USPSTF Recommendation – Intimate Partner Violence Screening for Women of Reproductive Age
| Date: | April 15, 2026 |
| From: | Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan (“Health Plan”) |
| To: | Health Plan Primary Care Providers |
| Type: | Informational/Educational |
| Subject: | USPSTF Recommendation – Intimate Partner Violence Screening for Women of Reproductive Age |
| Business: | Medi-Cal Managed Care/Medicare Dual Special Needs Program (D-SNP) |
Facility Site Review (FSR) Update Calendar Year 2026
Intimate Partner Violence Screening for Women of Reproductive Age
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is defined as physical, sexual or psychological harm, including stalking, by a current or former intimate partner. IPV affects millions of United States residents across all ages, racial ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Such incidents are often unrecognized and underreported. The risk factors for IPV include prior exposure to violence, alcohol misuse, mental health conditions, unplanned pregnancy, young age and low parental education.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening of all women of reproductive age, including pregnant and postpartum women, for IPV; and providing or referring those who screen positive to evidence-based, multicomponent interventions.
Key Recommendations
- Target Population: Women of reproductive age (Ages 12 to 49 years), including pregnant and postpartum women, for Adolescents and adults in this group without recognized signs or symptoms of abuse are also included.
- Screening Method: Primary care clinicians are advised to use questionnaires to assess current or recent Screening should be followed by evaluation and referral to multicomponent interventions that provide ongoing support.
Limitations and Special Considerations
- Men and older or vulnerable adults: The USPSTF concludes that evidence is insufficient to recommend routine screening for IPV in men or for caregiver abuse and neglect in older or vulnerable adults. The balance of benefits and harm in these populations cannot be determined.
- Potential Harm: Screening may cause emotional distress, shame or fear or retaliation, particularly in older or vulnerable adults, highlighting the importance of careful implementation.
- Implementation: To maximize benefits, clinicians should ensure that positive screenings are followed by appropriate evaluation and referral to interventions that include multiple components and ongoing support.
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) updated guidelines on Medical Record Review (MRR) for Managed Care providers to include screening for IPV by primary care clinicians. Citing the USPSTF recommendations, the following instruments accurately detect IPV: Humiliation, Afraid, Rape, Kick (HARK), Hurt, Insult, Threaten, Scream (HITS), Extended-Hurt, Insult, Threaten, Scream (E-HITS), Partner Violence Screen (PVS), and Women Abuse Screening Tool (WAST).
For more detailed information, you can refer to the official USPSTF recommendation statement here: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/intimat e-partner-violence-and-abuse-of-elderly-and-vulnerable-adults-screening.
Best Practices and MRR Documentation Recommendations for IPV Screening:
These practices create a robust IPV screening framework that promotes detection, ensures meaningful support, and nurtures safety and trust in clinical care.
1. Routine Universal Screening
- Document screening of all women of reproductive age, including those who are pregnant or postpartum.
- Conduct screening at initial visits, annually, and during prenatal and postpartum care. Absence of risk should also be noted in the chart.
2. Use brief, validated screening tools
- Progress notes should reflect the use of 3–5 question tools (e.g., HITS, E-HITS, PVS) that assess recent or current abuse, offering efficient detection.
3. Ensure linked, multicomponent supports
- Medical records should show that a positive screen triggered ongoing, evidence-based interventions, not just brief advice.
- Effective responses include multiple sessions, safety planning, mental health/advocacy referrals, and community linkages, which should all be reflected in the patient’s medical records.
4. Trauma-Informed, patient-centered approach
- Use neutral, nonjudgmental language and let patients lead
- Reflect empathy, validation, and respect for autonomy to foster a supportive environment
5. Follow professional recommendations
- ACOG advises periodic screening in obstetrics settings, with appropriate referrals https://www.acog.org/topics/intimate-partner-violence
- WHO guidelines support integration of IPV screening into routine care with attention to confidentiality, support, and messaging.https://www.who.int/publications/b/31321
- See CDC guidance on IPV here: https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/11402
6. Privacy, confidentiality & informed consent
- Explain screening purpose, obtain consent, and clarify how information will be
- Use EHR privacy measures when documenting to protect patient
7. Referral & follow-Up
- Refer positive screens to mental health, advocacy, legal, or social services, these should all be documented.
- Document safety plans and schedule follow-up visits to monitor
8. Monitor and improve Implementation
- Track screening rates, positive results, referrals made, and patient outcomes to identify gaps and improve systems.
Health Plan appreciates our providers’ partnership in helping members with connecting to care and support.
Behavioral Health Needs: Providers may refer members for Behavioral Health case management or care coordination using the Behavioral Health Services Referral Form: https://www.hpsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/HPSJ-MVHP-BHS-Referral-Form.pdf (Please see directions on the form.)
Social Needs: Providers may refer members for Social Services and Support using the Social Services & Support Referral Form: https://www.hpsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/HPSJ-MVHP-CM-DM-Referral-Form-06032024E.pdf
- Email: SocialServices@hpsj.com
- Fax: 1-209-762-4720
Inquiries on the DHCS MRR requirement regarding Intimate Partner Violence screening can be sent to fsrteam@hpsj.com.
If you have any further questions, please contact your Provider Services Representative, or call our Customer Service Department at 1-888-936-PLAN (7526). You may also visit https://www.hpsj.com/alerts/ for online access to the documents shared. The most recent information about Health Plan and our services is always available on our website www.hpsj-mvhp.org
