Client-Centered Housing Language
We don’t say homeless. We say…
What is unhoused or experiencing homelessness?
We don’t say parolee. We say…
What is a person on parole?
We don’t say addict. We say…
What is a person with a substance use disorder?
We don’t say schizophrenic. We say…
What is a person living with schizophrenia?
This required list summarizes diagnoses, symptoms, and psychosocial needs.
What is the Problem List?
Instead of calling someone a transient, we say…
What is a person experiencing housing instability?
Instead of inmate, we use this person-first language.
What is a person who is incarcerated?
instead of clean or dirty urine, we say…
What is negative or positive test result?
Instead of committed suicide, we say…
What is died by suicide?
True or False: A diagnosis alone is enough to meet CalAIM’s Problem List requirement.
What is False?
This term is more respectful than hobo
What is unhoused person?
Rather than ex-con, we say…
What is a person with prior justice involvement?
Instead of drug abuser, we say…
What is a person who uses substances?
We don’t call someone crazy. Instead, we say…
What is a person experiencing a mental health crisis?
The Problem List must be updated whenever this happens.
What is a change in client needs, condition, or treatment goals?
Instead of homeless client, write this on a Problem List
The Z codes for housing instability are primarily found within the Z59.81x series, which are used for housing instability, housed. The specific codes are: Z59.811 for risk of homelessness, Z59.812 for past homelessness (within 12 months), and Z59.819 for unspecified housing instability. A more general category is Z59.0x for homelessness and Z59.1x for inadequate housing.
In the Problem List, instead of “criminal,” you would document this.
What is justice system involvement?
On a Problem List, instead of “drug addict,” you would write this.
What is substance use disorder?
On a Problem List, instead of “crazy,” a compliant entry would look like this.
an appropriate mental health diagnosis diagnosed by a doctor or "client reports"
DHCS requires the Problem List to demonstrate this standard of care.
Medical Necessity and "golden thread"
This broader category of needs must be listed if someone lacks housing, food, or transportation.
What are social determinants of health?
CalAIM requires us to track legal issues because they affect this federal standard.
What is medical necessity?
These two things should both appear on the Problem List for someone with a use disorder.
What are the diagnosis and the related functional/psychosocial impact?
True or False: Mental health and psychosocial issues must both be included on the Problem List.
What is True?
If a client reports a mental health or physical health diagnosis, but does not know who diagnosed them, then under the "diagnosed by" field you write this.
"client reports"