11605679, 6A-6.03024 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 11605679

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Division:

State Board of Education

Chapter:

SPECIAL PROGRAMS I

Overview

RULE:

6A-6.03024

Provision of Occupational or Physical Therapy to Exceptional Students as a Related Service

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this amendment is to address requirements related to both occupational therapy and physical therapy. Rule 6A-6.03024, F.A.C., has been substantially reworded to incorporate requirements related to both occupational therapy and physical therapy currently found in Rules 6A-6.03024 and 6A-6.03025, F.A.C., Special Programs for Exceptional Students who Require Occupational Therapy. The effect will be a rule that updates terminology to clarify that occupational therapy and physical therapy are related services and not special programs and update definitions and revise language to clarify the provision of occupational therapy and physical therapy related to assessment, determination of educational need, and plan of treatment.

SUMMARY:

The proposed rule revision deletes lengthy descriptions that are not consistent with the Occupational Therapy Practice Act (Part III, Chapter 468, Florida Statutes) and the Physical Therapy Practice Act (Chapter 486, Florida Statutes). The proposed rule defines occupational and physical therapy as services provided by a licensed therapist or assistant pursuant to the respective Practice Acts. A definition of “related service provider” was added to rule language to identify that occupational or physical therapists are responsible for the assessment and provision of school-based occupational or physical therapy as a related service as defined in Section 1003.01(3)(b), Florida Statutes, and Rule 6A-6.03411, F.A.C. The proposed rule removes reference to “criteria for eligibility.” The proposed rule is consistent with the respective Practice Acts and states that assessments shall be conducted by the related service provider prior to the provision of occupational or physical therapy. The proposed rule removes “procedures for student evaluation” and includes references to rules already in place regarding individual educational plans (IEPs), educational plans (EPs) and individualized family support plans (IFSPs). It also clarifies that assessments by the related service provider have to be conducted before the determination is made that there is an educational need for a related service. The requirement for a medical prescription is removed from the proposed rule. The proposed rule removes language related to the annual assessment of “student progress.” Instead, the proposed rule includes the requirement that input from the related service provider is required to assist the IEP, EP, or IFSP team when the educational need for therapy as a related service is being determined, and when an IEP, EP, or IFSP for a student who is receiving occupational therapy or physical therapy is reviewed. The proposed rule references the Practice Acts with regard to plan of treatment requirements.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

1001.02, 1003.01(3), 1003.57, 1003.571 FS.

LAW:

1001.02, 1003.01(3), 1003.57, 1003.571 FS.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

6/15/2012 Vol. 38/24

COMMENTS:

From 6/15/2012 To 7/6/2012 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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