Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Felicia Goodman
fgoodman@oz-systems.com
214-631-6161, ext. 317

Texas Part C Agency Contracts with OZ Systems

Austin, Texas – August 2005 - OZ Systems is partnering with IDEA Part C programs in Texas to implement a three-year statewide HRSA-funded project.  The project’s goal is to ensure all infants with identified hearing loss receive appropriate intervention services by six months of age. 

The Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) division administers Part C in Texas. OZ Systems’ web-based eSP™ application will be used by ECI providers to track and receive case referrals. This marks the first public health initiative in Texas to achieve a fully integrated delivery system for deaf and hard of hearing children.

Electronic data interchanges will be developed so critical project information can be seamlessly exchanged between eSP™ and hospital systems, other Texas public health systems, and provider systems.  eSP™ will also be enhanced to include real-time involvement of the Medical Home to capture information at the state level about ongoing services provided to the target population. 

“This collaborative will address current program challenges related to the follow-up tracking and intervention components whereby too many infants' care status remains unknown following the initial birth admission hearing screening,” said Terese Finitzo, former chair of the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing and VP of OZ Systems.  “HRSA's funding is resulting in measurable improvements in tracking infants with suspected hearing loss to ensure intervention services are initiated in a timely manner.” 

The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services agency administers the IDEA Part C program in Texas through its Early Childhood Intervention Division. The Health Resources and Services Administration is a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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