Family Voices Indiana

The Indiana First Steps System is based on family centered, coordinated services. A family centered approach to intervention is emphasized in Part C of IDEA. Part C mandates family involvement in a variety of ways.  Families are to be involved in:  1) establishing outcomes for their child within the context of the family system;  2) designing and implementing strategies for intervention; and  3) determining the progress that their child is making. Critical elements of early intervention are communication between the family and the service providers and respect for the ability of each family to make informed decisions about their child.  Part C provides a structure for family involvement via the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). The IFSP is based on the resources, concerns and priorities of each family and results in the realization of outcomes for the family and child. Another way to ensure family involvement is the Service Coordinator. The Service Coordinator assists t

Effective July 1, 2016, the Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) is revising its coverage policy for various therapy services to align with recent updates made to Indiana Administrative Code 405 IAC 5-22. These policy changes will apply to services rendered on dates of service (DOS) on or after July 1, 2016.  Rehabilitative therapy services Rehabilitative services refer to the federal definition outlined in Code of Federal Regulations 42 CFR 440.130(d) and include physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), respiratory therapy, speech-language pathology, and audiology services provided to members.  IHCP policy regarding the coverage of rehabilitative therapy services makes the following distinction based on the member’s age:  For members 21 years of age and older, rehabilitative therapy services are covered for no longer than two years from the initiation of the therapy unless there is a significant change in the member’s medical condition requiring longer therapy.  For

First Steps acknowledges that there are instances in which services may best be provided through distance therapy. Delivery of service may include strategies such as teletherapy, which involve the use of technology to bring the child, parent and provider together during the delivery of services. Use of distance service provisions must be based on the needs of the child and family. Prior to the delivery of such services, the following steps must be followed:  1. Distance therapy may only be authorized when it is in the best interest of the family to do so.  2. The service provider should be experienced and comfortable with the delivery of service through technology via secure encryption method.  3. A prior authorization must be obtained from the State before beginning this mode of therapy.  4. Distance service provisions, should be written into the IFSP as a possible strategy and include the manner in which the service should be provided.  5. When using web communication, the fam