This section requires providers to facilitate referrals for consumers to a broad range of community and social support services—such as wellness programs, housing resources, employment assistance, and substance use recovery support groups—to help address barriers to care and improve overall health. It defines the scope and types of referral activities that staff must undertake on behalf of consumers. The regulation governs the referral practice itself rather than licensing a specific facility type.
View official source2511 REFERRAL TO COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES 2511.1 Referral to Community and Social Support Services includes the provision of referrals to a wide array of support services that will help consumers overcome access or service barriers, increase self-management skills and achieve overall health. Specifically, this activity involves facilitating access to support and assistance for consumers to address medical, behavioral, educational, social, and community issues that may impact overall health. 2511.2 The types of community and social support services to which consumers will be referred to may include, but are not limited to: Wellness programs, including smoking cessation, fitness, weight loss programs; Specialized support groups (i.e., cancer, diabetes support groups, and others); Substance use recovery support groups; Housing resources; The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Legal assistance resources; Faith-based organizations; Access to employment and educational program or training; (i) Financial assistance, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Social Security (j) Child care; and (k) Social integration. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 63 DCR 849 (January 22, 2016); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 66 DCR 5625 (May 3, 2019). District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Mental Health 22-A DCMR § 2511