Policy Manual Policy Manual Updated effective 7/01/06Updated effective 7/01/06

Why was the policy updatedWhy was the policy updated• Concerns expressed by the

Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)

• Confusion created when using two documents (policy manual and case practice guide)

• Questions that arose regarding policy

What were RSA’s ConcernsWhat were RSA’s Concerns• Policy needed more information

regarding the nature and scope of services

• Policy needed more information regarding informed choice

• Policy needed clarification to ensure that reader services was not subject to financial need

Format of the new Format of the new Policy ManualPolicy Manual

»Part 1 General Provisions»Part 2 Process»Part 3 Services»Part 4 Definitions

What changes were made?What changes were made?• Overall – references to the related

federal regulations and state rules were added

• Purpose section was added• Authority section was updated to

include the 1/22/01 changes to 34CFR 361 and to add the NH Revised Statutes Annotated (RSAs) to the authorities

What changes were made?What changes were made?((Continued)Continued)

• Language was added in the confidentiality section for clarity

• Language was added in the informed choice section to respond to RSA’s concerns

• Added language regarding fees and expenditures

• Some language was added to the appeals and order of selection sections to provide additional information on these topics

What changes were made?What changes were made?((Continued)Continued)

• Part 2 was added as a section in the attempt to move to one document versus some information in policy and other information in the case practice manual

• The individual sections in this part were added or updated to provide information and clarity

What changes were made?What changes were made?((Continued)Continued)

• In part 3 language regarding default on student loan was added

• Choice in VR services was added and refers to earlier policy (part 1.3 on choice) in response to RSA’s concerns

• Information was added on the nature and scope of services to provide additional information and clarity and to respond to RSA’s concerns

What changes were made?What changes were made?((Continued)Continued)

• Part 4 – Definitions- were added as a reference for users of this manual

What’s next with Policy?What’s next with Policy?

• We are working on a guidance supplement to be included in the policy manual to give additional information and direction

Have any comments or Have any comments or questions?questions?

Please feel free to contact Ella at emcallister@ed.state.nh.us

Or at 271-3803

Thank Youwww.ed.state.nh.us/vr