Definition of Qualified Health Professional

For the purposes of the EI Referral Form, the term “qualified health professional” includes physicians and physician extenders (i.e., physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and child health associates), registered nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, audiologists, and optometrists. Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Masters of Social Work are also included because of their role as part of the primary care team within the hospital or other healthcare setting. When a diagnosis is made using the Diagnostic and Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (DC: 0-5), a DC: 0-5 trained advanced clinician who has taken the DC:0-5 Clinical Training from a certified trainer is also qualified; participation in an overview training or seminar does not make the person qualified. It is important to note that while the signature of a qualified health professional verifies a diagnosis, any individual can facilitate a referral to EI Colorado.