SANTA ANA POLICE DEPARTMENT (HEART PROGRAM)

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GREATER LOS ANGELES & ORANGE COUNTY HOMELESS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM (LA/OC HMIS) PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION AGREEMENT I. Purpose The HMIS is a HUD -mandated information technology system that is designed to capture client -level information over time, on the characteristics and service needs of homeless persons. Client data is maintained on a central server, which will contain all client information in an encrypted state. HMIS integrates data from all homeless service providers andorganizations in the community and captures basic descriptive information on every person served. Participation inLA/OC HMIS allows organizations to share information with other participating organizations to create a morecoordinated and effective delivery system. The LA/OC HMIS is the secured electronic database for the Greater Los Angeles and Orange Counties and is a valuable resource for local communities. The LA/OC HMIS Collaborative consists of four separate Continuums of Care (CoC). The continuums are: Los Angeles City and County; Santa Ana/Anaheim/Orange County; Glendale; and Pasadena. The LA/OC HMIS Collaborative's goal is to provide a comprehensive case management system to advance the provision of quality services for homeless persons, improve data collection, and promote more responsive policies to end homelessness in the Greater Los Angeles and Orange Counties. II. Agreement and Understanding This Agreement authorizes this Participating Organization (Organization) to designate HMIS Users (User). A User is a staff person entrusted to enter Protected Personal Information (PPI) into the LA/OC HMIS, on behalf of this Organization. In order to allow a User to access the LA/OC HMIS, a User Agreement must be signed by the User, the HMIS Administrator, and this Organization's Authorized Representative. III. Confidentiality and Informed Consent Confidentiality: This Organization must require all Users to abide by its organization's policies and procedures; uphold all privacy protection standards established by the LA/OC HMIS Collaborative Policies and Procedures; and comply with all relevant federal and State of California confidentiality laws and regulations that protect client records. Except where otherwise provided for by law, this Organization shall ensure that confidential client records are released with the client's written consent. Written Consent: To obtain written consent, prior to each client's assessment, each client must be informed that the client's information will be entered into an electronic database called HMIS. The terms of the Consent to Share Protected Personal Information form must also be explained to each client. Clients who agree to have their PPI entered into the LA/OC HMIS must sign the Consent to Share Protected Personal Information form. Verbal Consent: Verbal consent to enter PPI into the LA/OC HMIS may be obtained during circumstances such as phone screenings, street outreach, or community access center sign -ins. Each client must be informed that his or her information will be entered into the HMIS database. The terms of the Consent to Share Protected Personal Information form must also be explained to each client. The client's written consent must be obtained once the client appears for his or her initial assessment. Version 1.5 Page 1 of 3 Modified 10/21/2015