210 R.I. Code R. 210-RICR-30-15-1.6

Current through December 3, 2024

Section 210-RICR-30-15-1.6 - Rhode Island Early Intervention Certification Standards

A. The EOHHS shall establish and implement Rhode Island Early Intervention Certification Standards.

B. The certification process provides the basis for EOHHS to determine that providers are eligible to participate in and receive payment for the provision of Early Intervention services. Providers must be in conformity with EOHHS' Rhode Island Certification Standards.

C. The Rhode Island Early Intervention Certification Standards establish the policies and procedures required of an Early Intervention program in Rhode Island.

D. Full compliance with the Rhode Island Early Intervention Certification Standards is required of all certified Early Intervention programs.

E. The EOHHS is responsible for the oversight and monitoring of compliance with these standards.

F. Changes to the standards may be made by the EOHHS in order to comply with federal or State regulations and/or to ensure funding, with reasonable notice to providers. Substantial changes to the standards will require certified providers to submit revised or new program policies and an agreement to comply with any changes.

G. The EOHHS will hold public hearings on any new or revised policy or procedure outlined in the Rhode Island Early Intervention Certification Standards and provide notice of the hearing held in accordance with 34 C.F.R. § 303.208(b)(1) at least 30 days before the hearing is conducted in order to enable public participation. The EOHHS will also provide opportunities for the general public, including individuals with disabilities, parents of infants and toddlers with disabilities, Early Intervention providers, and members of the Interagency Coordinating Council, to comment for at least 30 days on the new or revised policy or procedure needed to comply with Part C of IDEA.

H. No person shall provide EI services as an EI service provider without first becoming certified by the EOHHS.

I. In order to become certified as an EI service provider, an agency or organization shall submit notice of intent to apply for certification status to the EOHHS. Required documentation includes the submission of an Implementation Plan demonstrating compliance with the regulations herein, and the Rhode Island Early Intervention Certification Standards.

1. The Implementation Plan must include at a minimum:

a. Initial Staffing and Supervision Plan;

b. Initial Budget;

c. Initial Organizational Plan including how Early Intervention fits into the agency structure;

d. Evidence of an understanding of RI Early Intervention Principles and Practices;

e. Evidence of understanding and the ability to comply with all state and federal requirements and RI Certification Standards.

J. Organizations must submit any change to program policies and procedures or organizational changes (impacting Early Intervention) to the EOHHS.

K. Certification shall be granted for a one-year period. Early Intervention Certification is valid and renewed annually, contingent upon continuing compliance with federal and state regulations and with the Rhode Island Early Intervention Certification Standards.

L. The EOHHS shall certify applicants as it deems appropriate and necessary in order to assure a viable statewide early intervention system that provides quality services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delay. Factors reviewed to ensure that Rhode Island has the capacity to meet the need for Early Intervention include changes in population, performance indicators, or in the number of certified providers.

M. The EOHHS determines the structure of the Rhode Island Early Intervention system and shall make changes as needed.

N. The EOHHS will continually monitor compliance with Rhode Island Early Intervention Certification Standards. Technical assistance is available. The EOHHS may apply sanctions for non-compliance which may include but not be limited to:

1. Corrective action plans/Performance Improvement Plans;

2. Mandatory technical assistance;

3. Additional reporting requirements;

4. Suspension of new referrals;

5. Recoupment of funds;

6. Provisional certification status, suspension or termination of certification.

210 R.I. Code R. 210-RICR-30-15-1.6