The written referral specifies a need by making a recommendation for speech and language services, but the rendering practitioner, not the referring practitioner, determines the diagnosis, frequency and duration of services to be provided.
Referrals for speech and language services can be made by a physician or “other licensed practitioner of the healing arts” acting within the scope of practice. Examples of other licensed practitioners that can make referrals for speech services in the school setting include, but are not limited to, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, school nurses, clinical psychologists, speech-language pathologists or individuals with a Professional Educator License (PEL) endorsed in School Psychology or Speech Language Pathology. The referral for services provided in the school setting are subject to provisions of the Health Care Worker and Self-Referral Act (225 ILCS 47/1).
The prescription/order or referral is required prior to services being rendered and must be updated annually. The written prescription/order/referral must be included in the student’s file and be made available to the Department upon request. Neither the attendance sheet from the IEP meeting nor the signed IEP itself satisfies the requirement for a written prescription/order or referral.
Questions regarding this notice may be directed to the School-Based Health Services Program in the Bureau of Program and Policy Coordination at 217-782-3953.
Felicia F. Norwood
Director