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Getting Started


Below are frequently asked questions for those who are thinking about starting a medical-legal partnership.  For additional information, request an MLP 101 binder.


Frequently Asked Questions


What is Medical-Legal Partnership?


Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) is a health and legal services delivery model that aims to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable populations by integrating legal assistance into medical settings. MLPs help patients get their basic needs met and optimize healthcare. Recently featured in the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times, there are now MLP programs in more than 200 hospitals and health centers in 37 states.


How does MLP Work?


MLPs are partnerships between local legal organizations, healthcare institutions and academic institutions. Lawyers work with healthcare teams to improve patient access to health-related benefits and services including healthy housing, nutrition programs and disability benefits. MLPs train frontline healthcare and legal providers through cross-disciplinary classes in law schools, medical schools and residency programs.


How does MLP benefit patients and health systems?


Multiple pilot studies across the MLP network have demonstrated the range of impact that MLPs have on reducing stress, improving health outcomes and achieving a positive return on investment for health systems.

The following articles discuss how MLPs benefit patients and health institutions:

 

What are the core components of mlp?


Partnerships in the MLP Network must demonstrate the following:

  1. Provision of direct legal assistance to patient-clients at a health institution;
  2. An established referral process and feedback referral loop between healthcare and legal providers;
  3. Jointly created and led trainings for healthcare providers at a health institution;
  4. An on-site legal provider presence at the health institution at least part-time every week;
  5. Active engagement by both clinical and administrative staff at a healthcare institution;
  6. Jointly developed metrics and required data collection/sharing;
  7. Joint medical and legal funding strategies to sustain MLP activity; and
  8. An aim toward jointly developed and led systemic advocacy efforts.

Who are the key players in mlp?


Every medical-legal partnership is structured differently. Most MLPs begin with a local medical director and an attorney (the “medical and legal champions” of the partnership). The strongest MLP teams are made of diverse and committed staff from both the medical and legal side. MLPs draw from the services and expertise of physicians, nurses, social workers, paralegals, and legal aid and pro bono attorneys. For more information on the roles of key healthcare partners in MLPs, please see our sample medical champion job descriptions.


What is the role of the National Center?


The National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership (NCMLP) supports the expansion, advancement and integration of medical-legal partnerships. The center provides technical assistance and leadership support for medical-legal partnerships, coordinates the national MLP Network and participates in national research and policy activities related to preventive law and health disparities. MLPs in all stages of development and practice are encouraged to contact the National Center for technical assistance, guidance and tips.


What are the first steps In starting an Mlp?


Committed healthcare and legal partners are crucial to the success of any MLP. The first step in starting a medical-legal partnership is identifying your medical and legal partners and securing their support. The National Center can help you establish, develop and support these relationships.

Once you have your medical and legal partners in place, the following resources can help you lay the groundwork for your MLP.
 

MLP Planning Documents

Sample Planning Grant Proposal
Sample Planning Budget
Sample Memorandum of Understanding
Sample Needs Assessment Screening Questionnaire


Training Documents

How to Train Clinical Partners Guide
Sample Presentation on Social Determinants of Health

 

When should we begin taking cases?


Getting the core components of an MLP in place can be complicated, and most MLPs spend many months in the planning stages before taking cases. MLP teams should feel comfortable budgeting up to a year for planning in their grant proposals.

Before taking cases, an MLP should have:

  • Fully committed medical and legal partners
  • An established referral system and feedback loop
  • Begun training healthcare providers on basic legal needs
  • Made a joint decision on what kinds of cases to take
  • Funding and evaluation stratetgies in place
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