DPSS ePolicy

Revision of existing policy and/or form(s).

What changed?

The General Relief (GR) Mandatory Substance Use Disorder Recovery Progam (MSUDRP) policy has been revised as follows:

1. The MSUDRP pre-screening of all GR applicants is no longer mandatory. Pending the California Statewide Automated Welfare System (CalSAWS) programming, work around instructions are included in the Procedures section.
2. Reasonable suspicion must be determined prior to the Eligibility Worker (EW) completing the GR MSUDRP Pre-Screening page to refer the GR applicant/participant to a MSUDRP screening appointment.
3. The GR MSURDRP Pre-Screening and MSUDRP Assessment Summary Detail pages were enhanced to add the zip code and phone number fields for the treatment program provider.

Note: Changes are shown highlighted in gray throughout the document.

EWs must refer applicants/participants to the Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Client Engagement Navigation Services (CENS) if it is determined that there is a reasonable suspicion that an applicant/participant has a Substance Use Disorder (SUD).

MSUDRP services are provided to applicants/participants to remove barriers that may interfere with their ability to obtain and/or maintain employment due to a SUD. SUD services should also be offered to applicants/participants if they indicate they have a SUD and when the DMH clinician indicates a SUD on the PA 2012. An individual’s SUD does not deem one unemployable. Therefore, an applicant/participant’s physical or mental inability to engage in work activities must be independently determined. If an applicant/participant is determined to be employable, then the applicant/participant is required to comply with the Skills and Training to Achieve Readiness for Tomrrow (START) program.

GR applicant/participant must comply with MSUDRP as a condition of eligibility. If GR applicant/participant fails to comply with the MSUDRP screening appointment or treatment without Good Cause, GR benefits will be denied or discontinued and a sanction may be imposed. If the GR application is denied, the applicant may reapply for benefits immediately. If the GR benefits are discontinued, a sanction period of up to 180 days may be imposed.

On June 3, 1997, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance requiring adult GR applicant/participant to be screened for alcohol and other drug problems; if there is a reasonable suspicion the individual may have a SUD. The GR applicant/participant must be professionally evaluated and is required to participate in a treatment program, as a condition of eligibility.

On July 2017, the DPH-Substance Abuse and Prevention Control (SAPC) contracted Community Assessment Service Centers transitioned to the CENS to provide MSUDRP screenings and SUD treatment referrals for GR applicant/participants.

Client Engagement Navigation Services (CENS)

Department of Public Health’s Client Engagement Navigation Services have eight area offices and are located throughout the County to facilitate an applicant/participant’s entry into the SUD treatment system. CENS provide screening, outreach, treatment referrals, and care coordination services for GR applicants/participants.

Department of Public Health – Substance Abuse and Prevention Control (DPH-SAPC)

The DPH-SAPC leads and facilitates the delivery of a full spectrum of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services to reduce the impact of substance use, abuse, and addiction in Los Angeles County.

Services are provided through contracts with over 150 community-based organizations. SAPC staff serve as technical experts and consultants to meet the needs of the public and contracted organizations in the field of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and abuse.

Substance Abuse Services Helpline (SASH)

SASH is a toll-free line that is available 24 hours per day, seven days, 365 days a year, to connect individuals seeking SUD treatment to service providers in Los Angeles County. The SASH staff perform a brief triage assessment to determine a provisional level of care placement and appropriate referral to treatment.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

The recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs which results in significant clinical and functional impairment, such as health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.

Substance Use Disorder Services

Clinical assessment, residential treatment or individual counseling services provided by DPH-SAPC.

MSUDRP Liaison (ML)

Designated district staff responsible for collaborating with the case carrying Eligibility Worker (EW), START Case Manager, DPH-SAPC, and CENS to ensure compliance with participation requirements and successful completion of MSUDRP.

As a condition of eligibility, GR applicant/participant must comply with the MSUDRP screening appointment and treatment if there is a reasonable suspicion of SUD.

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