| Category |
Question |
Answer |
| Obtaining An Application to Provide Services |
How do I apply as an agency for approval to provide early intervention services in New York State? |
Information regarding applying for approval for both individuals and agencies to provide early intervention services can be obtained by contacting the Bureau of Early Intervention (BEI) at provider@health.ny.gov. Please note: In 2022, BEI will be switching to an online application process for interested providers. This online application process will be available prior to the launch of the new Statewide Data System (EI Hub). |
| How do I apply as an individual for approval to provide early intervention services in New York State? |
Information regarding applying for approval for both individuals and agencies to provide early intervention services can be obtained by contacting the Bureau of Early Intervention (BEI) at provider@health.ny.gov. Please note: In 2022, BEI will be switching to an online application process for interested providers. This online application process will be available prior to the launch of EI Hub. |
| Obtaining Individual Provider Approval |
Do I need separate NYSDOH approval to provide early intervention services if I am an employee of either an approved early intervention agency provider or a county? |
No. However, to provide early intervention services, you must be licensed, registered, or certified by the New York State Education Department in one of the fields designated as qualified personnel for the Early Intervention Program. Qualified personnel can be found in regulations 10 NYCRR Section 69-4.1(ak)(1)-(20). |
| Do I need separate NYSDOH approval to provide early intervention services as an independent contractor of an approved early intervention agency provider or the county? |
Yes. Without NYSDOH approval, you cannot work as a contractor for an approved agency or county. |
| Several years ago, I received NYS approval as an early intervention provider. Do I need to reapply? |
Yes, NYSDOH approval and agreement are for a 5-year term. Note: NYSDOH will grant a less than 5-year approval/agreement in some circumstances (at the discretion of NYSDOH). It is important that approved providers ensure that they are knowledgeable about the end date of their agreement and are submitting the required documentation for reapproval prior to the end date of their existing approval. The provider agreement requires that a provider notify NYSDOH 90 days prior to the expiration of their current agreement of the intent to either withdrawal or renew. Effective 2022, providers will submit their reapproval through the New York State Data System (EI Hub). |
| Is training required to maintain NYSDOH approval? |
Approved individual and agency providers who deliver early intervention services must demonstrate continued professional development related to their professional field of practice, and on state and municipal policies and procedures of the Early Intervention Program, including participation in NYSDOH sponsored training. Providers shall participate in a minimum of ten clock (10) hours of professional development activities per year. Such professional development activities are not restricted to NYSDOH sponsored training and may include other professional activities necessary for licensure and activities identified by the provider to increase the provider's professional skills and knowledge. Providers must maintain documentation as proof of participation and must share this documentation with agencies that they deliver EIP services for. This documentation must be available at time of provider monitoring review. New York State sponsored trainings are available online and free to providers and parents. Please visit the NYS EIP website for access information to these trainings: https://www.health.ny.gov/community/infants_children/early_intervention/training.htm |
| Determining Qualified Personnel |
Who can provide early intervention services in New York State? |
Individual evaluators and service providers must be qualified personnel as defined in Early Intervention regulations, 10 NYCRR Section 69-4.1(ak)(1)-(20). Final Regulations - Subpart 69-4. In addition, individual evaluators and service providers must be licensed, registered, or certified for their profession by the New York State Education Department. Professions include audiology, dietetics and nutrition, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, social work, speech language pathology, special education, and vision services. More information is available at the following New York State web sites: http://www.op.nysed.gov/aboutop.htm (NYS Office of Professions) and http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/certprocess.html (NYS Office of Teaching Initiatives). |
| Can a person with a master's degree in social work (MSW) provide social work services in the Early Intervention Program? |
Individuals with a master's degree in social work (MSW) may not provide Early Intervention services and evaluations. Only an individual who is either a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) may provide early intervention social work services and participate as a member of the multidisciplinary evaluation team or as a supplemental evaluator. |
| Can a school psychologists provide psychological services in the Early Intervention Program? |
As of 7/1/2022, school psychologists may not provide early intervention program services or evaluations. |
| Who can provide speech-language pathology services in the Early Intervention Program? |
Only licensed speech-language pathologists and individuals completing nine months of supervised experience to satisfy the New York State licensure requirements may provide early intervention speech-language pathology services. |
| Can a teacher of the speech and hearing handicapped (TSHH) provide speech services in the Early Intervention Program? |
No, a TSHH may not provide speech services. A TSHH may provide "special instruction" services as they specifically relate to communication development. |
| Required Documentation
| Are there any early intervention documentation requirements? |
Providers must maintain documentation demonstrating the provision of services, including session/progress notes. Documentation requirements for billing purposes are discussed in Early Intervention Guidance Memorandum 2003-1, Guidance on Early Intervention Program Records. Providers are encouraged to view the NYS DOH sponsored training titled "Early Intervention Program Records" for information. |
| Who is supposed to keep original session notes? |
Original session notes must be maintained in accordance with the requirements of 10 NYCRR § 69-4.26. In situations where an Individual Provider is rendering services to a child and family under an authorization to such Provider by a Municipality or when the Individual Provider is rendering services as a contractor to an Agency Provider, the Individual Provider shall maintain the original session notes. A Municipality or Agency Provider may request or require submission of copies of such Individual Provider's session notes. Original EI records generated by qualified personnel who are employees of a Municipality or Agency Provider shall be retained by the respective Municipality or Agency Provider. |
| Additional Information
| How do I revise my DOH Approval (e.g., revise name, address, phone number; add another profession/licensure/ certification? |
To revise information associated with your DOH approval, contact the Bureau's Provider Unit (provider@health.ny.gov) to obtain a copy of the document titled Approved Provider Amendment Request. Once the revisions are complete an updated DOH Early Intervention Program Profile will be e-mailed to you. In 2022, providers will submit their amendment request directly through the State Data System (EI Hub). Providers will access their provider profile directly through the EI Hub. |
| As an approved early intervention provider, how do I receive early intervention referrals? |
If you are approved by NYSDOH and hold an Appendix Early Intervention Provider Agreement, you can receive early intervention referrals directly from a municipality. Only approved appendix providers can be selected as a "provider of record." A provider of record receives service authorizations directly from a municipality and is authorized to bill the Early Intervention Program for services rendered. A provider who has only a Basic Early Intervention Provider Agreement will be limited to the role of a "rendering provider" under an agency that is an approved appendix provider. A rendering provider directly renders the service to the child and family on behalf of an agency who is the provider of record. |
| How do I obtain an Early Intervention Provider Agreement or change the status of my current Provider Agreement? |
For information on how to obtain or amend an Early Intervention Provider Agreement, please email the Bureau of Early Intervention Provider Approval Unit at provider@health.ny.gov. To change the status of your approval, please email provider@health.ny.gov. |
| Where do I find the telephone number for my county Early Intervention Program? |
Local numbers for your county Early Intervention Program can be found at the following Web site: https://www.health.ny.gov/community/infants_children/early_intervention/families.htm |
| How do I receive payment for early intervention services that I provide? |
Payment is based on the service provided as authorized on the child's Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Municipalities are responsible for reimbursement of services not covered by Medicaid according to rates set by the state pursuant to regulations. Approved appendix providers must utilize NYSDOH New York State Early Intervention System (NYEIS) or replacement data system and establish a relationship with the NYSDOH fiscal agent for billing and claiming payment for services rendered. Providers with a basic agreement, would either be employed or contract with an EIP agency for services and are paid for services delivered by the agency. The NYSDOH fiscal agent assists providers in claims submission and adjudication, and manages payments owed to providers for services not reimbursed by Medicaid. For further information on the billing and claiming process, please see the following website: www.EIBilling.com. The reimbursement rates schedule is posted on the following website: http://www.health.ny.gov/community/infants_children/early_intervention/service_rates.htm. |
| What training opportunities are available for early intervention providers and parents? |
Information about NYSDOH-sponsored training sessions is available at the following Web site: https://www.health.ny.gov/community/infants_children/early_intervention/training.htm. NYS sponsored EIP trainings are free of charge and available online. |
| What is State Central Registry clearance? |
The New York State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment maintains a central record of reports of child abuse and maltreatment that are determined to be credible following an investigation. Early Intervention Officials and provider agencies must obtain clearance from the State Central Registry for early intervention service providers who will have regular and substantial contact with children receiving early intervention services. |
| Where do I find the names of Early Intervention agencies/providers in my area? |
The Central Directory of NYSDOH approved appendix providers is located on the Early Intervention Program website and can be found at: http://www.health.ny.gov/community/infants_children/early_intervention/service_providers/ |
