(a) In the provision of early childhood services through the Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program, the physical therapist conducts appropriate screenings, evaluations, and assessments to determine needed services to fulfill family-centered goals. When a child is determined by the PT to be eligible for physical therapy, the PT provides written recommendations to the Interdisciplinary Team as to the amount of specific services needed by the child.
(b) Subject to the provisions of §322.1 of this title (relating to Provision of Services), the PT implements physical therapy services in accordance with the recommendations accepted by the Interdisciplinary Team, as stated in the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP).
(c) The types of services which require a referral from a qualified licensed healthcare practitioner include the provision of individualized specially designed instructions, direct physical modeling or hands-on demonstration of activities with a child who has been determined eligible to receive physical therapy. Additionally, a referral is required for services that include the direct provision of treatment and/or activities which are of such a nature that they are only conducted with the child by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.
(d) The physical therapist may provide general consultation or other program services to address child/family-centered issues.
(e) Evaluation and reevaluation in the early childhood intervention setting will be conducted in accordance with the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities, 34 CFR Subtitle B, Chapter III, Part 303.321, and must include direct physical therapist-to-child interaction.
(f) The Plan of Care (Individual Family Service Plan) must be reviewed by the PT at least every 60 days, or concurrent with every visit if the child is seen at intervals greater than 60 days, prior to continuation of treatment by a PTA. Any modification or revision of physical therapy services identified during the review should be recommended to the Interdisciplinary Team.
Source Note: The provisions of this §346.3 adopted to be effective October 13, 2002, 27 TexReg 9327; amended to be effective August 4, 2004, 29 TexReg 7303; amended to be effective March 5, 2007, 32 TexReg 1075; amended to be effective February 13, 2012, 37 TexReg 690; amended to be effective September 29, 2013, 38 TexReg 6204; amended to be effective May 17, 2015, 40 TexReg 2668; amended to be effective September 1, 2023, 48 TexReg 4257