Referrals and linkages from Medical Homes to
the Early Intervention System in
Washington State
May 10, 2013
Karen Walker, Program Administrator
Kathy Blodgett, Program Consultant
Early Supports for Infants
and Toddlers Program
.
Linkages and Referral
State Linkages
Local Linkages
Referral Process
Public Awareness Outreach Materials
Kids' Potential, Our Purpose
Formal Linkages
State Agency - DEL is required to have an agreement with the state partners who have a financial responsibility for the provision of early intervention:
Department of Health
Department of Social & Health Services
Department of Services for the Blind
Health Care Authority
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
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State Interagency Agreement
PurposeFacilitate the implementation and funding of Washington’s state early intervention (EI) system
The State Agency Interagency Agreement is intended to ensure a system is in place and that it is --
Comprehensive
Coordinated
Multidisciplinary
Interagency
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State Interagency Agreement (SIA)
The SIA Identifies Each Agency’s Role in:Early Identification
Developmental Screening
Child Find
Referral procedures to appropriate agency (within 7 days after possible delay has been identified)
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State Interagency Agreement (SIA)
DEL/ESIT is required to engage in public awareness, coordinated child find, public awareness and referral efforts with all its state agency partners
By contract, Local Lead Agencies engage in public awareness, coordinated child find, and primary referral source outreach efforts with community partners
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Local Lead Agencies (LLAs)
Establishes Community LinkagesLocal Interagency Agreements assist in implementing the local early identification, screening, child find and referral processes
DEL/ESIT contracts with LLAs emphasize their public awareness/outreach, and child find obligations, including outreach to the medical community through the work of the LLAs/Family Resources Coordinators (FRCs)
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Local Lead Agencies (LLAs)
Establishes Community LinkagesLLAs/FRCs coordinate local child find, public awareness, and screening activities and receive the referrals for entry into EI
FRCs may assist in linking back to a child’s primary care provider as part of the referral process and good practice
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How to Make a Referral to EI
There are two ways to find a Family Resources Coordinator (FRC):
Call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588 Lead FRC identified based on family residence Lead FRC name/phone number provided
Go to the ESIT website at www.del.wa.gov/esit and click on ESIT Contacts (see Top Downloads in the blue column on the right)
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Referral Process
Any agency, organization or individual can refer to early intervention
A referral must be made to the Lead Family Resources Coordinator located in the county where the family resides
Regulations require referral occur as soon as possible and no later than 7 days after identification– see ESIT referral letter
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Primary Referral Sources
Always refer if unsure – discourage following a “wait and see” approach
Any agency, organization or individual can refer to early intervention
Physicians – a physician’s referral is not required
Parents – parents can self-refer
Child care and other early learning programs
Public health facilities
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Post-Referral ProceduresUpon receiving a referral, the FRC’s must -
Share Part C Procedural Safeguards to the Part C program
Meet with the family to gather any pertinent information, including medical, evaluation or other records
Coordinate the Part C evaluation/assessment process to determine Part C eligibility
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Post-Referral ProceduresUpon receiving a referral, the FRC’s must -
If child is determined eligible, facilitates the development of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), facilitates the IFSP process and meeting
Assists families in gaining access to early intervention services
Coordinates timely service provision
Facilitates the development of a transition plan to preschool or other services if appropriate
Kids' Potential, Our Purpose
Public Awareness and Outreach
DEL/ESIT will provide free public awareness and outreach materials in multiple languages
To request printed materials, call your county’s Public Awareness contact
The name of each county’s Public Awareness contact is in the ESIT Contacts Directory along with FRC and other county specific information
To obtain a PDF copy of materials, go to the ESIT website, www.del.wa.gov/esit under Publications and Documents
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Discussion QuestionsWhat is working well?
What are the challenges/issues?
What would improve the referral processes between physicians, clinics, other medical professionals and early intervention?
Do you think health care reform will affect the referral process?
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ESIT or Other Resources
Provider referral form
Consent to exchange information form that meets FERPA and HIPPA requirements
ESIT Referral Letter to Providers
Other resources to share with participants?
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Questions?
Karen, Walker, Program Administrator, (360) 725-3516
Kathy Blodgett, Program Consultant, (360) 725-3520
ESIT WEBSITE: www.del.wa.gov/esit
Kids' Potential, Our Purpose