Sample Emergency Department Policy for Pediatric Social Needs

Resource Overview

• Provided as a sample ED policy establishing routine screening for pediatric social needs related to food access, housing stability, and home safety.
• Provides validated screening questions, response pathways, and documentation guidance.
• Outlines referral processes, staff training expectations, and quality improvement measures.
  

How to Use This Resource

• Adapt screening tools and referral workflows to align with local resources and institutional processes.
• Integrate screening into triage, nursing assessment, or discharge planning workflows.
• Use for staff education, EMR documentation alignment, and ongoing quality monitoring.