Geofencing is an optional feature that uses GPS to verify that caregivers are physically located within a specified radius of an approved service address before they can clock in or start a service. When enabled, Giv checks the DSP’s location against the scheduled shift address at the first clock-in and first service start.
This added layer of enforcement helps prevent remote clock-ins, reduce fraud, and improve billing accuracy, particularly for EVV-required services. If Outside geofence with a reason is enabled, staff can still clock in and start services outside the designated boundary by providing a reason.
Note: Geofencing is optional and separate from the longitude and latitude coordinates that Giv records at every clock-in and clock-out, regardless of whether geofencing is enabled.
Step 1: Enable the Geofence Feature
To enable and configure geofencing:
Click the Agency Settings icon in the the upper-right corner
Select the Geofence card
Toggle Enable Geofence on
Click Edit to set the Geofence radius (in miles or feet)**
Configure any additional settings as needed:
Geofence based on shift addresses: Staff are geofenced on their first clock-in and first service start using the address assigned to the shift. If a shift address is entered, this setting overrides other geofence rules. This is only available for prescheduled shifts.
Optional address on create shift: Allows shifts to be created without entering an address.
Client-approved geo-fencing addresses: Lets you add a list of pre-approved addresses to each client’s profile. Staff can clock in at any approved address without triggering an exception.
Outside geofence with a reason: Allows staff to clock in or start services outside the geofence boundary, provided they enter a reason.
**The default geofence radius is 0. Most agencies set the radius to be within 0.5-1 mile for flexibility while maintaining compliance.
Step 2: Add Approved Service Addresses (Optional)
Clients may receive services at more than one location, such as their home, workplace, day program, or other approved service sites. Adding approved addresses to a client's profile helps ensure accurate EVV tracking and reduces unnecessary geofence exceptions.
To add approved service locations:
Click Clients in the left menu
Search for the client and click Profile
Click Basic Info in the slide-out menu
Click the Geofence Addresses tab
Click Add Address +
Begin typing the address and select the correct address from the dropdown
Repeat this process for each additional approved service location
Click Save
Once saved, these addresses can be used for geofence validation. If a shift is created without a service address, or if a service address is added but Geo-fence Based on Above Address is not selected, geofencing will be based on the approved addresses listed on the client's profile.
Step 3: Create the Shift (Service Address Optional)
Depending on your agency's geofencing settings, adding a service address when creating a shift may be required or optional. When a service address is added to a shift, you can choose whether geofencing should be based on that address or on the approved addresses listed in the client's profile.
To create the shift with a service address:
Click on Shifts in the left menu
Click on Calendar in the left menu
Click + Create shift
Enter the shift start and end dates and times
Enter the service address
Choose from one of the following options:
Select Geo-fence Based on Above Address to have geofencing based on the service address entered on the shift
Leave Geo-fence Based on Above Address unchecked to have geofencing based on the approved addresses listed in the client's profile
Complete the remaining shift details
Click Create shift
Note: The Geo-fence Based on Above Address setting will appear once an address is entered.
Clock-in Flow for Caregivers
The clock-in flow for DSPs:
If the DSP is within the geofence radius, clock-in proceeds normally, and they can start services with the client.
If the DSP is outside the radius, clock-in and service start will either be blocked or allowed with a required reason, depending on your agency’s settings.
If Outside geofence with a reason is enabled, DSPs can clock in and start services outside the designated boundary by providing a reason for the exception.
Admins can review any clock-ins or service starts completed with exceptions.
Geofencing based on shift addresses is checked at the first clock-in and first service start of the shift.
Geofencing and EVV
Geofencing ensures DSPs can only clock in at the correct location. Using a set radius around the shift address, it can block clock-ins outside that area or allow them with a required reason. It prevents errors by making sure DSPs are physically where they should be.
EVV (Electronic Visit Verification) is a state-mandated system used to confirm that DSPs were at the client's location when services were provided. It provides clear documentation to support billing and claims. EVV helps reduce fraud risk and audit issues by creating a record of who provided the service, where it took place, and when the visit started and ended.
Aspect | Geofencing | EVV |
Purpose | Prevents DSPs from clocking in at wrong locations; enforces compliance at clock-in time | Records location data for state/billing compliance |
Timing | Checked before clock-in | Captured at clock-in and clock-out |
Configuration | Optional setting per shift | Required for specific service codes |
Requires Shift Address | Yes—shift address must be added | No—EVV tracking happens automatically even if no address is entered |
Data Sent to State | No | Yes—longitude and latitude sent to your state for compliance |
Important: You can use EVV without geofencing, but geofencing helps ensure your EVV data is accurate.