Examples of appropriate PHN referrals include:

• People with ongoing chronic health problems needing a nursing evaluation to assess the client’s and/or family’s ability to manage care at home.
• People needing referrals to and assistance in obtaining resources.
• People in need of health education, assessment and guidance.
• New parents in need of teaching, guidance and support
• Pregnant women in need of teaching, guidance and support
• Women experiencing pregnancy complications or with a history of pregnancy complications
• Women identified as high-risk due to comprehension barriers
• People in need of assistance in obtaining medical care/resources.
• Families with at-risk children – premature, failure-to-thrive, substance exposed etc.
• Anyone at risk for abuse/neglect

Referrals that are not appropriate for PHN follow-up include:

• Requests for home health/skilled nursing services
• Treatment/confirmation of head lice unless extenuating circumstances exist
• Routine reminders of medical/clinic appointments or tracking non-compliant patients, unless condition is urgent.
• Behavioral health clients with a history of violence or threatening behavior that pose a threat to staff
• Anyone requiring immediate or emergency medical care.  Please call 911 immediately.
• Actual child or adult abuse and/or neglect.  These should be reported to Child Protective Services - Call Toll-Free Child Abuse Hotline 1-888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-767-2445)) or Adult Protective Services 1-877 SOS-ADULT (877-767-2385).
• If you feel that the person/family may benefit from PHN services, please contact one of our offices and ask to speak to a PHN about the situation.