SHARS: Starting 2020-2021 Services

As districts prepare to begin a new school year, SHARS implementation requires attention and preparation. Below are general SHARS tips to keep in mind:

Targeted Parent Consent and Notification

Parental consent for SHARS billing is required. The rules have not changed.  Signed written parental consent must be obtained by the district before services can be billed to SHARS.

The parental consent form may not be provided to all parents of children with disabilities.  The parental consent requirement is only applicable to a parent of a child with a disability who is enrolled in a public benefits program and from whom a public agency seeks to access that parent’s or child’s public benefits.

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

Districts can ask parents if the student receives Medicaid benefits. Once a district has reason to believe a child receives Medicaid benefits, consent may be requested.  Enrollment of Medicaid can be verified through the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP).

Third Partly Liability Billing

All SHARS districts and charters are expected to clearly explain the HHSC Third Partly Liability policy (TPL) to all SHARS parents.

Telehealth Services

In 2019, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Counseling Services were approved for Telehealth SHARS billing.  During the 2020 spring school closures, HHSC approved  reimbursement for additional SHARS Telehealth services. This included Audiology and Physical Therapy. As of the date of this notice, the authorization for additional Telehealth will expire on June 30, 2020.  After that date, only Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Counseling Services will be allowed through Telehealth.

Contacting Onward

If you have any questions regarding obtaining parental consent for Telehealth services or if you have questions about documenting Telehealth services in the Onward system, please contact your Client Success Manager for assistance.  Fall training will consist of training over Telehealth services documentation in addition to Onward’s unique and comprehensive SHARS training.  To learn more about Onward and to see how your school district can work with our fantastic SHARS experts, please reach out to us to schedule a meeting at sales@onwardlearning.com.