ACEs Aware is an initiative to offer Medi-Cal providers training, clinical protocols, and payment for screening children and adults for ACEs. Learn more about how to get trained to screen for ACEs, start screening, receive Medi-Cal payment for screenings, and help advance our state’s systems of care to be more effective and efficient.
ACEs are stressful or traumatic events experienced by age 18, identified in the landmark Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente (KP) Adverse Childhood Experiences Study, to be strongly associated with increased health and social risks. Early detection and early intervention can help prevent or reduce the health risks associated with ACEs.
California has identified tools to screen pediatric and adult patients for the ten categories of ACEs, including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction.
The Department of Health Care Services approves specific tools to be used and questions to be asked for both pediatric and adult screenings. These tools are available for providers to use today.
California is creating trainings and engagement opportunities to educate Medi-Cal providers about the importance of incorporating ACE screenings into their clinical practice, as well as how to conduct screenings, use clinical protocols to determine treatment plans, and provide trauma-informed care.
ACEs screening is important for all patients, but in a nation-leading program, all Medi-Cal providers who screen Medi-Cal patients can be reimbursed for ACE screenings beginning on January 1, 2020.
As of July 1, 2020, Medi-Cal providers must have taken a certified training and self-attested to completing the training to receive Medi-Cal reimbursement for ACE screenings.