Referral Handoff Checklist

Use this to prepare a clean, low-friction referral conversation without sending unnecessary sensitive details through insecure channels.

1. Basic referral context

• Referral source name and role
• Best callback information
• Whether the inquiry is urgent, routine, or timing-sensitive
• Whether the person is stepping down from a higher level of care

2. Fit questions

• What is the main need right now: treatment, housing, structure, case management, or another support?
• Is the person clinically and behaviorally stable enough for the setting being discussed?
• Are there unresolved detox, withdrawal, psychiatric, or safety concerns?

3. Practical coordination

• Current location / service area relevance
• Transportation concerns
• Expected move-in or transition timeline
• Known family or legal coordination issues that affect timing

4. Boundary check

• Do not assume housing replaces licensed treatment
• Do not send full records through a general website form
• Move sensitive record exchange only through an authorized secure process

5. Next step

• Admissions conversation requested
• Program/status question needs clarification
• Higher-care recommendation may still be needed first
• Follow-up owner is clear

This checklist is for operational planning and referral coordination. It is not a medical record, legal advice, or a substitute for clinical judgment.