Privacy Compliance Framework All closed-loop referral activities must operate within the following legal and regulatory framework. Review with legal and compliance before implementation. Law/Requirement Key Requirement for IPV/DV Referral Partnerships HIPAA / HITECH Minimum necessary standard; BAA required; PHI safeguards; breach notification. California CMIA Additional protections for medical information. Applies to health plans and providers. Evidence Code §1037 […] Read more »
Create or Update Policies & Protocols Policies and protocols create the organizational infrastructure for consistent, accountable IPV programming. They signal commitment, define expectations for the provider network, and protect members and staff. Policy & Protocol Requirements Core policies and protocols should address the following areas: Resources Access this full list to complete a policy and protocol gap analysis to establish your […] Read more »
Workforce Considerations Sustaining an effective IPV response requires deliberate attention to workforce well-being. Staff and contracted network providers who regularly support survivors may be at an elevated risk of burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and vicarious trauma—the cumulative emotional toll of repeated exposure to others’ trauma—which can erode care quality, engagement, and retention if left unaddressed. MCPs should […] Read more »
Tiered Intervention & Safety Response A tiered response ensures that every positive screen receives a proportionate, survivor-centered response. Tiers should be defined in your protocol and communicated through training across care management and clinical staff. Implementation Tip: After-Hours Coverage Map your after-hours disclosure pathway before you launch. At minimum, every care manager and provider should have the National Domestic Violence […] Read more »
IPV Screening & Response Universal education and support should be paired with direct inquiry or screening. After conducting universal education, you can select and standardize a validated screening tool across your provider network. The Gravity project lifts up: Birthing Care Pathway Perinatal Screening Standard: IPV screening should occur at the first prenatal visit and again at the postpartum visit. […] Read more »
Integrating Trauma-Informed and Healing-Centered Approaches Trauma-informed and healing-centered care are critical for care delivery. This approach builds safety, minimizes harm, and encourages empowerment. It shifts the traditional model of “what’s wrong with you” to ”what happened to you and what’s strong with you.” Dimension Trauma-Informed Care Trauma-Responsive Care Healing-Centered Engagement Primary Focus Awareness and prevention of retraumatization across care delivery […] Read more »
Universal Education & Support Evidence indicates that screening alone is insufficient. Effective IPV programming requires universal education, validated screening tools, tiered response workflows, and meaningful referral pathways, all of which should be implemented with fidelity to trauma-informed, healing-centered principles. The CUES Framework CUES (Confidentiality, Universal Education, Empowerment, and Support) is the evidence-based framework for IPV education and response. It […] Read more »
Section 2: Adopt Evidence-Based Education, Screening & Intervention This section provides an overview of the adoption stage of implementation. The core lever of change is adopting a universal education and support model within internal systems of care of the provider network. This section walks through the evidence-based model from education, support, and response considerations: Read more »
Step 5: Documentation, Coding & Privacy Practices Privacy of medical records is paramount when documenting and coding IPV. For survivors, this is not just a matter of privacy—it is a matter of safety. Electronic medical records and data sharing practices must be structured to keep survivors in control of their own health information. These steps become even more critical as identification and […] Read more »
Step 4: Define Process, Outcome & Balancing Measures A measurement framework is the backbone of accountable IPV programming. This section provides a comprehensive set of measures organized across six domains, with alignment to existing MCAS touchpoints, DHCS PHM reporting requirements, and CalAIM program expectations. This framework proposes process, outcome, and balancing measures to support MCPs implementing the IPV toolkit. Measure types and examples: […] Read more »