APS Meets EMS, A Natural Partnership: Adult Protective Services and Mobile Integrated Healthcare

Friday, October 14, 2022

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM EDT

Location: 224EF

Sponsored By

Co-Speaker(s)

Avital Graves, MBA, MHA, NRP

Manager, Mobile Integrated Health Program
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, Maryland
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Mario Wawrzusin, ACSW, LCSW-C, NCG

Senior Administrator, Adult Protective Services and Care Management Services
Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services
Rockville, Maryland

Description: Like many metropolitan jurisdictions, Montgomery County, Maryland has experienced a steady increase in 911 calls for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Longitudinal trends have demonstrated that system superusers are experiencing non-emergency events, such as chronic illness, behavioral health issues, and/or substance abuse challenges. Both EMS and APS saw an opportunity to coordinate their response and improve their partnership to more readily provide the most appropriate assistance and resources to address these needs. Since 2015 when EMS and APS began a coordinated response to superusers, a significant reduction in 911 usage by these patients ensued. In 2019, APS embedded a nurse and social worker in MIH, which has resulted in a seamless collaboration where APS and EMS field evaluations occur simultaneously. During the pandemic, the APS nurse was a key player in the EMS/FRS Viral Leave at Home Program, where the MIH Team followed up on more than 514 presumed positive Covid-19 patients, earning an award from the National Association of Counties, Criminal Justice/Public Safety Award. The attendees can expect a review of the growth of this key partnership, which has resulted in near 100% APS referral acceptance from EMS, and the many benefits of shared training, resources, and “fast-tracked” communication.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participants will be able to articulate the differences between MIH and APS programs and how they can support each other to help vulnerable patients.
Upon completion, participants will be able to understand and apply the various methods of documentation and observation that are appropriate and helpful for successful MIH/APS referrals.
Upon completion, participants will be able to articulate the various levels of capacity and competency in relation to a patient's ability to make reasonable medical and social decisions for themselves.
Upon completion, participants will learn about Elder Abuse Taskforces and understand their role in the investigation and prosecution of those who commit elder abuse and fraud.