CARE1ST ATTACHMENT A (FINAL).DOCX

Attachment A
MARICOPA COUNTY CORRECTIONAL HEALTH SERVICES
AND CARE1ST HEALTH PLAN OF ARIZONA, A WELLCARE CO.
COLLABORATIVE UNDERSTANDING
I. Background
The Maricopa County Correctional Health Services (CHS) enhances community safety
by working in a collaborative partnership with AHCCCS, Care1st Health Plan (Care1st)
and its contracted providers to provide research-based prevention and intervention
services. Care1st’s contracted providers deliver a range of health care services and
treatment programs for adults and youth with physical health needs, serious mental illness
and other mental health and/or substance use disorders.
To facilitate the transition of members transitioning out of jails and back into our
community, collaboration between CHS and Care1st is critical to reentry activities.
Specifically, Care1st will collaborate with CHS to accomplish “reach-in” care
coordination for members who have been incarcerated in the Maricopa County Jail for 30
days or longer and have an anticipated release date. “Reach-in” care coordination
activities shall begin upon knowledge of a member’s anticipated release date. Care1st will
collaborate with CHS to identify justice-involved members with physical and/or
behavioral health chronic and/or complex care needs prior to member’s release.
II. Data Sharing and Coordination
Care1st and CHS will partner to:
a) Communicate timely data necessary for coordination of care in conformance with all
applicable administrative orders, state laws and regulations, 42 CFR Part 2, and
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements that
permit the sharing of written, verbal and electronic information, and
b) Utilize data sharing agreements and administrative orders that permit the sharing of
written, verbal and electronic information at the time of admission into the facility
and at the time of discharge.
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III. Collaborative Protocols
When Care1st becomes aware that a member is incarcerated, and is subject to the “Reach-
In” requirements, described above:
1. The Care1st Point of Contact or designee will complete a Justice Transition Form
(JTF) for members with designated chronic conditions and send the JTF to CHS:
a. CHS will confirm diagnosis/chronic condition in TechCare.
b. CHS will complete the CHS section of the JTF and return it to Care1st – scan
it into TechCare.
2. If CHS identifies newly diagnosed chronic care conditions, CHS will complete a JTF
and send it to the Care1st Point of Contact or designee.
3. If member has a diagnosis of HIV+, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), or
Substance Use/Misuse, the member’s written consent to release and share information
must be completed and uploaded into TechCare prior to disclosure of the member’s
identifying information.
4. If member is in jail 30 days or more, the Care1st Point of Contact or designee will
initiate a video or in person visit with the member.
5. An Appointment will be made with member’s Primary Care Physician (PCP) to occur
within 7 days of release.
6. The Care1st Point of Contact or designee will forward to CHS an “Introduction
Letter,” via secure email, with the following information:
a. Appointment day/time
b. Clinic name and location
c. Health Plan Point of Contact (or designee) contact information
7. CHS will place this introduction letter into the member’s property which will be
provided upon jail release.
8. CHS and the Care1st Point of Contact or other health staff may coordinate special
needs prior to jail release (such as courtesy release, medical equipment, or specific
medications).
IV. Provide mechanisms for communication and resolving problems
CHS and Care1st will have quarterly steering committee meetings to build and
strengthen relationships and address any problems or conflicts. Additionally, Care1st
will identify and extend invitations to CHS, to provider level meetings appropriate
for CHS participation.
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Meetings shall include opportunities for agency cross-training and for identifying,
communicating and resolving problems to increase understanding and knowledge of
each other's mission, goals and how, through agency collaboration, members are
provided identified services to improve their health and well-being and reduce
recidivism.
Care1st and CHS will work together to ensure processes from both agencies are being
practiced. On-going improvement efforts will focus on reducing redundancies and
providing timely, accurate and relevant information to coordinate services and
evaluate outcomes of those services.
Care1st and CHS will identify key staff who have the authority to assist with disputes
and find resolutions based on the agreements and best interest of the populations
jointly served. If necessary, this may include the Care1st Chief Medical Officer (or
designee) and the CHS Mental Health Director. Meetings shall include opportunities
to report identified gaps and discuss and act on resolutions.
V. Identify and address joint training needs
Care1st and its contracted providers and CHS will provide cross training opportunities as
mutually agreeable needs are identified.
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