Tech & Tools

Software Application Updated for HUD AHAR Reporting

Data-Systems International (DSI), a provider of case management software for social services, has updated its CT Essentials for HMIS (homeless management information system) software solution to include last-minute requirements from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR). HUD uses data from the report to keep Congress informed about the state of homelessness in the United States. DSI's update helps ensure that ClientTrack users who receive HUD funds will be in compliance when they submit this year's data.

On November 2, HUD announced changes to the reporting requirements for the 2011 AHAR, a report that continuum-of-care stakeholders submit each year to provide critical data about the state of homelessness in their area. DSI worked to incorporate HUD's new guidance into the report so customers got the update on November 4, in time for the first draft of the report that was due to HUD on November 15. The final draft is due January 13, 2012.

CT Essentials for HMIS provides all HUD-required data collection needs, reports, and technical security requirements in support of an HMIS. With the software, organizations are covered immediately with all required forms, business rules, and workflows for the collection of required data in an easy-to-use manner that ensures data quality during collection. Continuum-of-care stakeholders can generate required HUD reports. Additionally, users can leverage ClientTrack's ad hoc reporting suite for analyzing client data and showcasing outcomes to stakeholders and the community with reports, graphs, and charts.

For more information, visit www.clienttrack.com/HMIS.aspx.

— Source: Data-Systems International

Technology to Improve the Quality of Care for L.A. County Residents

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved an agreement with Netsmart Technologies, Inc to provide an electronic health record system known as the Integrated Behavioral Health Information System (IBHIS). The system supports the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) in its role as a provider of mental health services and as the local plan administrator for California’s Medicaid mental health program.

Healthcare reform requires providers to work more efficiently and coordinate care across the different domains of healthcare. Several years ago, LACDMH began the process of eliminating paper health records ahead of the federal deadlines set by the HITECH Act, enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which penalizes organizations that are not using an electronic health record system by 2015 for Medicare providers.

With IBHIS, LACDMH will have the benefit of the clinical, financial, and administrative functionality for about the same average annual cost as its current system that only processes healthcare claims.

— Source: Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health