Connecticut Senate Bill SB00609

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/19
• Refer: 1/25/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Provision Of Services To Children By Occupational Therapists.

Impact

The bill seeks to promote better resource allocation by compensating occupational therapists and schools participating in the birth-to-three program based on a defined fee schedule. This adjustment aims to encourage more occupational therapists to be involved in providing essential services to children by addressing existing barriers related to compensation and billing practices. Furthermore, the bill introduces requirements for providers to submit quarterly audits, ensuring accountability in treatment sessions and facilitating funding mechanisms associated with these services.

Summary

SB00609 is a legislative proposal aimed at improving the provision of services to children by occupational therapists. Specifically, the bill proposes several amendments to the general statutes that enhance the processes used by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in overseeing and facilitating care for children who are victims of abuse or neglect. A notable aspect of this proposal is replacing the existing birth-to-three evaluation system with the Ages and Stages assessment tools for evaluating children aged thirty-six months and younger, which advocates believe could lead to more standardized and effective assessments.

Contention

While the bill is designed to streamline services and improve care for vulnerable children, discussions regarding its implementation might bring forth some contention. Critics may argue that the additional auditing and training requirements could place an undue administrative burden on service providers. There's also a possibility of debates surrounding the effectiveness of transitioning to the Ages and Stages assessment tools compared to traditional methods, particularly among professionals who are accustomed to current evaluation norms. Overall, the bill reflects a legislative intent to enhance support for children's services while balancing efficacy and accessibility.