What is Technical Assistance and Consultation (TA & C)?

TA & C is a form of professional advisement provided by a clinical expert for any type of question or concern related to a consumer's life, safety, and ability to function at an optimal level in his or her's chosen environment.

• Technical Assistance (TA) is typically brief or "on the spot" advisement that can be provided directly to families, caregivers, and to the consumer when appropriate. TA's can take place via telephone conversation, email, or a brief one-to-one conversation.
• On-Site Consultation (C) is conducted when problem issues are more complex and require a detailed evaluation of a person and the surrounding circumstances of that person's life. On-Site Consults typically involve more time and expertise.

Who can request TA & C?

As a family member and concerned caregiver, you can request TA & C. Just fill out a Request for Technical Assistance/Consultation form and mail or fax it to the Columbus Community Services office in your region.

Requests can also be made by sending an email to the corresponding region. Please make sure your message includes all the information requested on the form.

East Central	ectac@columbusorg.com
West Central	wctac@columbusorg.com
Southwest	swtac@columbusorg.com

After I make my request, who will conduct the TA & C?

Depending on the nature of the problem, TA & C may be conducted by any member the Columbus Professional Intake Staff, including:

• Registered Nurses
• Master's Level Psychology Technicians
• Social Workers
• Staff Psychologists
• Staff Physician

What types of concerns are covered by TA & C advisement?

Many types of concerns are appropriate for TA & C requests, especially if the problem issues are not well understood or are difficult to manage. Requests are typically made in relation to:

• Medication issues
• Nutritional problems
• Worsening seizure disorder
• Blood pressure/ blood sugar related issues
• Skin integrity problems
• Issues related to proper management of Diabetes or other chronic medical conditions
• Behavioral problems
• Emerging aggression towards self or others
• Sudden or unexplained declines in daily functioning
• Safety risks/ Elopement risks

How are the TA & C results reported and distributed?

All TA & C findings and related recommendations are documented in a written report and submitted to you, the person who made the request. In addition to a final written report, advisement is sometimes given verbally to you, and when appropriate to other interested stakeholders in the consumer's life. Final reports are maintained on file at the Columbus office in your region. All findings and communications, whether written or verbal, are kept confidential and in accordance with HIPAA privacy regulations.