State Begins Assistive Technology Device Pilot Program with New York City
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) has begun an Assistive Technology Device (ATD) pilot program with New York City for the Early Intervention Program. In order to implement this program, Public Consulting Group (PCG) has been reaching out to ATD vendors in NYC regarding entering into agreements with DOH to provide ATD. The following two email communications were sent by NYC with DOH Bureau of Early Intervention (BEI) approval. As these emails may not have reached all prospective vendors, we suggest that providers forward this information to any vendors that they have worked with previously. If you have any questions related to these communications or the ATD pilot program, please contact Sherree Sinclair at ssinclair@pcgus.com.
Email Communication 1:
Subject: Interim Guidance: Amplification Devices and Services in the NYC Early Intervention Program
Dear Early Intervention Dispensary:
The New York State Department of Health (SDOH) is preparing to roll out a process for the provision and payment of Assistive Technology Devices (ATD) in the NYC Early Intervention Program (EIP). Public Consulting Group has been reaching out to ATD vendors in NYC regarding entering into agreements with SDOH. After the SDOH ATD process is implemented, ATD will only be procured from vendors that have an agreement with SDOH.
In order to prepare for the implementation of the SDOH ATD process, the following interim procedures for “hearing aid cases” (amplification-related devices and services) will take effect on June 16th, 2014. These will apply to all amplification authorizations (ATDs, AT services and Audio services), including Interim and Initial IFSPs. Authorizations will:
• Receive a Start Date between 6/16/2014 and 7/ 31/2014; and
• Receive an End Date of 10/31/2014 (also include the next steps)
Accordingly, all dispensaries must:
• Modify all quotes to reflect the amount of ATDs, AT Services and Audio services needed for the abbreviated IFSP timeframe.
• Resubmit to the Regional Office or Assistive Technology Unit all AT specification packets that have not yet been approved, in accordance with established procedures.
Additional guidance will be issued shortly for:
• Amplification-related devices and service authorizations post-7/31/2014; and
• Procedures related to all other ATD authorizations.
Please contact Sherree Sinclair at Public Consulting Group at ssinclair@pcgus.com for information about entering into agreement with SDOH to provide ATD.
Email Communication 2:
Subject: Assistive Technology in the New York City Early Intervention Program
Dear Early Intervention Provider:
The New York State Department of Health (SDOH) is preparing to roll out a process for the provision and payment of Assistive Technology Devices (ATD) in the NYC Early Intervention Program (EIP). Public Consulting Group has been reaching out to ATD vendors in NYC regarding entering into agreements with SDOH.
Please notify the ATD vendors that your Agency and treating professionals work with that after the SDOH ATD process is implemented, ATD will only be procured from vendors that have an agreement with SDOH.
ATD Vendors should contact Sherree Sinclair at Public Consulting Group at ssinclair@pcgus.com for information about entering into agreement with SDOH to provide ATD.