New MPA FAQ and Guidelines
Since the launch of the new MPA this morning we have gotten a number of questions that we want to make sure providers have clear answers on.
New MPA? What’s that?
- If the new MPA news hasn’t yet reached you, please see the below links recapping communications about the new MPA:
When should we start using the new MPA?
- You should begin using the new MPA immediately. As of 4/1, the only valid MPA a client may sign is the new MPA combining HMIS and CIE consent.
I heard the old MPA is still good, what does this mean?
- Old MPAs (signed prior to 3/31/20) are still valid within the trust network of HMIS providers for a 1-year grace period.
- This is a grace period implemented to facilitate continued operations during the rollout of the new MPA. The old MPA is not permanent nor is it valid beyond 3/31/2021.
- As soon as a client signs a new MPA it overwrites their old one and this grace period no longer applies (moving forward, you will use the newly signed MPA only)
If my client doesn’t have a new MPA, should I stop working with them until they do?
- Please continue working with your clients normally. Old MPAs can still be used within the trust network for the next year.
If I can still use the old MPA, do I need to get a new one?
- A new MPA is vital to coordinating client care across many domains. Please present the new MPA to your client(s) the next time you contact them.
- Additionally please keep yourself safe and utilize the procedures in place per the Emergency Protocol for HMIS Consent
Where can I find the new MPA?
- Here is the landing page for HMIS where you can find the new MPA under HMIS documents
- Here is a direct link to the new combined HMIS + CIE MPA
Can I still use the old MPA since I still have unused paper copies around my office?
- Old MPAs are not valid for new signatures after 3/31/2020. Please move forward only using the new combined MPA (HMIS + CIE)
I can’t have clients sign electronically anymore, what’s happening? Is this a bug?
- Electronic signature was disabled purposefully.
- The new MPA asks for more information than Clarity’s Electronic Signature function currently allows us to collect.
- We have strengthened the MPA to be more than just a signature.
- Valid options for collecting the new combined MPA (HIMS+CIE) are:
- PDF Upload (Attached PDF)
- Household (for children or dependent adults whose head of household has an uploaded PDF)
- Signed paper document (only for temporary usage before an MPA is able to be scanned)
- Verbal consent (Only during the time Emergency Protocols are in place. Normally only 2-1-1 has authorization to use this method)
Does this mean the databases are combining?
- The two databases (HMIS and CIE) serve separate purposes and will remain as separate databases. The new MPA is simply a way for both databases to share information between one another in order to strengthen our CoC’s collective response to clients’ needs.
How can my client revoke their new MPA?
- The Revocation of Authorization to Release Information has been officially updated to encompass the new MPA and all it entails.
- You may find the new revoke form on this landing page under HMIS documents
- And here is a direct link to the form
