The Latest AIRS Taxonomy is in place...

Pathways recently implemented the latest AIRS Taxonomy, the list of Client "Needs" that we use for our Service records. Among the changes in the new Taxonomy are:

• Over 2000 additional Service Need Codes and Descriptions
• The Service Code format has more digits to accommodate the new codes
• Some Service Descriptions have been reworded slightly for clarity. Some obsolete ones have been removed.

These changes for the most part are transparent to the end user. No modifications to any agency's Preferred Services List are required. Agency Administrators should review their Preferred Services List and make sure it is suitable for your agency's needs. It may well be that a description you could not find before is now available to you!

When viewing the Preferred Services Page or when searching for a Service Need Code, please note that the Service Need Code has been extended from 3 digits to 4 digits. For example PH-100 - Case/Care Management is now PH-1000 and BH-390.310 - Housing Search Assistance is now BH-3900.3100, and so on.

If a Service Need Code was changed, the agency that was impacted by the change will be notified. For example, the old code BH-180.900 – Post Shelter Housing has been removed and replaced with BH-8600 - Transitional Housing/Shelter.

If you have any additional questions on the latest AIRS Taxonomy codes, please contact the Support Team at 404-639-9933 option 2, 866-818-1032 option 2, or support@pnci.org.

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Pathways Releases the new EFSP module

Pathways has implemented a new EFSP module that agencies can use for disbursing EFSP funds. This will allow local agencies to track EFSP funds used for "Utility Assistance", "Rental and Mortgage Assistance" and "Hotel/ Motel Assistance". This new EFSP module will assist with each local community EFSP program requirement for non-duplication of EFSP services.

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was created in 1983 to supplement the work of local social service organizations within the United States, both private and governmental, to help people in need of emergency assistance. For more information, go to http://efsp.unitedway.org/index.htm

Please contact Pathways Support prior to using EFSP, in order to have your Agency properly set up to use the module.

Once the agency is set up, any User can be given access to the new EFSP module:
- To access the EFSP information, the Agency Administrator must activate EFSP in the User's profile.
- Once activated the EFSP Services link becomes available on the Client Services Information page.
- Users are able to view any EFSP Service transactions that have been recorded for a client.
- Once activated, Users are able to view the EFSP Summary page. Just click EFSP on the Client Visit menu.

Coming soon, you will be able to print the EFSP Summary page and will have an additional report that tracks EFSP Services and Disbursements.

Activating the EFSP link in the User Profile:
1. See your Agency Administrator. Only Agency Administrators can do this for you.

EFSP on the Services Page:
1. You are able to view the EFSP transactions a client has received.
2. To add an ESFP transaction, click on the EFSP Services link.

EFSP Summary Page:
1. Allows you to view ONLY EFSP Transactions for the client.
2. Allows you to view dates, jurisdiction, phase year, Service Need given, disbursement given, and whether any other agency has given this client an EFSP transaction.

If you have additional questions on the new module, contact the Support Team at 404-639-9933 option 2, 866-818-1032 option 2 or support@pcni.org.

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Pathways Updating AIRS Taxonomy

Pathways announces the implementation of the most current Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) Taxonomy of Human Needs. Our target date for this implementation is February 15, 2010.

Currently the PATHWAYS COMPASS system utilizes a Taxonomy of about 7,000 Need Codes and associated Descriptions used by human service organizations. On February 15, 2010 Pathways will implement the most current AIRS Taxonomy, which will include more than 9,000 Need Codes and Descriptions. New descriptions have been added, old descriptions have been clarified, obsolete descriptions have been eliminated, and more detailed descriptions have been inserted as sub-levels of existing ones to give Pathways agencies more detailed descriptions of the services they provide.

What is a Taxonomy?
A Taxonomy is a particular classification of things or concepts, grouped into categories and arranged in a hierarchical structure according to their relationships to each other. In our case, descriptions of things and services that clients need are arranged into five levels, from general to specific. The codes assigned to each description range from a single letter for the most general, to several characters for the most specific.

The Taxonomy divides all human needs, services and target populations into ten general categories:

B - Basic Needs
D - Consumer Services
F - Criminal Justice and Legal Services
H – Education
J – Environmental Quality
H – Health Care
N - Income Support and Employment
P – Individual and Family Life
R – Mental Health Care Counseling
T – Organizational/Community/International Services
Y – Target Populations

The more detailed levels are currently represented by 3 digits. The new Taxonomy Need Codes will be expanded to 4 or 5 digits to accommodate the new descriptions.

These changes will be transparent to the user. All current data will be converted to the new codes and descriptions by Pathways. There will be a small number of Need Codes that will require agencies to evaluate the Need Codes most appropriate for them. More information about the specific Codes will be provided during the conversion.

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