Improving Treatment for Drug-Exposed Infants
Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 5

Interagency Agreements

For interagency collaboration and linkage to be successful, a written document is needed that clearly delineates the responsibilities of each program to ensure service delivery. Interagency agreements should not only indicate the services to be provided, but should also state the referral process and the documentation requirements of both agencies. Interagency agreements should be reviewed by participating agencies on a regular basis and modified as necessary. Findings from data collection should be taken jointly. Results of monitoring, as well as actions taken to correct problems and improve service, must be documented. Some examples of monitoring are:

• Ensuring that the referring agency has provided all appropriate and necessary patient data to the referral agency.
• Ensuring that there is documentation that the referral agency has provided all agreed-upon services in a timely manner.
• Ensuring that the referral agency provided to the referring agency documentation of patient progress, continued need for services, or readiness for termination of services.
• Checking any important specific parts of the agreement required to maintain the continuity of care.