MS SB2167

Establishes the Early Intervention Task Force to Study the IDEA Part C Early Intervention System in Mississippi with the goal of recommending reforms to increase access to early intervention services for children birth to age three through the First Steps Early Intervention Program.

Task force membership includes legislative committee chairs (Public Health, Appropriations, Education), state health officials, university faculty, pediatricians, psychologists, early interventionists, family advocacy representatives, and parents with early intervention experience.

Task force shall evaluate early intervention infrastructure, billing and reimbursement processes, service delivery models, telemedicine options, workforce development, and the feasibility of establishing an Office of Early Childhood.

Task force must meet within 45 days of the effective date and submit findings, recommendations for legislation, and proposed rule changes to the Legislature and Mississippi Department of Health on or before December 1, 2023.

Task force shall be dissolved upon presentation of its report; members receive travel reimbursement and legislative members receive reimbursement for out-of-session committee meeting attendance.