The AHC Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool identifies needs in five different domains that can be addressed through community services (housing instability, food insecurity, transportation difficulties, utility assistance needs, and interpersonal safety).

The impacts of unmet health-related social needs, such as homelessness, inconsistent access to food, and exposure to violence on health and health care utilization, are well-established. Growing evidence indicates that addressing these and other needs can help reverse their damaging health effects, but screening for social needs is not yet standard clinical practice. The 10-item AHC Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool, with 16 supplemental questions, can be used to inform the service plan and make referrals to community services.

Target Population: All ages

Time to Administer: Not reported

Completed By: Individual respondents answer the questions themselves. A parent or caregiver can answer for an individual, if that makes more sense.

Modalities Available: Pen and paper

Scoring Information: Hand scored. Endorsing certain responses indicates need.

Languages Available: English

Training Requirements for Intended Users: None specified

Availability: Available for download from https://innovation.cms.gov/files/worksheets/ahcm-screeningtool.pdf

This tool has been reviewed and it was determined that this tool lacks the type of published, peer-reviewed research that meets the CEBC criteria for a Measurement Tools Rating of A, B or C. Therefore, the tool has been given the classification of "NR – Not able to be Rated." It was reviewed because it was identified as being used in the field, or it is being marketed and/or used in California with children receiving services from child welfare or related systems and their parents/caregivers. For more information on the "NR – Not able to be Rated" classification, please see the Measurement Tools Rating Scale.

Currently, there are no published, peer-reviewed research studies for Accountable Health Communities (AHC) Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool