New York State Department of Health
New York Early Intervention System (NYEIS) Electronic Mailing List
Updated Frequently Asked Questions Related to Virtual Early Intervention Visits
During COVID-19 Declared State of Emergency
Dear Early Intervention Colleagues,
Responses to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) #23-#37 related to
virtual Early Intervention (EI) visits can be accessed here. In addition, guidance on
providing EI telehealth services and evaluations, developed by NYC BEI, which
was transmitted in March 2020, can be accessed here for reference purposes.
Please note, updated FAQ #1-22, the revised Parent Consent
document, and updated EI guidance extending the date for provision of
telehealth services are posted at the link below.
Highlights from these FAQs include:
1) Early intervention (EI) has been deemed an essential service
during the declared state of emergency for COVID-19;
2) A teletherapy approach should be used for EI service delivery
to the maximum extent possible;
3) Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) and Physical Therapy
Assistants (PTA) are permitted to provide virtual EI services during this
declared state of emergency with appropriate supervision. Please consult the
FAQs for details and additional information; and,
4) FAQ #28 addresses updated guidance for obtaining consent for
the use of telehealth during the declared state of emergency for COVID-19.
Early Intervention Program memoranda and guidance, including
program guidance related to COVID-19, can be found on the Bureau of Early
Intervention’s webpage located here: https://www.health.ny.gov/community/infants_children/early_intervention/memoranda.htm
As always, please send technical assistance questions to beipub@health.ny.gov.
Thank you for your service to infants and toddlers with
disabilities and their families.