Referral Information for EAP Professionals

When this referral pathway may be relevant

Use the professional referral guide for MVBH care to review the pathway, then consult the referral information for professionals and adults before discussing options. An EAP referral may be relevant when an adult wants structured outpatient support and can participate safely without hospital, residential, overnight, emergency, or onsite detox services.

MVBH provides adult Full Day Treatment, also called PHP, Half Day Treatment, also called IOP, Outpatient care, Virtual IOP, and dual-diagnosis services. These names describe available service categories. They do not establish that a particular person meets admission criteria.

Before starting the referral, verify the person’s age, current physical location, preferred in-person or virtual format, and ability to attend the proposed format. In-person care occurs only at 77 Elm St, Amesbury, MA 01913. Every live Virtual IOP participant must be physically present in Massachusetts during the session.

Also separate clinical fit from administrative access. Coverage, authorization, network status, cost sharing, availability, and start dates are distinct questions. None should be presented as confirmed until the appropriate party verifies it.

How to protect privacy during a referral

Review the admissions contact and screening pathway before transmitting records, and use the MVBH adult program descriptions to discuss options without disclosing unnecessary details. Privacy-safe referral work begins by confirming the adult’s communication preferences, the purpose of each disclosure, who may receive information, and which secure method MVBH directs the referrer to use.

Document consent or authorization according to the procedures that apply to your organization. Record what the adult agreed could be shared, with whom, for what purpose, and for what period. Avoid implying that permission for a referral automatically permits later status updates.

Continuity notes should separate facts from pending questions. For example, record that contact information was provided on a specific date. List clinical fit, coverage, authorization, availability, and start timing as unconfirmed unless they were verified by the responsible source.

Use neutral language. “Adult requested information about Half Day Treatment” is more precise than “Adult was accepted for IOP” when no acceptance decision has been communicated. A web page or EAP conversation cannot select a level of care. Screening or an appropriate clinical assessment determines fit.

Continuity and records questions to resolve

The MVBH conditions and concerns resource can support a general continuity discussion, while the MVBH contact page for referral questions provides a route for asking how to proceed. Before sending records, clarify which information is requested, why it is needed, the secure transmission method, and whether appropriate permission supports the exchange.

A continuity plan may identify the adult’s current providers, the intended role of the EAP, and who will address questions outside MVBH’s scope. It should not assume that MVBH will replace existing care, coordinate with every party, or provide updates without appropriate permission.

Useful questions include:

• Who is the designated contact for referral and records questions?
• What records, if any, are requested for screening or continuity?
• What secure method should be used to send them?
• What authorization is needed before information can be exchanged?
• Who will verify benefits, authorization, network status, and cost sharing?
• How will confirmed next steps be communicated?

In the EAP record, identify the source and date for each confirmed statement. Mark unresolved items clearly. This makes it easier for another professional to understand what occurred without mistaking a referral attempt for admission or enrollment.