SELECTION AND REIMBURSEMENT OF SERVICE PROVIDER

(a) A parent who is required to complete a service plan under this subchapter may obtain services from a qualified or licensed provider selected by the parent. (b) Services obtained from a provider selected under Subsection (a): (1) must be designed to achieve the stated goals of the service plan; and (2) may be provided through an electronic communication platform. (c) A service provider selected by a parent shall certify in writing whether the parent has satisfactorily completed the required service. (d) The department shall reimburse a service provider selected by the parent under Subsection (a) who is not under contract with the department in an amount equal to the average cost for the specific service from department contractors providing the service in the region where the parent resides. (e) The department shall: (1) adopt rules relating to the manner in which providers are reimbursed for services provided under this section; and (2) implement this section using existing resources.