Family Initiative Coordination Services Project
Sponsored by the Just Kids Foundation and the
New York State Department of Health Bureau of Early Intervention (Contract # C-021462).

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking


What is a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking?
A notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) is issued by law when a government agency wishes to add, remove, or change a rule (or regulation) as part of the rulemaking process.

What does this mean for the Early Intervention Program?
The NYS Department of Health published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the New York State Register on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 about their intent to amend/change the Early Intervention Program (EIP) regulations. The Early Intervention Program (EIP) has been fully operational for more than sixteen years. The proposed changes to EIP regulations (10 NYCRR 69-4) are needed to conform to federal and State statutory changes enacted since the final regulations were issued in 1997. In addition, the proposed regulations intend to:
  • Improve the State’s capacity to ensure that early intervention services are delivered in a cost-effective manner;
  • Improve program quality and accountability;
  • Assure adequate capacity to deliver early intervention services to eligible children and their families; and,
  • Ensure that only those children whose development is compromised are eligible to participate in the program.
What does this mean for families?
This is an opportunity for families of children with disabilities to provide input from a parent perspective about the proposed changes to Early Intervention Program regulations. You can:
  • Read the proposed regulations and submit written or email comments;
  • Register to attend a hearing and listen to what other stakeholders are saying; or,
  • Register to attend a hearing and make public comment.
How can I obtain a copy of the proposed regulations?
The New York State Register can be accessed in a fully searchable on-line format, and as a pdf, at the Department of State website at the following URL: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/info/register/2010/jan6/pdfs/rules.pdf. Since the entire set exceeds 2,000 words, a summary is published on page 31 in the State Register.

The complete set of proposed regulations can be obtained at the Department of Health website at the following URL: http://www.nyhealth.gov/nysdoh/phforum/proposed_rulemaking/

When and where are the public hearings?
The New York State Department of Health will hold public hearings to receive public comment on the notice of proposed rulemaking on the following dates. Please note that the dates, times and locations of the hearings have changed from those listed in the State Register.
  1. Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, 10:00 A.M., Best Western Sovereign Hotel, 1228 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12203
  2. Monday Feb. 8, 2010, 10:00 A.M., Hotel Pennsylvania, 401 Seventh Ave., New York NY 10001
  3. Tuesday Feb. 16, 2010 11:00 A.M., Doubletree Hotel, 1111 Jefferson Road, Rochester NY 14623
How do I submit email or written comments?
You can submit comments, by email or in writing, to:
Katherine Ceroalo
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of House Counsel, Regulatory Affairs Unit
Corning Tower Building, Rm. 2438
Empire State Plaza
Albany, New York 12237
(518) 473-7488
(518) 473-2019 (FAX)
REGSQNA@health.state.ny.us
How do I register to attend a public hearing or make public comment?
To register to attend a public hearing, and/or to provide public comment, please send an e-mail to: bei@health.state.ny.us