Iowa Admin. Code r. 111-10.6 - Consideration of comparable services and benefits

(1) Prior to providing any vocational rehabilitation services, except those services listed in subrule 10.6(3), to an eligible individual or to members of the individual's family, the department must determine whether comparable services and benefits exist under any other program and if those services and benefits are available to the individual. Full consideration is given to any comparable service or benefitavailable to an eligible blind person under any program, except for grants or awards from organizations of the blind.

(2) To the extent that an individual is eligible for comparable services or benefits, they are utilized insofar as they are adequate and do not interrupt or delay:

(1) the progress of the individual toward achieving the employment outcome identified in the individualized plan for employment or an immediate job placement; or

(2) the provision of vocational rehabilitation services to any individual who is determined to be at extreme medical risk.

(3) The following services are exempt from a consideration of comparable services and benefits under subrule 10.6(1) above:

(1) assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs;

(2) counseling and guidance;

(3) referral services to other agencies;

(4) job-related services, including job search and placement assistance, job retention services, follow-up services, and follow-along services;

(5) rehabilitation technology services; and

(6) postemployment services.

(4) The consideration of comparable services and benefits under any program does not apply if such a consideration would delay the provision of vocational rehabilitation services to any individual who is determined to be at extreme medical risk as defined by rule 111-1.4 (216B), based on medical evidence provided by an appropriate qualified medical professional; or an immediate job placement would be lost due to a delay in the provision of comparable services and benefits.

(5) In the event that severe revenue shortages make budget reductions necessary, the department may invoke a limitation on payment of tuition each semester to a rate no greater than the maximum tuition rate effective at institutions operated by the Iowa board of regents for each semester of the individual's enrollment. When it is necessary to invoke this limitation with general notice to the public and to individuals potentially affected, exceptions may be made in cases in which a reasonable necessity for a waiver can be demonstrated, the individual's counselor recommends a waiver, and the program administrator approves the waiver before the individual's enrollment. In no case, however, shall this rule be construed as discouragement of an individual's attending private or out-of-state institutions when utilization of other available funds makes it possible to do so.

Notes

Iowa Admin. Code r. 111-10.6