Getting approved as an early intervention provider in New York City is a prerequisite for working with any NYC EI agency. The process involves both New York State DOH approval and NYC DOH enrollment, and the paperwork is genuinely bureaucratic. Most new therapists spend weeks managing it without clear guidance. This guide walks through every step in plain language.
Step 1: Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements
To be approved as an NYC early intervention service provider, you must hold a qualifying New York State professional license or certification. For the most common EI disciplines:
- SLP: NYS license as a Speech-Language Pathologist (LSLP or TSLP provisional). ASHA CCC is not required but often requested by agencies. CF candidates can be approved provisionally under supervision.
- OT: NYS license as an Occupational Therapist (OTR/L). OTAs (COTA) can be approved under supervision of a licensed OT.
- PT: NYS license as a Physical Therapist. PTAs can be approved under supervision.
- Special Instruction: NYS teacher certification in Early Childhood Education or Special Education (Birth-Grade 2).
- ABA / BCBA: Current BCBA or BCaBA certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, plus any required NYS credential.
- Social Work: NYS LMSW or LCSW.
If you are currently in your CF year (for SLP) or provisional licensure period, you can still apply for EI approval. You will be approved with a supervision requirement noted, and you can begin working once matched with an agency that has an approved CF supervisor.
Step 2: Create your New York State Medicaid enrollment
Before you can be approved as an EI provider, you need a Medicaid Provider Enrollment through the NYS eMedNY system. This is separate from clinical licensure and is required because most EI services are billed through Medicaid.
Go to emedny.org and select "Provider Enrollment." You will create an account and complete the Provider Enrollment Form. Required information includes: your NPI (National Provider Identifier), your professional license number, your Social Security Number or EIN, and your banking information for direct deposit of payments.
If you do not yet have an NPI, register at nppes.cms.hhs.gov before starting Medicaid enrollment. NPI registration is free and typically takes 10 business days to process.
Step 3: Complete the NYS DOH Early Intervention Application
The NYS Department of Health manages the central approval database for all EI providers in New York State. You need to complete a Provider Enrollment Agreement, also called an Appendix Agreement, with the DOH.
Download the current individual provider enrollment packet from the NYS DOH Early Intervention website (health.ny.gov, search "early intervention provider enrollment"). The packet includes:
- Individual Service Provider Agreement
- Provider Information Sheet
- Background check consent form
- Professional license copies
- Liability insurance documentation
Mail the completed packet to the Bureau of Early Intervention, NYS DOH. As of 2026, the address is: New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Early Intervention, Corning Tower, Room 287, Albany, NY 12237. Check the current DOH website to confirm this address has not changed before mailing.
Step 4: Obtain professional liability insurance
The NYS DOH requires all EI providers to carry professional liability insurance (malpractice insurance) as a condition of approval. The minimum coverage required is $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate.
Many therapists use HPSO or CPH and Associates for affordable professional liability coverage. For SLPs, ASHA members can access coverage through the ASHA Professional Liability Insurance program. Annual premiums for part-time EI therapists typically run $150 to $400 per year. You must submit proof of coverage with your DOH application.
Step 5: Background check
The DOH requires a background check as part of provider approval. This is processed through the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Justice Center. You will be fingerprinted through a state-approved fingerprinting vendor. The fingerprinting fee is approximately $100. Results typically take 3 to 6 weeks to process.
Step 6: NYC-specific enrollment
Approval at the state level makes you an EI provider in New York State. To work in New York City specifically, you also need to register with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Early Intervention Program. NYC manages its own service authorization and billing system in addition to the state system.
NYC EI enrollment is completed through the Early Intervention provider portal at nyc.gov/doh. You will create a provider account, enter your state approval information, and designate the boroughs where you intend to provide services.
Step 7: Register with EI-Hub
EI-Hub is the New York State electronic billing and service authorization system. All NYC EI sessions must be authorized and billed through EI-Hub. Your agency will typically handle EI-Hub billing on your behalf, but you need your own EI-Hub provider account linked to your provider number.
Register at eihub.health.ny.gov using your approved provider number and Medicaid enrollment information. Your agency's billing staff can walk you through this step once you have your provider number in hand.
Timeline and what to expect
The most common cause of delay is incomplete application packets. Double-check that your license copies are current and unexpired, your liability insurance certificate shows the correct coverage amounts, and all forms are signed and dated before mailing.
Can you work while your approval is pending?
You cannot bill for EI services until your provider number is active. Some agencies will let you begin onboarding paperwork and training during the approval period, but you cannot deliver billable services. Speak with your agency about their specific onboarding policy for providers with pending approvals.
Working with an agency before your approval is finalized
Many NYC EI agencies will begin the matching and onboarding process before your DOH approval is complete, which means you can have agency agreements in place and cases ready to start the moment your approval comes through. Getting matched through EI Match before your approval is finished is common and smart. Start your match here.