About BSCIP

The Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program (BSCIP) administers a statewide coordinated system of care to serve persons who have sustained moderate-to-severe traumatic brain and/or spinal cord injuries. BSCIP is mandated by Chapter 381, Florida Statutes, to provide eligible individuals an opportunity to obtain the necessary rehabilitative services by enabling them to be referred to a vocational rehabilitation program or return to an appropriate level of functioning in their community.

Goals of BSCIP:

  • Reintegrate injured individuals into their communities.
  • Ensure access to quality services, delivered in the most effective and efficient manner through a coordinated system of designated specialized treatment facilities.
  • Secure funding to support the long-term goals of the program.

For additional information, visit the program’s website at BSCIP.org.

Specific Services Provided

BSCIP provides case management and care coordination as its primary service. Based on the availability of funds, additional services may include: acute care, comprehensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, psychological evaluations, diagnostics, medications/medical supplies, assistive technologies, home modifications, and long-term supports for survivors and families through numerous contractual agreements with community-based agencies.

These services are facilitated by employing a statewide system of case managers and rehabilitation technicians, as well as maintaining the BSCIP Resource Center.

Program Eligibility Criteria

To participate in BSCIP, the individual must:

  • Be referred to BSCIP's Central Registry, pursuant to section 381.74, F.S.
  • Be a legal resident of the state of Florida, as defined in 64I-1.001, Florida Administrative Code.
  • Have sustained a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, as defined by section 381.745, F.S.
  • Be medically stable as defined by BSCIP.
  • Be reasonably able to achieve reintegration into the community through services provided by BSCIP.

Impact

BSCIP is the only publicly funded program devoted entirely to the rehabilitation, prevention, and research of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. All licensed hospitals and health care professionals in the state are required to report each incidence of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain and spinal cord injury to BSCIP's Central Registry within five days of identification or diagnosis.

As required by statute, BSCIP publishes an annual performance report that is submitted to the Legislature on March 1 each year. The report includes data collected through BSCIP's Central Registry, such as incidence, etiology, referral, acceptance, and closure data; revenue and expenditure data; and updates on prevention and contractual efforts.

Statutory Authority

Chapters 381 and 413

Sections 381.739-.795 and 413.46, F.S.

BSCIP is funded by the Brain and Spinal Cord Program Trust Fund, which receives revenue from fines levied for speeding, driving or boating under the influence, and surcharges on temporary license plates. BSCIP acts as a “payer of last resort” and relies on third-party payments and comparable benefits for the provision of rehabilitation services. Program oversight is supported by an 18-member Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program Advisory Council.

Core components of Florida's legislation include:

  • The referral of individuals who have moderate-to-severe brain and/or spinal cord injuries to a central registry.
  • Establishment of a trust fund to ensure provision of a coordinated system of care for eligible individuals.
  • Provision of a coordinated system of care for eligible individuals through case management services and its system of designated facilities.
  • Provision of appropriate prevention activities.
  • Provision of funds for brain injury and spinal cord injury research.
  • Establishment of an advisory council to provide advice and expertise to the program.