11.3 Timeline for IPE Development

The IPE shall be developed as soon as possible following the determination of eligibility. When the individual chooses to prepare the IPE with the DVR Counselor, the time between the determination of eligibility and finalization of the IPE shall not exceed 90 calendar days unless additional comprehensive assessment is necessary to fully assess the individual’s rehabilitation needs and/or determine an employment outcome.

An extension of time to prepare the IPE shall be agreed upon by the individual and the DVR Counselor. The extension shall be written and shall describe the additional data needed and the length of additional time required. The extension shall describe the information required to fully assess the individual’s rehabilitation needs and to determine an employment outcome, as well as the length of additional time required. The extension shall be documented in the service record and completed before the expiration of 90 days unless documentation shows good cause why the extension was not completed in a timely manner. If the IPE is not completed before the original time extension expires, a new time extension is required. Every new extension shall include the reason for the time extension and its anticipated length. The individual’s agreement to every new time extension shall be in the service record and shall be completed prior to the expiration of the current extension. Written documentation of all plan development extensions shall remain permanently in the record. A current time extension shall be in place until the IPE has been approved.

When the individual chooses to prepare the IPE alone or with an individual other than the DVR Counselor, the time between the determination of eligibility and provision of a written comprehensive assessment summary shall not exceed 60 calendar days unless it is mutually agreed upon that additional comprehensive assessment is necessary. In that case, the extension for additional assessment shall be in writing, describing the information needed to fully assess the individual’s rehabilitation needs and determine both an employment outcome and when completion of the additional assessments is expected. This extension shall be documented in the service record and completed before the expiration of 60 days unless documentation shows good cause why the extension was not completed in a timely manner. A written summary of the comprehensive assessment shall be provided to the individual after the additional information is obtained.

If an individual and counselor are unable to agree on an extension, the counselor will carefully consider whether sufficient information has been gathered to develop an IPE, with the understanding that further development of the IPE may be necessary as the case progresses and the IPE can be amended to address emerging needs or changes to the employment outcome. However, if the counselor cannot reasonably develop or approve an IPE based on insufficient information and the individual is unwilling to agree to an extension of the comprehensive assessment, the counselor will inform the individual of their appeal rights, including the availability of the Client Assistance Program.