(a) A program provider must ensure an orientation and
mobility service provider:
(1) evaluates an individual's ability to use existing
senses to determine the individual's position within the environment,
including home, school, work, and other community settings;
(2) develops a plan that:
(A) identifies the individual's goals and outcomes;
and
(B) enables the individual to acquire skills to safely
move from one place to another within the environment, including home,
school, work, and other community settings; and
(3) trains other service providers to:
(A) create an environment in home, school, work, and
community settings that enhances the individual's ability to move
safely and efficiently; and
(B) carry through on goals and outcomes identified
in the plan.
(b) A program provider must ensure an orientation and
mobility service provider:
(1) has:
(A) certification from the Academy for the Certification
of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals; or
(B) the National Orientation and Mobility Certification
through the National Blindness Professional Certification Board; or
(2) has a bachelor's or master's degree in orientation
and mobility from a college or university accredited by a state agency
or a non-governmental entity recognized by the United States Department
of Education.
(c) A program provider may bill HHSC for orientation
and mobility only for the following activities:
(1) assessing and evaluating the need for services;
(2) developing and implementing the plan described
in subsection (a)(2) of this section;
(3) evaluating the individual's progress toward achieving
the goals and outcomes described in the IPP with updates to the program
provider;
(4) providing direct intervention;
(5) interacting with the individual or LAR regarding
the individual's needs and progress toward achieving orientation and
mobility goals;
(6) consulting with family members and other service
providers regarding the individual's needs and progress toward achieving
orientation and mobility goals;
(7) participating in service planning team meetings,
when requested;
(8) training other service providers to carry through
on orientation and mobility goals and outcomes; and
(9) participating in a fair hearing at the request
of a member of the service planning team to provide information concerning
orientation and mobility goals and outcomes.
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