First Steps Listserv

Subject:  Revised First Steps Release of Information Form
Source:  Margaret Strecker,  Assistant Director, Compliance

Intended Audience:  SPOEs, Service Coordinators, Providers SICC

Date:  January 30, 2006

Revisions have been made to the First Steps Release of Information Form. The new form and instructions may be viewed and downloaded by clicking on http://dese.mo.gov/divspeced/FirstSteps/EISpracmanual.html and scrolling down to the forms listed under Chapter 5.  Effective with the date of this listserv message, service coordinators will need to discard the old Release of Information forms and begin using the attached form. This form is designed for use when requesting information from physicians and other sources as well as obtaining consent to share information from the child’s early intervention record with individuals or agencies outside of the First Steps system. The form is compliant with both the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

It should be noted that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires parental consent to release information to Medicaid, and SPOE directors have been provided with information regarding how this form will be used in conjunction with the process of completing necessary paper work related to family cost participation. Additional written procedures related to family cost participation and the need to obtain consent to release information to Medicaid will be available on the DESE website in the near future.

It is important that all service coordinators familiarize themselves with the instruction provided for completing the Release of Information Form and that the forms are completed accurately, signed  and placed in the child’s early intervention record at the SPOE.