TO:Early Intervention Providers
FROM:Provider Connections
DATE:January 16, 2008
SUBJECT:Amended EI Rule 500 Implementation
Early Intervention Rule 500 has been amended and will be implemented on March 1, 2008. As part of the amended rule, some credentialing and enrollment requirements as well as some processes will change. This memo is notification of these changes.
Beginning March 1, 2008, all new EI credential applicants are required to not only document their specific educational/licensure requirements but also show completion of EI Systems Overview Training. Systems Overview training is now available online at www.illinoiseitraining.org, and consists of an online component and one (1) day face-to-face follow-up training. The three-day, face-to-face Systems Overview training is also available. Provider Connections will process credential applications only if all educational/licensure requirements and a minimum of the online portion of EI Systems Overview training are documented as complete. An EI credential can only be issued when all background checks are complete and all components of the Systems Overview Training have been received by Provider Connections. Service Coordinators and Parent Liaisons will be allowed three (3) months from the date their “Temporary” credentials are issued to verify completion of Systems Overview training and their respective training requirements.
In addition to the above mentioned educational and training requirements, all new providers will be have eighteen (18) months from the date their “Temporary” credentials are issued to complete the required 240 hours of consultation/supervised experience with the exception of DT-Hearing, DT-Vision, and DT-O&M providers who will need to complete 120 hours. All new and renewing unlicensed providers (except DTs), including Service Coordinators, must complete the four core knowledge areas during the eighteen-month (18) temporary period. DTs are required to document the completed four core knowledge area requirements upon application. The four core knowledge area requirements have been eliminated for all licensed providers.
A Credentialed Provider, now including providers with a temporary credential, must document of a minimum of 75% of their Ongoing Professional Development Plan (OPDP) meetings completed during his/her temporary or full credential period. These meetings may be face to face or by phone and must be with any specialist-level credentialed provider.
A credential for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) has been added in the amended Rule 500. Requirements for this credential include holding a current national certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Applicants issued a “Temporary” EI BCBA credential are required to complete the four core knowledge area requirements, the 240 hours of consultation/supervised experience, and fulfill the OPDP requirements within eighteen (18) months from the date their “Temporary” credential was issued.Audiologists will no longer be required to hold an EI credential or to complete any credentialing or renewal requirements. New audiologists will be required to enroll in the Central Billing Office (CBO) by completing the CBO Enrollment Application located at www.wiu.edu/providerconnections/enrollment/index.php. Audiologists who currently hold an EI credential and are enrolled will be notified by Provider Connections that the EI credential is no longer required and will show as “inactive” on the Provider Connections’ credential search. However, enrollment for currently enrolled audiologists will be maintained and no interruption in the ability to bill will occur.
Beginning March 1, 2008, all new bi-lingual interpreters enrolling to bill Early Intervention must complete EI Systems Overview Training, Interpreter Training, and pass an oral/written proficiency examination prior to applying to enroll with the Central Billing Office. By September 1, 2008, all currently enrolled bi-lingual interpreters must also complete the Interpreter Training as well as pass the oral/written proficiency examination in order to continue their enrollment. The oral/written proficiency examination will be provided at a cost of $130 to each provider. To schedule Interpreter Training and proficiency testing, visit the Illinois Early Intervention Training Program web site at www.illinoiseitraining.org.
New credential applications will be posted on Provider Connections website and will be identified as “Revised 3/08”. Applications with any other revision date will not be accepted after March 1, 2008. Any questions regarding any of the above changes should be directed to Provider Connections at 800-701-0995.
Cc:Ted Burke
Eileen DeRoze
CFC Managers
The Center For Best Practices in Early Childhood
1 University Circle, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455 • (800) 701-0995 • (309) 298-3066
www.wiu.edu/providerconnections