Only the third-party contractor can authorize Moderate, Specialized, Intense, or Intense Plus service levels. The third-party contractor determines the child or youth’s authorized service level (ASL) at the Moderate, Specialized, Intense, or Intense Plus service level initially and at subsequent utilization reviews, based on the child or youth’s needs documented in the facility’s clinical record.

The Moderate service level is valid for 12 months and the Specialized, Intense, and Intense Plus service levels are valid for three months. See Appendix 4320: DFPS Guidelines for Service Authorizations for time frames on requesting and authorizing service levels and utilization reviews.