(A) Based on the assessment provided for in Section 44-7-2540 an individualized family service plan must be developed by a multidisciplinary team of appropriate qualified personnel which also must include the parent, guardian, or other adult responsible for the child. The family also may choose an advocate to be present during the development of the plan. The plan must be written and explained in easily understandable language and must contain:

(1) a statement of the present levels of physical, cognitive, psychosocial, communication, and self-help skill development for the infant or toddler with disabilities;

(2) a statement of the health status and medical needs of the child and family to support the highest possible development of the child, including the names of the health care providers;

(3) with concurrence of the family, a statement of the family's resources relating to enhancing the child's development;

(4) a statement of the major outcomes expected to be achieved for the child and the family and the methods used to measure progress toward the outcomes;

(5) a statement of specific early intervention services necessary to meet the needs of the child and family, including the frequency, intensity, and method of delivering services and payment arrangement, if any;

(6) the projected dates for initiation of services and the anticipated duration of services;

(7) the name of the service coordinator. The service coordinator is responsible for the implementation of the plan and coordination with other agencies and persons;

(8) the steps necessary to support transition of the child to other programs, if appropriate.

(B) The individualized family service plan must be developed within the time established by the department after the child initially is referred and after the assessment is completed. With the parent's consent early intervention services may begin before completion of the assessment or plan, provided an interim plan is developed. The plan serves as the comprehensive plan for all agencies involved in providing early intervention services to the child and family. Services must be provided in a timely manner, as established by the department, pending resolution of disputes among public agencies or service providers. The plan must be evaluated at least once a year and reviewed with the family at three-month intervals or more frequently, if appropriate.

HISTORY: 1989 Act No. 114, Section 2; 1991 Act No. 41, Section 2.