SECTION 260.303. Requirements for Authorization to Purchase or Lease an Adaptive Aid

(a) If an individual's service planning team identifies a need for an adaptive aid, a program provider must ensure the service planning team includes the adaptive aid in:

(1) an enrollment IPP and enrollment IPC developed in accordance with §260.65 of this chapter (relating to Development of an Enrollment IPP) and §260.67 of this chapter (relating to Development of a Proposed Enrollment IPC); or

(2) a revision or renewal IPC and IPP developed in accordance with §260.77(a) -(d) of this chapter (relating to Renewal and Revision of an IPP and IPC).

(b) A program provider must:

(1) ensure an HHSC Rationale for Adaptive Aids, Medical Supplies and Minor Home Modifications form is completed in accordance with the Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities Program Manual by the appropriate licensed professional;

(2) determine, as described in §260.67(b) of this chapter, if a non-waiver resource is available for the adaptive aid and, if applicable, obtain a written denial from the non-waiver resource;

(3) consider leasing the adaptive aid on a short-term basis, if:

(A) the permanent need for the adaptive aid cannot be determined; or

(B) the individual has an immediate need for the adaptive aid; and

(4) estimate the cost for the item, and if the adaptive aid is expected to:

(A) cost less than $500, document in the IPP the justification for the vendor selected; or

(B) cost $500 or more, follow the process described in §260.305 of this subchapter (relating to Requirements for Bids for an Adaptive Aid);

(5) if the proposed adaptive aid is a computer:

(A) obtain an evaluation from an appropriate professional, as described in the Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities Program Manual, that addresses:

(i) the individual's needs;

(ii) computer specifications; and

(iii) necessary orientation and training; and

(B) ensure that the actual cost of an evaluation obtained as described in this paragraph does not exceed $500.

(c) A program provider must electronically access TMHP information to verify that an adaptive aid requested on an IPC in accordance with this section has been approved by HHSC utilizing MESAV.

Source Note: The provisions of this §260.303 adopted to be effective February 26, 2023, 48 TexReg 896