1. What is an HMIS system?
2. How will HMISnow.com help me and my agency?
3. Can multiple agencies use HMISnow.com for coordination of benefits?
4. Can I share data with other agencies in my Continuum of Care?
5. Does the security meet HIPAA standards?
6. Does HMISnow include all HUD Universal data elements.
7. Can more than one user be in the same client file at the same time?
8. Can data be exported to other HMIS systems?
9. Does the software generate the HUD APR report?
10. Does the software generate the HUD AHAR report?
11. Can I create custom reports?
12. Can data be exported to Excel?
13. What are the system limitations?
14. If we need to change systems, can the data be provided?
15. What if we want more than an HMIS solution?
16. What is HPRP?
The HUD sponsored website www.HMIS.info states "A Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a software application designed to record and store client-level information on the characteristics and service needs of homeless persons. An HMIS is typically a web-based software application that homeless assistance providers use to coordinate care, manage their operations, and better serve their clients."
2. How will HMISnow.com help me and my agency?
HMISnow.com provides many benefits to an agency including single point of entry, enter data once use many times, client data sharing, etc. HMISnow.com was also designed to help homeless assistance providers meet the HUD requirement to implement an HMIS system. By implementing HMISnow an agency can positively respond to having an HMIS on the annual HUD NOFA application. By having implemented an HMIS, an agency scores higher on the NOFA application and my be able to obtain additional HUD funding.
3. Can multiple agencies use HMISnow.com for coordination of benefits?
HMISnow.com allows up to 5 agency locations to share client information for coordination of benefits. Additionally, since HMISnow.com records entries in real time, shared information is immediately available to other agencies within the CoC.
4. Can I share data with other agencies in my Continuum of Care?
With proper client permission, the client's data can be released to one, several, or all agencies within a CoC as long as those agencies are part of your HMISnow.com subscription..
5. Does the security meet HIPAA standards?
HIPPA regulations and standards involve many complex issues. While HMISnow.com complies with many of the privacy and security requirements of HIPPA, HMISnow.com does not control the end user. Each agency must ensure that their own in-house procedures for such things as locations of computer monitors, sharing of passwords, and physical security of private medical information meets HIPPA standards.
6. Does HMISnow include all HUD Universal data elements.
In July 2009, HUD updated the Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS); Data Standards. This 126 page document outlines both required elements and non-required elements of an HMIS software application. As of August 1, 2009, the HMISNow Homeless Management Information System was updated to included all of the required Universal Data Elements and the only those Program-Specific Data Elements necessary to prepare an accurate HUD APR report.
7. Can more than one user be in the same client file at the same time?
Yes.
8. Can data be exported to other HMIS systems?
No. For security reasons, HMISnow does not include an export utility. If data exports are necessary, please consider BellData's Client Services Network (CSN) application. CSN has a built in export utility that will provide data in XML format following the data exchange XML schema developed and recommend by HUD.
9. Does the software generate the HUD APR report?
Yes. HMISnow.com generates a ready to file HUD APR. Additionally, HMISnow.com generates a HUD APR Clean Up report. The report shows records with missing or inaccurate data. By running the Clean Up Report, an agency can "clean up" client data to make sure their APR balances and is accurate.
10. Does the software generate the HUD AHAR report?
No. HMISnow.com does not generate the AHAR report. If you need to generate this report please consider CSN.
11. Can I create custom reports?
HMISnow.com is designed to provide the base elements of an HMIS system with sufficient but limited reporting. If an agency needs more powerful reporting and case management tools, the agency should consider BellData's CSN product.
12. Can data be exported to Excel?
HUD and HIPPA regulations cover data privacy and security, information stored in an Excel file could easily be compromised. For client security and to adhere to electronic data security regulations, exports to Excel are not possible within HMISnow.com.
13. What are the system limitations?
The only two system limitations of concern to an end user are: 1. The system will only support a maximum of 30 users including the administrator per CoC. 2. The system will support a maximum of 5 agency locations. There is no limit to the number of client records.
14. If we need to change systems, can the data be provided?
Yes. Your data within HMISnow.com is yours. If for any reason you need to change HMIS systems, we can export your data into a file based upon the HUD XML schema (a small processing fee applies).
15. What if we want more than an HMIS solution?
Bell Data Systems, the developer of HMISnow.com, offers a full case management, agency management, and HMIS product called CSN (Client Services Network). CSN is a highly customized social service agency software solution that can be tailored to meet the needs of a single agency, a local Continuum of Care, or a state wide balance of care. CSN is a module based application that can be used effectively by a variety of agencies including homeless shelters, DV shelters, veteran service agencies, direct assistance agencies, medical referral programs, and many more. For more information on CSN go to BellDataSystems.com
E-mail: Email BellData Sales
16. What is HPRP?
HPRP is an acronym for the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program. On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which includes $1.5 billion for a Homelessness Prevention. Funding for this program, called the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), is being distributed based on the formula used for the Emergency Shelter Grants ESG program.