs, previously designated as either residential treatment (RT) or emergency housing (EH). Since varying levels of supportive services have been present in both, as noted above, this consolidation reflects the range and flexibility of these services as currently constituted.

(2) Low Demand Safe Havens (LDSH) are 24-hour staffed transitional residences with private or semi-private accommodations, that target the population of hard-to-reach, chronically homeless Veterans with mental illness and/or substance use problems who require a low-demand environment. The low-demand or non-intrusive environment is designed to re-establish trust and motivate the homeless Veteran to seek needed treatment services and transitional and permanent housing options. Lengths of stay in LDSH programs are typically 6 months with the option to extend based on clinical need.

e. Follow-up Services are provided after HCHV Contracted Residential Services program completion. The HCHV program conducts aftercare services through regular visits and/or telephone contact with Veterans to assist in community integration and prevention of future homeless episodes.

f. Prevention services are made accessible to assist the Veteran at risk for homelessness through referral to SSVF and other programs providing supportive services to enable the Veteran and his/her family to achieve and maintain permanent housing.

6. RESPONSIBILITIES:

a. VHA Homeless Programs Office. The VHA Homeless Program Office, HCHV Programs, ensures that:

(1) Funds for HCHV programs are distributed to VA medical facilities expediently and in a manner consistent with applicable law and VA regulations.

(2) Guidance, based on relevant laws, rules, regulations, directives, and analysis of collected data, is provided to Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) and VA medical facilities.

This ensures that HCHV programs provide quality services in compliance with the law and VA regulations and operate in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and local guidelines.

(3) Appropriate data collection systems are constructed and employed, applicable program metrics are established with targets, and evaluation is conducted followed by technical assistance and corrective action as needed.

b. Veterans Integrated Service Network Director. Each Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) Director ensures that:

(1) A Network Homeless Coordinator (NHC) is designated.

(2) HCHV programs within his or her VISN are operated in compliance with applicable Federal law and regulations and VHA policy and procedures.

c. Network Homeless Coordinator. Each Network Homeless Coordinator (NHC) is responsible for:

(1) Overseeing and monitoring of the HCHV Programs in his or her VISN.

(2) Coordinating VISN-wide HCHV reports, assessments, evaluations, and follow-up actions for implementing VHA policy and procedures.

(3) Ensuring the Notice of Newly Operational HCHV Contract (NNOC) form (see Appendix C), is sent to the National NEPEC and HCHV offices prior to admitting Veterans.

(4) Ensuring that reports of the initial inspection and annual re-inspections of HCHV Contracted Residential Services programs are reviewed and approved by the VA medical facility Director and submitted timely and in the proper format according to this Handbook. NHC will forward a copy of completed inspection packages to the national HCHV office.

(5) Ensuring that any changes to an existing HCHV contract are documented on the Health Care for Homeless Veterans CRS Action Sheet (see Appendix D) and sent to the national NEPEC and HCHV offices.

(6) Reviewing NEPEC results, HOMES reports, VHA Support Service Center (VSSC) and other evaluation data, and assisting HCHV program staff in the development of thresholds, clinical indicators, program monitors, and corrective actions.

(7) Working with HCHV and medical facility Quality and Performance Management staff to develop risk management and reporting systems for HCHV programs.

(8) Reviewing HCHV program critical incidents and initiating appropriate investigation and follow-up activities in collaboration with the medical center.

(9) Providing support, guidance, and advice to HCHV program staff through regular communication, which must include, but is not limited to, regular site visits.

d. Medical Facility Director. Each medical facility Director is responsible for:

(1) Ensuring a HCHV Coordinator is designated, and that this designee ensures outreach services are provided by HCHV teams with sufficient resources to support literal street outreach, Stand Down participation, and collaboration with other VA and community-based homeless programs, as well as related health care and social agencies that serve homeless Veterans.

(2) Providing and maintaining oversight of operational HCHV Contracted Residential Services to ensure the programs provide quality services that are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and are operating as indicated in the HCHV contract. NOTE: The HCHV Contract Residential Services Inspection requirements are outlined in Appendix B.

(3) Designating a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for HCHV Contracted Residential Services and ensuring that the COR completes all VA required training. NOTE:

Special care must be taken to avoid conflicts of interest (see paragraph 20).

(4) Ensuring that initial and yearly inspections of HCHV Contracted Residential Services are completed in a timely manner. Delays in completion of inspections can lead to disruptions in services for homeless Veterans.

(5) Reviewing yearly inspections of HCHV Contracted Residential Services and making a determination for approval of continued payments based on the program meeting requirements and standards set forth in this Handbook.

(6) Ensuring that a plan of correction is established to address deficiencies noted in inspection reports, including reasonable timeframes for correcting deficiencies and procedures for tracking progress.

(7) Forwarding copies of all inspection documents and deficiencies noted to the NHC annually. NOTE: Failure to submit inspections, or not submitting them in the prescribed format, may result in funds being withheld.

(8) Ensuring that VA medical facility personnel are available for conducting an initial and annual inspection of each community-based program funded under the HCHV program that is operational in the medical facility’s catchment area. It is imperative that inspections are performed in a timely manner to ensure the quality and availability of services for homeless Veterans. Inspections must include a team review of the HCHV Contracted Residential Services general operation including, but not limited to:

(a) Fire and Safety Compliance. The facility must comply with applicable fire and safety codes.

(b) Facility Adequacy. The facility must be adequate to ensure that the services offered by the HCHV Contracted Residential Services meet applicable standards and regulations.

(c) Clinical Care. Clinical care must be provided to ensure that the:

1. Care provided to Veterans in HCHV Contracted Residential Services meets the standards prescribed by local codes and is within the framework of professional health care delivery standards, and operational and/or clinical authority.

2. Record keeping and participant files are compliant with HCHV program regulations and VHA Record Control Schedule (RCS) 10-1; and

3. The clinical care being provided is appropriate for the population being served.

(d) Nutrition. Food and Nutrition Service must ensure that:

1. Food preparation areas contain suitable space and equipment to store, prepare, and serve food in a safe and sanitary manner.

2. If meals are served as part of the contract, the meals are prepared in a sanitary manner, are nutritionally balanced, varied, and appropriate for the program participants.

3. Ensuring that homeless Veterans have access to nutritional meals three times per day, 7 days per week, as well as nutritious snacks between meals and before bedtime.

(e) Licensed Pharmacist. Approving a licensed Pharmacist or designee to ensure that there is safe and secure storage of medications for Veterans participating in the HCHV program according to the contractor’s written policies and procedures as reviewed and accepted by the HCHV Coordinator (see paragraph 13).

(f) Security. Ensuring that issues pertaining to security and law enforcement are appropriately addressed.

(g) Staff. Ensuring that VA medical facility staff have the appropriate backgrounds, education, and experience necessary to review and inspect community-based programs under the preceding categories. NOTE: Review 38 CFR 63.15(d) for further information.

1. Billing. Monthly billing for payments must be accurate regarding Veteran eligibility and the number of bed days of care. The medical facility Director must ensure that: The COR reviews the accuracy of the billing, and that invoices are submitted to the Austin Payment Center.

2. The system of billing is standardized to conform to medical facility business practices.

(h) Data Collection. Ensuring that program participant data is collected pursuant to program evaluation procedures developed by NEPEC.

(i) Record-Keeping. Ensuring that documents related to initial and annual inspections and for records of reimbursement are accurate and maintained at the local facility.

e. HCHV Coordinator. Each VA HCHV Coordinator is responsible for:

(1) Providing oversight of the HCHV program as outlined in this Handbook and appropriate law and regulations, and ensuring coordination of HCHV services with other homeless programs at the VA medical facility such as GPD, HUD-VASH, DCHV, VJO, HCRV, SSVF, and CRRCs.

(2) Developing processes for verifying the Veteran status and eligibility of program participants.

(3) Collecting and submitting HCHV program participant data, as outlined by NEPEC, HOMES, and VSSC evaluation procedures. The HCHV Coordinator is expected to work with HCHV clinical staff to encourage timely reporting of HCHV program activity as needed.

(4) Providing oversight of outreach and case management services.

(5) Designating a COR for contract residential services, whose functions include but are not limited to, acquisition planning, contract development and Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) monitoring.

(6) Facilitating outreach by disseminating information on VA and community services to encampments, shelters, drop-in centers, and other community locations.

(7) Establishing a process for referrals, screenings, entries, and exits to all CERS for which HCHV provides oversight.

(8) Ensuring that HCHV program staff participate in the local HUD CoC meetings and activities (e.g., Point in Time (PIT) Count, street outreach) and ensure contractors have agreed to participate in HMIS by including this responsibility in the SOW solicitation.

(9) Ensuring that budget, payment, and resource allocations meet all VA standards.

(10) Ensuring that the HCHV program obtains and maintains a third party accreditation with Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and, where indicated, The Joint Commission in accordance with VHA Handbook 1170.01, Accreditation of Veterans Health Administration Rehabilitation Programs.

f. HCHV Program Staff.

(1) The HCHV program staff may perform any or all of the following functions:

(a) Outreach (see paragraph 8).

(b) Case management (see paragraph 9).

(c) Contract liaison (see paragraph 10.c.).

(2) The following duties may be assigned by the HCHV Coordinator and should be conducted in collaboration with other medical facility Homeless programs and community partners as appropriate:

(a) POC for the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (NCCHV), responding to Veteran requests for assistance.

(b) POC for Stand Downs, coordinating the involvement of other VA staff members and outlining their roles in supporting Stand Downs.

(c) POC for local Homeless Veteran community partnership meetings (e.g. Summits, CHALENG meetings, etc.).

(d) POC for clinical reminders, responding to referrals and consults as required and outlined by local policy.

(e) Liaison for SSVF programs.

g. Contracting Officer’s Representative. For the responsibilities of the Contracting Officer’s representative, see Appendix A.

7. HCHV PROGRAM TEAMS:

a. The composition of HCHV program teams will vary from site to site, but at a minimum will include individual(s) responsible for HCHV program coordination and outreach. Typically HCHV program coordinators hold Master’s degrees in social work, nursing, or psychology, and may or may not directly participate in outreach. Outreach workers usually also have a Master’s degree; however, outreach can be conducted by staff who are otherwise trained and prepared (e.g., Peer Specialists) as long as VA requirements regarding clinical supervision and documentation are followed. Many programs utilize a part-time or full-time clerk to assist with data collection, management, and administration.

b. It is important that professionals working in the HCHV program have the freedom and flexibility to move beyond traditional modes of service delivery in order to develop innovative approaches to reach out to and assist homeless Veterans. These non-traditional approaches may include casual dress, irregular tours of duty, and coordination of activities with community agencies. It is expected that outreach be conducted off medical center grounds where homeless Veterans congregate or receive basic services. HCHV program staff must be self-motivated and must be given the autonomy and flexibility to develop innovative programs that identify and engage underserved homeless Veterans.

c. HCHV program staff must develop partnerships with the individual Veteran, other VA staff, and other community providers, HUD CoCs, local non-profit agencies, and State and Federal partners. The success of individual programs depends greatly on the rapport between and collaborative efforts of the HCHV program staff and the community providers. HCHV program staff must have the skills required to provide these functions.

d. The staff selected to work in HCHV programs should have the ability and experience to work with community-based providers and be qualified to provide oversight and case management for program participants.

NOTE: It is beneficial to include a Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) representative as an associate member of the team. VBA outreach efforts provide a number of referrals to the HCHV program. A list of VBA Homeless Outreach staff available to address benefit eligibility issues for homeless Veterans can be found at:

http://vbaw.vba.va.gov/bl/27/outreach/veterans/homeless/index.htm. This is an internal VA Web site and not available to the public.

8. OUTREACH: Outreach is a key and essential element of the HCHV program, designed to reduce homelessness among Veterans by directly contacting those who are the most vulnerable and underserved and engaging them in supportive and rehabilitative services. Outreach is an active process, initiated by the program and staff, with the intent of extending assistance in the community.

a. HCHV Outreach Staff Duties. The following HCHV duties, which are deemed necessary to provide effective outreach, are intended to be examples and do not represent an exclusive listing; moreover, they are subject to existing medical facility policies, protocols, standards, position descriptions, staffing levels, etc. They include but are not limited to:

(1) Performing community-based outreach activities as directed by the HCHV Coordinator.

(2) Verifying Veterans’ eligibility for VA hospital care and medical services.

(a) HCHV programs have initiated procedures enabling the HCHV program staff to complete eligibility applications. HCHV program staff may find it helpful to assist the Veteran in completing other eligibility procedures, such as discharge upgrades, statements in support of benefits claims, etc. This type of practical assistance will help the worker establish rapport and develop trust so that the Veteran will be receptive to available treatment.

(b) Assisting Veterans as needed in completing VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Medical Benefits, for those Veterans not seen at the medical facility.

(c) HCHV program staff with wireless devices should also be authorized access to check eligibility status (e.g., using Hospital Inquiry (HINQ)).

(d) Because homeless individuals’ needs will be urgent, HCHV program staff often tries to expedite verification of Veterans' eligibility status through close working relationships with the medical facility’s Administration Eligibility Section and VBA Regional Office staff.

(e) In cases where eligibility is not yet determined and the Veteran is at risk, HCHV program staff needs to make every attempt to arrange for provision of care through VA or community resources. NOTE: Care provided to a Veteran later determined to be ineligible is subject to billing under 38 CFR 17.102.

http://vbaw.vba.va.gov/bl/27/outreach/veterans/homeless/index.htm

(3) Educating Veterans about available resources and providing referrals and linkages for the services homeless Veterans may require or want.

(4) Instilling hope that the homeless Veteran can maintain housing stability and be self-sustaining in the community.

(5) Utilizing, when necessary, a focus on low-demand services that are non-intrusive and are designed to re-establish trust and eventually re-engage the homeless Veteran in needed treatment services such as LDSH and the use of motivational techniques for Veterans in various stages of treatment readiness.

(6) It is critical that HCHV program staff work collaboratively with VA medical facility Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) Coordinators and Women Veterans Program Managers to ensure outreach activities for these special populations are coordinated, timely, and adequate to address the local needs of these groups. HCHV program staff work to develop, maintain and expand relationships with service providers in the VA medical facility and community to minimize barriers to services and improve timely access to care while expanding the continuum of care available to Veterans.

(7) Participating in the HCHV program evaluation activities.

b. Documentation.

(1) An initial HCHV outreach service contact indicates the beginning of a service episode and must be documented in Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) in accordance with local medical center policies and procedures.

(2) At a minimum, outreach services should include a progress note indicating the Veteran’s status. Typically, this progress note will document at least one of the following services:

(a) Referral to another level of care either within the homeless program continuum of care or to other medical services within VA or in the community.

(b) Need for, and plans to continue, outreach to complete assessment and referral.

(c) Termination and/or completion of service delivery.

(3) The Veteran’s status at the end of the initial episode of care must be documented in HOMES. A Veteran’s case file will remain open until and unless a referral is made and accepted by another service provider and is documented in HOMES. For further HOMES documentation instructions for HCHV outreach, see paragraph 23.

9. CASE MANAGEMENT:

a. HCHV case management reflects a collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation, care coordination, evaluation, and advocacy for services to meet the needs of the homeless Veteran.

(1) HCHV case management serves as a means to ensure psychosocial needs are met and to facilitate assistance with appropriate housing placement. Once a homeless Veteran is referred to HCHV as an individual in need of HCHV case management, the case manager works with the homeless Veteran to identify appropriate VA and community-based providers and facilities throughout the continuum of services. Effective HCHV case management requires regular, direct communication between the case manager, the client, and appropriate service personnel, in order to optimize the outcome for all concerned.

(2) For Veterans in emergency shelters, HCHV program staff will ensure the availability of case management either through VA or community service providers.

b. Assessment and Treatment Planning.

(1) Within the role of case manager, HCHV program staff are responsible for the overall management of Veterans within the HCHV program from initial contact through exit of the Veteran to another program within the homeless continuum of care.

(2) HCHV case managers are not responsible for case management within other programs unless specifically assigned. Treatment plans for each Veteran are a required component in the provision of HCHV case management services to ensure continuity of care, either as an independent plan developed by the HCHV program staff or as an integrated part of an interdisciplinary treatment plan. HCHV case managers are expected to use the Mental Health (MH) Treatment Suite for treatment planning. Treatment objectives are determined in coordination and agreement with the Veteran through use of engagement, assessment, health care, advocacy, education about resources, referral, and supportive counseling.

(3) The treatment plan objectives that are developed by HCHV program staff should be reflected in the Veteran’s individualized treatment plan may include but are not limited to:

(a) Improve the Veteran’s safety.

(b) Assist the Veteran in achieving or returning to mainstream community housing.

(c) Improve the Veteran’s overall physical and mental status and promote a healthy lifestyle.

(d) Instill hope.

(e) Increase employability or increase income, or improve income management.

(f) Improve the Veteran’s overall quality of life.

(g) Improve the Veteran’s self-esteem, self-efficacy, and independence.

(h) Assist the Veteran in achieving an optimal level of psychosocial functioning.

(i) Provide support services aimed at the prevention of homelessness.

(4) An individualized treatment plan must include specific goals, measurable objectives, targeted dates for completion, a designated responsible individual for addressing each goal, and must be completed in accordance with current accrediting body standards.

(5) The treatment planning process is designed to assist each Veteran in identifying strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences to identify and meet goals. This planning process is done in each HCHV program with the Veteran a full partner in the process.

(6) Timeframes for developing and updating plans are based on accrediting body standards.

The Veteran's needs, problems, goals, and action plans are identified utilizing the treatment objectives (see paragraph 9.a.) and information obtained through the assessment process, including direct input from the Veteran and from the Veteran's family or significant others, as available and appropriate. Providers beyond the HCHV program who are currently involved in the Veteran's care need to be included in the planning process.

(7) When HCHV program staffing patterns include multiple clinical disciplines, interdisciplinary treatment team meetings need to be conducted with the Veteran present, as appropriate. Specific target dates need to be identified and monitored. The interdisciplinary team conducts periodic reviews throughout the Veteran’s stay, consistent with accrediting body standards. Reviews can also be requested by the Veteran, a team member, or another provider involved in the Veteran's care.

(8) Interdisciplinary meetings that include discussion of medication treatment plans must include consultation from the clinical pharmacist. This includes but is not limited to performing initial and periodic assessment of medication therapy, medication monitoring plans (as appropriate), and identifying patient-specific medication issues, including drug interactions, adverse effects, efficacy, appropriateness, and compliance problems for homeless Veterans.

c. Documentation.

(1) Case management services must be documented in CPRS in accordance with local medical facility policies and procedures.

(2) Entry into case management services should be documented by a progress note indicating the Veteran’s entry into HCHV case management.

(3) A clinical assessment and individualized treatment plan must be documented in CPRS in accordance with local medical center policies and procedures and paragraph 9.b.

(4) Referrals for other services within VA or in the community must be documented in CPRS in accordance with local medical facility policies and procedures.

(5) The frequency of recording progress notes must be established by the medical facility in program policies, and be appropriate for both the Veteran populations served and the program objectives. Progress notes must reflect:

(a) The Veteran’s progress towards treatment plan goals and objective.

(b) Any barriers to progress and strategies employed.

(c) Any significant events and status change including resolution of problems and program exit.

(6) The Veteran’s entry to and referral from HCHV case management must be documented in HOMES. A Veteran’s case file will remain open until and unless a referral is made and accepted by another service provider and is so documented in HOMES. For further HOMES documentation instructions for HCHV Case Management, refer to paragraph 23.

10. HCHV CONTRACTED RESIDENTIAL SERVICES:

a. Eligibility. To be eligible for HCHV Contracted Residential Services, a Veteran must meet the requirements of 38 U.S.C. 2031(a) and 38 CFR 63.3.

b. Program Entry.

(1) Veterans may apply directly to the contracted provider for HCHV Contracted Residential Services or be referred from other programs, both within and outside VHA.

(2) Veterans need to be screened for entry to HCHV Contracted Residential Services to determine medical and psychiatric stability and their suitability for entry to the program.

(3) Since VA and the contracted provider will be working closely together to ensure the safe and effective treatment of each Veteran, it is essential that Veterans permit communication between VA and the contracted provider through an appropriate Release of Information (ROI).

Veterans who refuse to allow this communication about their treatment needs and ongoing care will need to receive services elsewhere.

(4) Depending on the terms outlined in the service contract SOW, during the screening process, HCHV program staff will determine eligibility and either…