The Maryland ABCD Screening Academy Project improved state policy by identifying and implementing policy improvements needed to support effective screening. Maryland offered training to two pilot sites that will implement the use of standardized developmental screening tools and measure results, and will initiate statewide spread of screening.

Specifically, the ABCD Screening Academy project in Maryland improved developmental screening by:

• Improving state policy to better support developmental screening by: increasing Maryland Medicaid reimbursement for CPT 96111, approving reimbursement for up to 2 units of CPT 96110 on the same date of service when a standardized autism or social/emotional screening tool is administered in addition to a general developmental screening tool; updating their EPSDT/Healthy Kids provider manual and periodicity schedule to reflect the recommendations of the 2006 AAP policy statement on developmental screening and surveillance, and developing and approving a standard, universal referral and fax back form for use statewide that is currently being piloted within the ABCD pilot practices.
• Improving provider practice around the use of standardized developmental screening tools by developing lists of approved and recommended developmental screening tools for use in the Maryland EPSDT Program and developing criteria for making future additions to this list. Maryland is also disseminating the AAP policy statement and information about developmental screening using standardized tools to pediatricians and family practitioners during site visits throughout the state.
• Sustaining and spreading the use of standardized screening tools as part of well child care by acquiring a 3-year grant from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau to improve developmental screening in young children and to link with appropriate community-based services when needed.