There are no mandatory tests or mandatory findings to determine eligibility. As long as these topics are addressed in the evaluation report by the SLP and the MD, and the conclusion is that a device is necessary and appropriate, then the eligibility requirements are met. It is my expectation that Jan. 1 will pass before we see the publication of the final guidance. There is no expectation the evaluation and reporting section of the draft will change, and a work-group of SLPs is developing more detailed information to help clinicians conduct complete evaluations and prepare complete reports. It is likely many other AAC or disability related sites also will carry this information.
Eligibility is only one piece of the puzzle.
On this issue, the policy has a flaw. PDA based devices, such as those recently introduced by Enkidu Research, currently are excluded. All the digitized speech output devices also will be covered. We are continuing to work to get the device coverage limitation eliminated. I will return to this in a minute.