HomeMy WebLinkAboutConnection Therapies FY 21':l .
'Idaho Falls
School District 91-*A World Class Education
690 }ohn Adams Parkway
Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401
Phone: (208) 525-7500 FAX: (2081525-7596
Web Address: www,d91.k12.id.us
IDAHO FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT 91
System of Care Protocol {or Independent Contractors
Protocol for Indeoendent Contractors Providing SPEECH LANGUAGE
PATHOLOGIST:
The purpose of the System ofCare is to establish a procedural protocol to assist Idaho Falls School
District 9l in collaborating for the delivery of related services provided by Independent
Contractors in accordance with an eligible student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) developed
pursuant to Idaho Special Education Manual 2018 and the Medicaid Billing Policy for
SpeechL/Audiological Therapy and Evaluation in a school setting (IDAPA 16.03.09).
This protocol provides guidelines for the Idaho Falls School District 91 and independent
contractors to implement Speech,/Language Pathology (SLP) services that are delivered to eligible
students with an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) on file in the sehool district. In order to provide
SLP services, the independent contractor must be approved through the Director of Studert
Services' office and provide the following documentation:
A copy ofyour current certificate of liability insurance with Idaho Falls School
District 9l named as an additional insured on the policy.
Proof of workers' compensation coverage for independent contractor persor:.nel.
A copy ofthe contractor personnel current criminal background check prior to
having contact with students pursuant to Idaho Code Section 33-130.
A copy of the oontractor personnel credentials pertinent to the service being provided
prior to workilg with students.
A copy ofthe service/task plan the student is working on in non-school settings'
The school will be the lead agency for any student effolled while that student is in school. Before
the lndependent Contractor may work with the student, a Conhactual Agreement must be
completed with the Contractor, building principal and Director of Student Services.
Idaho Falls School District must follow the privacy provisions sel forth by FERPA, HIPAA, and
Idaho Special Education Manual 2018. The Idaho Falls school District will need written
authorization from the parent/guardian prior to sharing information with Independent Contractors.
Contractor: Connections Therapy Centers
School: Assigfled Sp<lch Students
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Dater July 21,2020
I.
I
II. Overview for Indep endent Contractors Workins with Students
Independent Contractor means a person, group, agency, or organization that meets the
following two condilions:
a. ls not an employee of Idaho Falls School Distric: 9l or a public agency with legal
jurisdiction over the circumstances related to their involvement with the student,
and
b. Is paid or reimbursed for services provided to the student through the established
billing policy.
Independent Conkactor may do the following in Idaho Falls School District 9l :
a. Submit evaluation reports to a school's Evaluation teams for consideration related
to an svaluation being conducted.
b. Be invited to an evaluation tealn meeting by either the school or parent.
i. The determination of eligibility for special education and the provision of a
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) are the responsibility ofthe IEP
teams and cannot be prescribed by any other entity.
ii. All educational decisions regarding educational methodology, materials,
and personnel are the responsibility ofthe school district.
c. Provide services in the schools to students under the terms of a contract with the
school district. (See Independent Contractors Agreement)
i. Contracts are established when the school district is paying for the serviees
and describes the services, the role and responsibilities of the Independent
Contractor with the evaluation team and school administration, and the
frequency and duration of services; includes documentation of
licensure/certification to perform the prescribed services; addresses issues
related to liability, terms ofpayment; and states the provisions for changes
or termination of the contract. (Example: District contracts for physical
therapy services)
ii. Contracted services to a student with a disability shall be included on the
students IEP.
d. Provide services to students on school grouads under the terms of Summary of
Scrvices with the school district. (See Summary of Services Form)
i. Summary of Services is established to allow the services to take place on
school property to benefit the student's progess in the general education
curriculum. The Summary of Services shall describe the specific services
provided, the responsibilities of the school and independent contractor,
procedures for background checks and insurance, and the provisions for
space, time, equipment, and materials provided by the school disticl. The
school district may terminate the Summary of Sertices at any time.
CoDEaclor: Coolections Therapy CeBters
School: Assigned Speech Studcflls
2
Date: July 21,2020 2
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ii. Services provided under a Sunrmary of Services to a studen! with a
disabitity shall be included on rhe student's Individual Education Plan
(rEP).
The district has no obligation to enter into a contract with an independent contractor or
to allow an independent contractor access to school district propirty, space, materials,
or equipment.
School district records are only accessible to Independent Contractor under contract
with the school district and with written consent fiom the student's parenJ or guardian,
or the adult student (l 8 years old or older). Request for records may be subject to a fee
to cover costs ofcoplng and mailing.
Nothing in this System of Care protocol shall be construed to limit or impinge in any
way on services parents may acquire for their child that are not provided at the school.
Issues related to the amount of time students are :emoved from school for any purpose
fall under the terms ofother school district policies.
Contractor: Confleciions Thempy Ceoters
School: Assigned Speech Studenls
Datcr July 21,2020
5.
Idaho Falls School District 9l
INDSPENDENT CONTRACTOR CONTRACTAL AGREEMENTI
Speech/Langnag e Patholosv (SLP) Services
This Contractual A$eement is entered into between ldaho Falls School District 9l (hercinafter referred to as
"District') and Connections Therapy Centers (hereinafter referred to as "Contractor").
Whereas, the Distlict providcs spccial cducational and related $ervices to assist students attending school in
the District in their educational development, as identified on the students' individualized education progem
(lEP) plan; and
Whereas, the Contractor is duly licensed or qualified and able to provide related services to the District's
students;
It is hereby agreed by both parties thal:
DURATION OF AGREEMENT:
The period ofthis Cotrtractual Agreement rvill commeDce on the 26rh day ofAusust 2020 rtrd remsi[ in
effect u[tll the 3'd ofJune 2021. This Contractual Agreement is contingent upon the availability offunds of
the Districl. TLis Coohacrual Agreemetlt shall not.x.eed lwelve (12) calendar months. At the discretior ofthe
District, the C'ostractua) Agreenrent may be renewed annually.
SERVICES TO BE RENDERED:
Provider shall render the prolessional services enumerated on Summary ofSenices, attsched heteto aod made a
part ofthis Contractual Agreement as set fonh fully herein.
RECORD KEEPING:
Cottractor shall be responsible for maintaining complete and accurate records documenting the professional
senices provided pursuart to this Conkactual Agrcement and shall provide copies ofthe records to the District
wirhiu five (5) working days ofthe date requestcd. Additionally, upon r€asonablc notice, the Dishict shall have
the right to review soch recolds at any time during busiress hous. Appropriate Medicaid billing sheets will be
completed eact month for the student(s) served.
COMIDENTTALITY:
Provider agrees that all information regarding sewices provided pusuant to this Contractual Agreement,
including, but Eot limitod to, the studenrs' identity and the narure ofserviccs rcndered, shall be colfidential
pursuant to the Family Educational Records and Privacy Act (FERPA). Contractor is prohibited liom
disclosing ary information obtaired as a rcsult ofrendering services pu$uant to this Contractual Agre€ment to
any individual not authorized and directed by the District, without parenUguardian consent or consent ofthe
studeDt if l8 years ofage or older.
REPORTING OF A3USE, ABANDONMENT, OR NEGLECT:
Contractor acknowledges its obligation to conrply with Idaho Code Section l6-1601, et seq. snd rePod, within
24 hours, &ny susp€cted abuse, abandonment, or neglect ofa child to tle law enforcement agency ot Idaho
Department of Health and Welfare. Contractor also agrees to ilform the District, within 24 hours, ofsuch
suspicion.
4Conts6ctor: CoDrectioDs TheraPy Ccntels
School: Assigned Speech Studenls
Date: July 2i, 2020
RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES:
In performiog services under this Contractual Agreement, Conkactor is and shall at all times be an independent
contlactor ofthe District. Nothing herein is to be construed as establishing an employer-€mployee relationship.
SERVICE DELIYERY: TIME AND PLACEI
contraclor shall perform services set forth in summary ofservices, unless the parties mutlally agee !o a
modification ofthe time and place of sewice delivery.
COOR.DINATION OF SERYICES:
To facilitate delivery of services, the District will provide: l) reasonable and prompt notification ofm€etings
and other appoiotmelts in which th€ Contractor is expected to participate; 2) signed parental consent forms, as
necessary; 3) ideDtirying information regarding the client and the paren guardiaq a;d, 4) reasonable assistance
in facilitating communication between the contractor and clients, parents/guardian, and other prcviders and
agencies.
PRIOR APPROVAL OF SERVICES:
All services rendered by Con[aclor under the terms ofthis Contractual Agreement shall require prior approval
by the Districr in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations, local policies ana proceaures,ina
professional codes of conduct.
CONSENT/AUTTIORIZATION TO ACCESS EDUCATIONAL RECORD INFORMATION OR
PROTECTED HEAI,TH INTORMATION:
District a[d Cortractor shall at all times require the written coasent or authorizatio! ofthc parent/guardiarlor
sdult student, i:age of l8 years of age or oldcr, for the disclosure ofaccess to educatioual informator pursuant
to FERPA or protected health information pusuaat to lhe Health lnformation Portability and Accourta-bility
Act (HIPAA) regalding the student, and shall maintain the confidentiality of that information consisten wiih
thc state and fedenl law and regulations.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES:
The services rendered pursuanr to this conhactual Agreemeot will be provided by individuals who are duly
liccnscd to perform the services or supervised by a licensed/certified provider in accordance with applicabie
professiolal staldards. contractor agrees that all work pursuant to this contractual Ageemeat wili !e
performed in accordance with the highest professional standards. Written assurances ;iU be provided to the
District attesting that all employees who come into contact with students shall have beeo subj;ct to a criminal
background check at least as stringent as that required by Idaho Code 33 - 130 and policies ofthc District, aad
havc bcen determioed to not havc a crimioal background iaconsistelt with working with children. The District
shall haye the right to observe services being provided to the clients.
INSURANCE Afi D LIABILITY:
Contractor shall be liable for any losses or damages resultilg ftom Cootractor's porformance ofany services
covered by this A8treement. Contractor shall obtain liability iDsurance and submit proof of such insurance to the
District within ten (10) days ofthe date ofthis Agreement. Contractor shall indcmni$, and hold harmless tbe
District from any liability, including bur not limited to, costs, €xpenses and attomey fees resulting &om
contractor's performauce of scrvices provided under this Agreemeot. District shall indemtriry atrd hold
harmless Conkacto! from any liability, including but not Iimitod to, costs, expenses and a$orney fees resulting
&om District's reckless or willful misconduct related to this Agreement.
ASSIGNMENT:
This Contractual Agreemeot shall not be subject to assignment, in whole or in part, by Contracror or by
operatio! oflaw so as to autho ze any pcrson otherthan coltractor, or conbactor's employees, to asiume the
duties subject to this Contractual Ageement .without the District,s prior written colsent.
AMEITIDMENT:
This contractual Ageemeot may be amended at any time with the prior wrinen consent ofboth parties. Any
and all amendments to this Contractual Agroement shall be in writing.
Cout-aclor: CotrIleclions Therapy Centers
School: Assigaed Speech Students
5Date: July 21,2020
TERMINATION;
This Contractual Agreemeot may be terminated without cause by either party within thirty (30) days aftcr
goviditrg wriuen notice ofthe intcnt to terminate to the other party.
Additionally, the Districr rnay irunediately terminate this Contrac$al Agleemeflt, upon written notice, in the
Event futding for the District's program is no longer available or the speeific services to this Contractu8l
Agreemeot arg modified or terminated for a student.
DEFAULTI
Upon default by either party, the non-defaulting party may canc€l this Contractual Ageement immediately,
upon notice and may pursue any and all available legal, equitable, and other remedies. The defaulting party
shall be liable for any ard all expenses that are incur,ed by the non-defaultiog party as a resllt thereof,
including, but not limited to, procu ng substitute performance, legal fees, and other losses incurred duc to the
default.
TIME OF PXRFORMANCE:
Time is oftle essence in this Contracrual Agrcementi therefore, all times for performance ofthe obligations, as
statcd herein, shall be strictly complied with by the parties,
NON.WAVIER BREACH:
The failure ofContractor or the District to insist upon strict performance ofany ofthe torms ofthis Contactual
Agreement, ot to exercise any option herein conferred io any or all instances, shall not constirute a waiver or
relilquishmeot ofany such tcrm, but the same shall be and remain in full force 8nd cffect, unlcss such waiver is
evidence by the prior written consent ofContractor or the District.
NON.DISCRIMINATION:
Thc parties hercby agree that no peNon shall, on thc grounds ofrace, color, crecd, uatiotal origiq sex, age, or
disability, be excluded Aom or denied participation in, or otherwise subj€cted to, discrimination undcr any
activity pe.formed pursuant to this Contractual Agreement.
ATTORNEY FEES:
Ifeither party defaults in any manner or fails to fulfill any and./or all provisions ofthis Contracrual Agreement,
and ifthe nondefaulting party hires an attomey to exercise its rights upon such default or failure, or ifthe
parties are involved in any litigation (iocluding any proceedings in banlauptcy), the prevailing party shall be
entitled to recover reaso[able attomey fees and cosls liom the other party. This paragraph shal] be eflforceable
by the parties notwithstanding any rescissioo, forfciture, or othcr lcrmination ofthis Contractual Agreement.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION;
All participatiDg agetrcies agree to r€solve systemic disputes that arise in the provisio! ofspecial educatioo ald
independent contactor service! i a non-adversarial manner and to ensure that usiltg the following process to
resolv€ intelageBcy disputes docs not disrupt services to students aod families;
l. An individual or agency with a concem will first use the agency's ioternal procedurcs to address the
concem.
2. lfresolution is not achicved at the previous level, the issue aDd all rclevant inforrnation will now be
forwarded to the Director ofStudent Services ofthe Idaho Fatls Scbool District 9l and contractor's
administrator.
3. Ifcoosensus is not reached at the previous level, the Director ofStudent Services will forward the issue and
all relevant infomration to the supe.intendent of ldaho Falls School District 91.
6Contactor: Cornections Therapy Celltels
School: Assigned Spccch Students
Datcr July 21,2020
GOVERNANCE:
This Contractual Agre€m€nt shall be govcmed by the laws ofthe State ofldaho, Contractor shall, at all times,
comply with and observe all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinanccs which are in effect arld
applicable during the period of this Contractual Agreement.
contractor will submir to the Director of student services, by the end ofeach month, an Invoice (statement of
services rendered) for that month and the complorcd dist.ict's Medicaid reporting forms. These complered
forEB must be accuratc atrd leady to submit to thc district's billing sewicc. Cencrally, tbc district will issue
checks by the seco[d Friday ofthe month ifstatement and paperu'ork is completed and itl the District Office by
the end ofthe previous month. Each monthly statement must include the following informatio[ for each srude[t
receiving services: a) student's name; b) description or sewices provided; c) total number ofhours spcnt in
providing professiooal services; and d) cost of services provided. Additional documentation may bJ required by
the District and must be provided within live (5) working days ofthe date the wrinen request for the
documenhtion is made.
4. If a concem is identified that is related to the quality ofservice or health and safety issues, schools should
refer concems about a contractor, their services, or quality of services to the Director ofStudent Services
and contractor's adminishator to addrcss these concems-5. If these concems are not rcsolved itr the dialogue with school adminisftator (Dircctor ofstudcnt Services
andlor supe.intendent) and the contractor's administrator, the DlfW rcgional licensing entity may be
contacted to invesligate the situation.
COMPENSATION/BILLING:
The district agrees to pay the Contractor at a rate of SZ5:100 per hour for
Speech./Lan Patholow Services. testinp.and DaDerwo rk for the duration of the
contract. This contract is not to exceed $91,875 based on the number of days worked
(approximately 175 days at 5 days per week \yhen school is in session).
COMPLETE STATEMENT OF TERMS;
Thir Coakacrual Agreement constitutes the entire ag.eement between the parties hereto, and shall supersede all
previous oral or wiften proposals, negotiations, commitments, and all other communicatioos between the
parties. This Contractual Agreement may not be released, discharged, or modified excapt by an instrument in
writing signed by the duly authorized representatives ofthe parties.
Cootsaclo!: Coonectioos Thelapy Centers
School: Assigned Spcech Students
1Date: July 21, 2020
This Summary ofServices is to be used only after the District and Contractfi has signed the contract,
Independent Contractor Contractual Agreement.
ST]MMARY OF SERVICES
Irdependent Contractor/Idaho Falls School District 9l protocol
Independent Contractor Agency: Connection Therapy Centers
Administrator: Michelle Dahlberg and Anna Bidwell
Business Address: 1225 S. Highline Drive, Idaho Falls, lD 83404
Telephone Number: 208-535-l 290
Supervison Michelle Dahlberg E-Mail: michelle@connectionstheraoies.com
Certificatey'LicensureNumber:SLP-I147 ExpirationDate:02-ll-2021
Review of Service: Itrdicate when each review will be done and who will do the review:
First Review: September 28,2020
Second Review: November 16,2020
Third Review: February 15,202t
Fourth Review: Ap 26,2021
Other: Upon the request of either party
Service(s) to be provide: Speoch,/Language Services
When service(s) will be provided:
Day(s): Monday - Friday (when school is in session)
Time: Thounaday
location (i.e. classroom, playground, etc...): Assigned SLP Students
Duration ofservices (each day): As required by the assigned students' IEPS.
8Conaactor: Connections Ttlempy Centorg
School Assign.d Spcech Studenls
Date: July 21,2020
Contractor will compty with the districvschool operationrl procedures and will fulfiu the fouowing
responsibilities:. SigD in aod out ofschool office each visit - provide proper identification'
o M;st wear a picture identification and/or obtain a visitor's identification badge from the
school at the time ofthe each visit.
. Must wear apPropriate clothing for a school setting.
. Adhere to set schedule - arrive and leave on time.
o Noti& building administrator ifyou will be absent (one day notice ifpossible)'
. student must be picked up from aDd retumed to an approPriate school staffperson each visit
ifapplicable.. Remain in assigned location.
o Be knowledgeablc about emergency procedures ofthe school-
. Do not violaie the right ofprivacy of any student by using any information randomly
obtained by observing other studints as service reierence to make contact with parents to sell
or contract them to services fiom your agency'
. The special education teacher and./or general education teacher is the instructional leader in
theclassroom.Atnotimeshouldaserviceproviderassumethattheirjudgrnentfor
instructional implementation or supervision ofan individuaVclass can supersede the teacher
or school staff member.
. Notiry the disrict/school of any sta{fing changes within the agency that relates to the services
indicated on this agreement.
. Be cooperative when resolving conflicts with school/district staff'
SchooyDistrict responsibllities lnclude:
. ResPect the rights ofcontactor,
. Provided information regarding the procedurals and schedule ofthe school'
o Provide information on emergency procedures.
.Whenappropriate,inviteserviceploviderlospecificsfudent'sMDTand.iorIEPteam
meetings, wilh Parental aPProva[.
.Accommodate,withinreason,Contractor'sneedstofulfillthesewicereviewplan'
o Provide a positive climate and building enviroDment to facilitate mutual assistsnce.
. Be cooperative when resolving conflicts between conhactor and school staff'
The above ilems are not to be conscribed as all inclusive. Any concems will be addressed according to
the Dispute Resolution item in the Conffactual Agreement'
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the pafiies have executed this Contractual Ageement'
7 2 )ovO
Signatue of ontractor's Representati
Signatue o istrict 9 I Superintendent Designeef
Datc
z5 z0
9Confilclorr Conn€ctions Therapy Centers
School: Assigncd SPcoDh Students
Dater July 21,2020
Date