CS/HB 943 Summary

• Establishes the Early Steps Program within the Department of Health to provide developmental evaluation and early intervention services to infants and toddlers from birth through age 3 who have developmental disabilities or delays.

• Requires the Department of Health to develop a comprehensive information clearinghouse using the term "unique abilities" to educate providers, inform parents, and increase public awareness about developmental disabilities, brain development, and available intervention services.

• Designates the Department of Health as the lead agency administering the Early Steps Program under federal Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, with requirements for performance standards, local program offices, individualized family support plans, and annual accountability reporting.

• Establishes eligibility criteria based on developmental delays, developmental disabilities, informed clinical opinion, or established risk conditions, with services to be provided if specific funding is appropriated.

• Repeals five existing statutes related to Children's Medical Services program coordination and funding; effective July 1, 2016.