Assessments and Consultations

(1) Purpose. The purpose of assessments and consultations is to obtain information that will assist the individual and other team members to establish goals related to one or more outcomes, to identify the individual's capabilities and areas in need of learning and skill development relative to those goals, and to identify the strategies and supports that are the least restrictive and likely to be effective in assisting the individual to attain his or her goals. (2) Conduct of Assessments and Consultations. (a) Assessments and consultations shall reflect consideration of the individual's cultural, ethnic, and linguistic background, as well as any need for accommodation based upon disability or other factors. (b) As appropriate and feasible, assessments and consultations regarding particular skills or behaviors shall be conducted in the actual environment in which the individual would typically perform the skill or behavior, or in a similar setting. (c) Assessments and consultations shall be conducted with respect for the dignity, comfort, and convenience of the individual. (3) Required Assessments. (a) The following assessments shall be reviewed by the service coordinator on an annual basis and updated as required by 115 CMR 6.24 or as needed to reflect changes in the individual's abilities and circumstances: 1. an assessment of the general type of supports needed by the individual; 2. an assessment of the individual's ability to make informed decisions regarding his or her financial and personal affairs; and 3. an assessment of the individual's financial status and eligibility for services or benefits from other entities such as the Social Security Administration. (b) In the case of individuals residing in facilities or in homes operated, licensed or funded by the Department, the residential provider shall provide or arrange for annual health and dental assessments. (c) Providers of Department funded supports shall conduct annual safety assessments as required by 115 CMR 7.08, and other assessments as required by the provider's contract with the Department. (d) Providers of Department funded supports that advise or assist an individual in the management of his or her funds shall conduct annual reviews of the individual's ability to manage his or her own funds. (4) Additional Assessments and Consultations. (a) The service coordinator shall determine, in conjunction with the individual and other team members, whether additional assessments and professional consultations would benefit the individual or assist the team in identifying strengths and limitations related to the individual's ability to live with greater independence and social competence in less restrictive environments. Such assessments may include, but shall not be limited to, an assessment of the individual's daily living skills, communication skills, psychological status, social network, and whether the individual would benefit from assistive technology. (b) Any such assessments and consultations shall be performed by the current provider who has primary responsibility for providing supports encompassing the area to be assessed. Subject to the availability of resources, assessments which are not within the competence or responsibility of any of the current providers shall be arranged by the service coordinator and provided or purchased by the Department. (5) If requested, the service coordinator shall meet with the individual, his or her guardian, and the individual's family in advance of the ISP meeting to discuss the assessments and consultations and shall, if feasible and requested, arrange an explanatory meeting with the person who performed the assessment or consultation.