This bill amends Section 23-13-22 of the General Laws to update the early intervention program for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and/or disabilities, transferring the responsibility from the Department of Human Services to the Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). The bill mandates that all infants and toddlers under the age of three who may be eligible for services under Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) receive early intervention services. It emphasizes the timely provision of these services and requires the development of individualized family service plans.

The EOHHS is tasked with establishing a procedure for the early identification and efficient referral and evaluation of eligible children. Parents dissatisfied with evaluations, eligibility determinations, or the services provided must notify the EOHHS in writing within thirty calendar days, and the office is required to review complaints in accordance with its policies and the Administrative Procedures Act. Additionally, the EOHHS must post clear information about parents' rights to complain about early intervention services on its public website, ensuring that this information is translated into the most common languages spoken by families in the state.

Furthermore, the bill directs the EOHHS to pursue a Medicaid state plan amendment to increase payment rates for early intervention services, as recommended in the 2025 social and human service programs review report. This increase aims to enable service providers to adequately staff their programs with qualified professionals. The EOHHS is also required to maintain a data dashboard on its public website that tracks the number of active children receiving IDEA Part C services, those waiting for evaluations, and staffing levels, with regular updates to ensure transparency and accountability. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7586: 23-13-22