(1) The local educational agency shall implement parental consent procedures as described in 34 CFR 300.300 and consistent with this rule.

(2) Written parental consent for initial and annual placement of a student with disabilities in special education and related services shall be obtained by the local educational or public agency prior to the placement.

(a) The local educational agency shall maintain written documentation of the date of parental consent for initial or annual placement.

(b) If the parents and local educational agency cannot agree on the IEP but can agree on certain IEP services or interim placement, the student's new IEP would be implemented in the areas of agreement and the student's last agreed-upon IEP would remain in effect in the areas of disagreement until the disagreement is resolved.

(c) When parental consent for annual placement has not been obtained and has not been specifically refused, the local educational agency shall informally attempt to obtain consent from the parent.

(i) If parental consent cannot be obtained within a reasonable time, the local educational agency shall send written notice to the parent requesting approval and stating that the student with disabilities shall be provided special education and related services according to the student's individualized education program (IEP) as developed by the local educational agency 15 days from the date of the notice.

(ii) If no response from the parent is obtained, the local educational agency shall provide the student special education and related services according to the student's IEP without parental consent subject to the parent's right to an impartial due process hearing under ARM 10.16.3507 through 10.16.3523.

(d) When parental consent for annual placement is refused, the local educational agency shall informally attempt to obtain consent from the parent. If, after exhausting informal attempts, the local educational agency is unable to obtain consent or resolve the disagreement, the local educational agency shall:

(i) provide the parent written notice as required by 34 CFR 300.503; and

(ii) if the local educational agency believes its proposed annual placement is necessary to ensure a free appropriate public education, it shall file a request for special education due process hearing in accordance with ARM 10.16.3507 through 10.16.3523, or take other action necessary to ensure that a parent's refusal to consent does not result in a failure to provide the student with a free appropriate public education.