SECTION 260.349. Orientation and Mobility

(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.

Source Note: The provisions of this §260.349 adopted to be effective February 26, 2023, 48 TexReg 896