August 12, 1999

MEMORANDUM FOR RSB EXECUTIVE STAFF, DISTRICT SUPERVISORS, REHABILITATION COUNSELORS AND REHABILITATION TEACHERS

 

FROM:  Sally Howard, Deputy Director,

SUBJECT:  DVR - Eligibility Determinations in 44 Days

How does Missouri DVR do their eligibility determinations so quickly? Here is what they shared with us!

$       Use existing medical information, no matter how old, as long as it is still useable. What is useable? Any eye report where eye condition is unlikely to improve. You may want a new eye report for planning services - but do not confuse that with having to have a new report for eligibility. (Note: DVR said above was the major break through in getting eligibility completed in 60 days.)

$       District supervisor track every new case before it gets overdue - a list goes to them weekly.

 

$       Secretaries follow up on requests for information.

$       Vocational counselors send out a letter before appointment to sign application. (Sample enclosed.)

 

$       If eligibility goes over 60 days, DVR requests the counselor to send out enclosed letter for an exception to the consumer. (Note: The counselors do not like sending out this letter and it motivates them not to have to.)

 

$       Letters sent to doctors, clinics, hospitals, etc. state that eligibility determination within 60 days is the law and also offers to pay for copy(s) of the record.

 

 

Keep above in mind and bring this memorandum to the October District Supervisors meeting for further discussion.

Thanks for your time and help! SH:mlg

Enclosures

 

Dear

This letter is to notify you that exceptional and unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the agency prevent the agency from completing the determination of eligibility within the sixty-day period.

REASON:

There is a need for an extension of time (of short duration) to determine eligibility. If you agree to this needed extension, please sign your name in the space provided below and return one copy in the enclosed self-addressed envelope.

Sincerely,

Counselor

Enclosures

SIGNATURE                                        DATE

(if under the age of 18, parent or guardian must sign.)

PARENT OR GUARDIAN SIGNATURE                                                                   DATE

December 8, 1998

Dear

You have/expressed an interest in Vocational Rehabilitation services/been referred to Vocational Rehabilitation by_____________

Our program provides services to Missouri citizens who want to work but who have been unable to find or keep a suitable job because of a physical or mental disability. If you have a disability which interferes with employment, you may qualify for our program.

Please read the enclosed pamphlet which describes briefly our program and its benefits.

I would like to meet to discuss our program with you at the Jefferson City District Office on "day", December the "date", 1998 at "time". If you cannot keep this appointment, please call or write me at the above address as soon as possible to arrange for another time to meet.

Enclosed are two questionnaires which you will need to complete in pencil that will help us gather information about your request for services. Please complete the questionnaires to the best of your ability and bring them with you for the appointment. Also, if you currently have in your possession medical/psychological records concerning your disability, please bring them with you.

If you do not keep this appointment, I will assume that you are not interested in possible Vocational Rehabilitation services. You may, however, contact us at any time in the future to express an interest in our services.

I look forward to meeting you.

Sincerely,

Senior Counselor

Enclosures: Questionnaire for VR Services Health Assessment Questionnaire

" VR in MO"