POLICY

  1. An interim Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) may be needed pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act regulations 34 CFR 303.322 (e)(2) and 303.345 (c)(1) and (c)(2) for children for whom the following has been determined:
    1. There are exceptional circumstances that make it impossible to complete the evaluation and assessment within 45 days (e.g., the child is ill); or
    2. Obvious immediate needs were identified, even at the time of referral would ensure the completion of evaluations and/or clinical opinion will determine the child eligible for EI services (e.g., a physician recommends that a child with cerebral palsy begin receiving physical therapy as soon as possible). NOTE: In this case eligibility must still be determined and the initial IFSP must be developed within the 45-day timeline.
  2. An interim IFSP may not be used to extend the 45-day timeline unless 1a above applies.
  3. A physician's prescription must be obtained prior to direct service provision, routed to the appropriate service provider and a copy maintained in the CFC permanent record for each of the following EI services/service providers:
    1. Audiology and aural rehabilitation services provided by licensed Audiologists or licensed Speech-Language Pathologists;
    2. Occupational therapy services provided by licensed Occupational Therapists;
    3. Physical therapy services provided by licensed Physical Therapists; and
    4. Speech-language therapy services provided by licensed Speech-Language Pathologists.

PROCEDURE

  1. The Service Coordinator shall determine whether an interim IFSP is needed pursuant to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act regulations 34 CFR 303.322 (e)(2) and 303.345. If so, document the reason(s) the interim IFSP is needed in case notes. NOTE: An interim IFSP is not to be used to extend the 45-day timeline unless exceptional circumstances can be documented.
    1. An interim IFSP can be implemented if there are exceptional circumstances that make it impossible to complete the evaluation and assessment within 45 days (e.g., if a child is ill). If exceptional circumstances have been determined:
      1. Document the exceptional circumstances that made it impossible to complete the evaluation and assessment within the 45 day timeframe; and
      2. Develop and implement an interim IFSP to the extent appropriate and consistent with 303.345(b)(1) and (b)(2).
    2. An interim IFSP can be developed if obvious immediate needs were identified even at the time of referral. NOTE: In this case eligibility must still be determined and the initial IFSP must be developed within the 45 day timeline.
      1. Document that obvious immediate needs were identified even at the time of referral. NOTE: An interim IFSP is not to be used to extend the 45- day timeline unless exceptional circumstances (see 1a above) can be documented; and
      2. Develop an interim IFSP to the extent appropriate and consistent with 303.345(b)(1) and (b)(2).
    3. 303.345(b)(1) and (b)(2) states An interim IFSP is developed that includes:
      1. The name of the Service Coordinator who will be responsible for implementation of the interim IFSP and coordination with other agencies and persons; and
      2. The EI services that have been determined to be needed immediately by the child and the child's family.
  2. Communicate with the family to arrange for a meeting time and location.
  3. Provide reasonable prior written notice to the family and other participants of this meeting.
  4. Assist the family in determining their ability to participate in the cost of services that are subject to fees.
  5. Enter the interim IFSP dates in Cornerstone and complete the IFSP form with the child's parent/guardian and with input from the IFSP team members who recommended immediate services for the child and family.
  6. Work with family to ensure that prescriptions for direct services are obtained prior to service provision as necessary.
  7. Ensure that the services being discussed are appropriate to the needs of the child and/or family.
  8. Facilitate the selection of available providers as described in Provider Selection and as required by applicable private insurance requirements. (NOTE: Private insurance may not be used for evaluation/assessment activities).
  9. Generate authorizations for appropriate EI services using the Service Authorization screen in Cornerstone.
  10. Arrange for the interim IFSP to be implemented.
  11. Request service reports at the end of the interim IFSP period and monitor provision of services.
  12. Maintain the child's permanent and electronic record during the interim IFSP period.