What is Nexus SD?

Nexus SD is a statewide collaboration of health care, human, and social service providers sharing information using an integrated technology platform and referral system to coordinate whole-person care. When seekers agree to share their information with Nexus SD, partner agencies can view the shared seeker record and send electronic referrals to each other using a secure data platform.

What is the purpose of Nexus SD?

The vision is to streamline the connection between multi-sector providers to address social needs and drive positive outcomes among populations at higher risk and that are underserved.

Nexus SD will meet communities and individuals where they are. It is a network of connected providers collaborating to coordinate care so that no matter where an individual enters the system, they can connect to the right care in the right setting at the right time.

How does Nexus SD work?

Nexus SD is made up of a shared technology platform, a network of committed health care, human, and social service providers, a community resource directory, and shared assessment tools that all come together to provide a level of community care for an individual.

I’m looking for community services. How do I join Nexus SD?

If you are a community member seeking help or resources, you can ask your current health care, human, or social services provider if they are a partner in the Nexus SD network. If they are, they can walk you through the process of enrolling in Nexus SD. If they are not a current Nexus SD partner or if you would prefer to seek out resources on your own instead of through a service provider, a self-referral portal is available here. You can search through the same services offered in Nexus SD and connect with those providers on your own. You may also call 211 for assistance getting connected with a service provider.

I provide services for community members. How do I join Nexus SD?

If you are a health care, human, or social service provider and want to join the Nexus SD network, click here or email nexussd@helplinecenter.org, and you will be contacted by a member of the Nexus SD team.

Where do community resources come from?

Community resource information involves multiple channels with Helpline Center delivering current and precise information via its Community Resource Directory to Nexus SD. Helpline Center is accredited by Inform USA for resource data quality and standards. Nexus SD's software vendor also contributes resources sourced from their network. Individual partners may also update their information. 

All providers who want to join Nexus SD will need to be listed in Helpline Center’s Resource Directory and/or the software vendor directory. Please contact the Nexus SD team at nexussd@helplinecenter.org to join the resource database. 

What types of programs are available in Nexus SD?

Nexus SD participating providers offer many programs to residents of South Dakota. You can email nexussd@helplinecenter.org to request a list of programs currently available in Nexus SD.

Is there a cost for providers to join Nexus SD?

General operating expenses are currently covered by the South Dakota Department of Health. The need for participation or membership fees will be assessed annually, with possible partner fees being applied/changed upon that annual review.

There is no cost to submit or receive a referral on behalf of an individual or have your service included in the Nexus SD resource directory.

Is there a cost for seekers to receive services from Nexus SD providers?

There is no cost for an individual to participate in Nexus SD. Many services and programs are provided free of charge or at low or reduced rates. Fees vary based on the organization providing the service. You should always ask the service provider if there is a fee associated with their services.

What languages does Nexus SD support?

Nexus SD supports English and utilizes Google Translate to support additional languages. A full list of languages supported by Google Translate can be found at https://translate.google.com.

What populations does Nexus SD serve?

Nexus SD serves all residents of the State of South Dakota.

What happens when I agree to join Nexus SD to receive services?

When you agree to participate in Nexus SD, you will be asked to sign a consent agreement that allows agencies to collect, store and share your data with other Nexus SD partner agencies. As part of the consent process within Nexus SD, each time you request services, you will be asked to confirm your continued consent for participation.

The organization you are working with will collect information from you that helps determine eligibility for programs and services. You may be asked to complete a social needs assessment and/or eligibility screening to identify the level of services to be provided. The organization you are working with coordinates your care by providing services, or making a referral on your behalf to an organization that can provide services that fit your care plan.

Your care team can track progress of your care in Nexus SD and communicate with you and other members of your team to ensure your needs are met.

Why do I need to sign a consent?

You must consent to collection and sharing of your data before any information can be entered into Nexus SD.

Providing consent authorizes participating Nexus SD providers to use your information to better assess your needs, coordinate your care, and provide services to you. It is important that your information is protected so for each referral within Nexus SD, you will be asked to confirm your continued consent.

Agreeing to share your information with Nexus SD can help streamline your care and access to services by reducing the amount of times you are asked to repeat basic information when you get referred from one partner agency to another, providing access to services and programs you may not be aware of, and avoiding referral to services you have already accessed.

Can I receive services and referrals if I do not sign a consent agreement?

Yes. You can receive services and referrals outside Nexus SD without signing a consent agreement. Services and referrals from individual agencies can still be provided to you, but your information will not be entered into Nexus SD. However, signing a consent will save you time because you will only have to tell your story once, can be screened for any additional needs, and can get connected to appropriate services quicker.

What type of information does Nexus SD collect?

Information collected from you includes identifying and demographic information as well as household, income, health insurance, and other information necessary to connect you with the correct programs and services.

The information collected helps Nexus SD partner organizations coordinate your care with multiple service providers and determine your eligibility for services and programs.

How is my information protected?

Nexus SD follows all applicable laws and industry best practices to protect your data and has many layers of protection built in.

Nexus SD is built on the Amazon Web Services cloud as a HIPAA-enabled Software as a Service offering.

Who can see my information?

When you consent to share your data with Nexus SD, your information is viewable only by those participating organizations. All partnering agencies enter into an agreement with Nexus SD agreeing to use the strictest confidentiality and privacy practices, meaning your information is kept confidential and only those who have a “need to know” will access your personal information.

Can I stop sharing my information?

Yes. You can stop sharing your data by working with your partnering agency to complete the Nexus SD Opt-Out Form and process. After the opt-out process is complete, your information will no longer be shareable within Nexus SD and no longer visible by new members outside your previous care team. You may also opt back in at any point by completing and submitting a new consent with your partner agency.