EAP Providers Protected by Signed SOU
The statement of understanding (SOU) is a critical component of the EAP case record that our providers maintain for each of their EAP cases. The client’s signature on the SOU ensures that the client has been informed about important aspects of his or her EAP prior to beginning any EAP sessions.
The SOU establishes program expectations and describes limits on confidentiality relating to EAP use. The SOU also provides important clarity regarding client responsibility of payment for services following the referral from the EAP.
As the consequences of not properly informing clients about the elements of their program can have potentially damaging legal implications, providers should always review the SOU with their clients. However, according to the California Care Management Center’s 2009 EAP case record review, the following question showed a decrease in provider compliance:
- Q1 – “Is the Statement of Understanding (SOU) completed and signed?” – Scores decreased to 86 percent in 2009 from 90 percent in 2008 and were similar to 2007 scores.
Addressing the SOU allows you to provide EAP sessions with the knowledge that you have afforded yourself essential protections related to client confidentiality and that clients are fully aware that payment for additional services recommended “beyond” the EAP is their responsibility.
In summary, we encourage you to ensure the SOU is reviewed, completed, and signed by your clients before you provide services.