The bill amends sections 5126.15, 5180.31, and 5180.32 of the Revised Code and enacts a new section, 5126.16, to mandate that county boards of developmental disabilities provide early intervention services to eligible children as part of the state's part C early intervention services program. The newly inserted section 5126.16 outlines the responsibilities of county boards, which include providing a range of early intervention services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, special instruction, and speech-language pathology services. Additionally, the bill requires county boards to cover the costs of these services and to report their expenses to the department of children and youth annually.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the existing provisions in section 5180.31, which designates the department of children and youth as the lead agency for implementing the early intervention services program. It includes new language that ensures the department will reimburse county boards for at least half of the costs incurred in providing these services. The bill also mandates that the director of children and youth adopt rules necessary for the program's implementation, including eligibility requirements and procedures for reimbursement. Existing sections 5126.15, 5180.31, and 5180.32 are repealed, streamlining the legal framework surrounding early intervention services for children with developmental disabilities.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 5126.15, 5180.31, 5180.32