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1.9 State Interagency Coordination

It is the responsibility of the EOHHS to identify and coordinate all available resources for Early Intervention in the state including developing formal interagency agreements, assigning financial responsibility to the appropriate agencies and developing procedures for securing timely reimbursement of funds. Additional responsibilities include resolving intra- and interagency disputes and developing procedures to ensure that services are provided in a timely manner pending resolution of any disputes. 1.10 Central Directory of Services A. The EOHHS shall oversee a central directory that is accessible to the general public (i.e., through the EOHHS’s web site and other appropriate means) that is accurate and up to date and includes: 1. Information on research and demonstration projects in the state; 2. Professionals and other groups providing assistance to infants and toddlers with disabilities eligible for early intervention and their families; 3. Public and private early intervention services. 1.11 Comprehensive Child Find System A. Child Find efforts shall be coordinated by the EOHHS with all state agencies and relevant community programs (e.g., Department of Education, Department of Human Services, Maternal and Child Health, Newborn Hearing Screening, Medicaid EPSDT, Department of Children, Youth and Families, Head Start, Early Head Start and First Connections Program). Screening (by Primary Care Providers, DOH Family Visiting Programs, and other community programs), direct referrals and public awareness, shall be implemented concurrently on a statewide basis to ensure that all infants and toddlers in the state who are eligible for services are identified, located, and evaluated. B. Newborn screening shall occur for every child born in Rhode Island and includes screening at birth for risk factors related to developmental delay, or adverse developmental consequences. Follow-up screening shall occur at periodic intervals between birth and through age two (2). This initial screening may occur in the hospital and will continue via other health care providers in the community. C. In-home screening, for all those identified as having risk factors, is a comprehensive process that is intended to identify children in need of additional services. After in-home screening is completed, and on-going risk factors have been identified, the child and family's needs will be addressed through a community based review process. Alternatively, children who are determined to have probable eligibility for EIS shall be referred to an EI service provider.