3.5 Necessary and Appropriate Services at Least Possible Cost

The DVR counseling team shall ensure that the individual and, as appropriate the individual’s authorized representative, understand that the informed choice process shall occur within the parameters of the DVR policy requirements that all vocational rehabilitation goods and services be necessary and appropriate. Once the necessity and appropriateness of a service or good is determined, DVR shall procure the service/good at the least possible cost to DVR.

Whenever the DVR counseling team cannot support an individual’s choice, the individual’s record shall reflect the assistance and support offered to develop alternative goals and/or plans and clearly document the reasons for the counseling team’s decisions. The counseling team shall provide information about appeal rights and the Client Assistance Program.

A necessary service/good is one that is essential to: Assess an individual’s eligibility and severity of disability, establish the individual’s vocational rehabilitation needs, overcome or circumvent an impediment(s) to competitive integrated employment, or attain/retain the chosen employment outcome. If the individual’s requested service or goal is not expected to result in a suitable employment outcome or is not necessary to reach the employment outcome, DVR shall not support the individual’s choice. The DVR Counselor shall ensure the chosen employment outcome is aligned with the individual’s skills, abilities, and interests, identifying accommodations, rehabilitation technology, or other services that can be provided to overcome barriers in close partnership with the individual, the individual’s support system, and potential employers.

An appropriate service/good is one that is of suitable and sufficient quality to fully meet the individual’s needs and circumstances without sacrifices or adjustments which would not be reasonably expected of an individual who does not have a disability. The service/good shall first be determined to be necessary and then the exploration and choice of the most appropriate service/good shall occur.

Cost is not a consideration prior to the determination that a service/good is necessary and appropriate. If there is more than one necessary and equally appropriate, comparable service or good available from which to choose, DVR is required to provide the service/good that can be obtained at the least possible cost to DVR. In the event an individual chooses not to apply for or accept an available comparable benefit or service that would appropriately address the individual’s identified rehabilitation needs, the DVR counseling team shall inform the individual of their responsibility for the cost of the benefit or service.