DAR File No. 30085

Human Services, Services for People with Disabilities

R539-9

Supported Employment Pilot Program

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE

DAR File No.: 30085
Filed: 06/14/2007, 12:08
Received by: NL

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The purpose of the rule is to remove the eligibility requirement for a "T" score of less than 50.5. This requirement has proven to be too restrictive and is limiting the number of individuals eligible for the program. This action will permit the Division to take more individuals off of the waiting list for Division services.

Summary of the rule or change:

This rule removes the requirement that applicants have a "T" score of less than 50.5 to be eligible for the Supported Employment Pilot Program and also removes the definition of a "T" score. (DAR NOTE: There is a corresponding 120-day (emergency) rule under DAR No. 30116 that is effective as of 07/01/2007 that will be published in the July 15, 2007, issue of the Bulletin.)

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

Section 62A-5-103.1

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

The Supported Employment Pilot Program will be administered within the $150,000 appropriation for this program and does not create an entitlement related to a Medicaid Waiver. This rule change will permit more individuals to be eligible, but will not affect the overall budget because the number of persons eligible will remain within the number originally anticipated for this the program.

local governments:

The Division has evaluated all local government agencies as they relate to employment services for persons with disabilities. T he Supported Employment Pilot Program does not impact cost or savings to local governments. This program involves the Division and the persons who directly receive services. No agency of any local government provides support, or financial assistance to the persons eligible for this program.

other persons:

The Division has reviewed all possible other persons as they relate to employment services for persons with disabilities. The Supported Employment Pilot Program does not impact cost or savings for other persons. No other person provides support, or financial assistance to the persons eligible for this program.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

There will be no compliance costs for affected persons. Affected persons are assisted by Division staff to apply for the services and if eligible for the program, are provided services. There are no costs to apply for the services or to receive services or to comply with the eligibility requirements for the services.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

Supported Employment services are provided by private businesses to Persons who meet the eligibility standards for the pilot program. Services will be provided by businesses under contract with the Department of Humans Services, Division of Services for People with Disabilities. Lisa-Michele Church, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Human Services
Services for People with Disabilities
120 N 200 W
SALT LAKE CITY UT 84103-1500

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

Steven Bradford at the above address, by phone at 801-538-4197, by FAX at 801-538-4279, or by Internet E-mail at sbradford@utah.gov

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

07/31/2007

This rule may become effective on:

08/07/2007

Authorized by:

George Kelner, Director

R539. Human Services, Services for People with Disabilities.

R539-9. Supported Employment Pilot Program.

R539-9-1. Purpose and Authority.

(1) The purpose of this rule is to provide:

(a) procedures and standards for the determination of eligibility for the Division's pilot program to provide supported employment services for Persons on the Division's Waiting List as specified in R539-2-4.

(2) This rule is authorized by Section 62A-5-103.1

 

R539-9-2. Definitions.

(1) Terms used in this rule are defined in Section 62A-5-101, and

[ (2) "T score" means a standardized score used to determine a person's priority on the waiting list.

] ([3]2) "Supported Employment" means "competitive work" in integrated work settings or employment in "integrated work" settings where individuals are working toward competitive employment, consistent with the strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice of the individuals, for individuals with the most significant disabilities.

([4]3) "Competitive Work" means employment in the competitive labor market that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis in an integrated setting; and for which an individual is compensated at or above the minimum wage, but not less than the customary wage and level of benefits paid by the employer for the same or similar work performed by individuals who are not disabled.

([5]4) "Integrated Work" means job sites where most employees are not disabled, where a client interacts on a regular basis, in the performance of job duties, with employees who are not disabled. If a client is part of a distinct work group of only individuals with disabilities, the work group should consist of no more than eight individuals.

([6]5) "Extended Services" means on-going support services and other appropriate services, needed to support and maintain an individual with a most significant disability in employment. They are provided singly or in combination and are organized and made available in such a way as to assist an eligible individual in maintaining supported employment. Extended services are based on a determination of the needs of an eligible individual. Extended services may include natural supports, such as volunteers, family members, co-workers, employer, supervisors, students, and PASS or IRWE.

 

R539-9-3 Eligibility.

(1) A Person who meets the eligibility requirements listed in Section 62A-5-103.1 may participate in the supported employment pilot program provided that:

(2) the Person agrees to enter services under the conditions listed in Section 62A-5-103.1,

(3) the Person agrees not to use any other Home and Community Based Medicaid Waiver service operated by the Division while participating in the Supported Employment Pilot,

(4) if the person has a Medicaid Card the person may continue to access State Plan, E-Pass and other Medicaid services operated separately from the Division during participation in the pilot,

(5) the person agrees to move off the immediate needs waiting list for supported employment,

(6) the person is found eligible for Division of Rehabilitation Services, Supported Employment funding,

(7) the person agrees to use an approved provider,

(8) the person signs the Supported Employment Pilot Participant Agreement and agrees to follow through with instructions from rehabilitation counselors, services for people with disabilities support coordinators and service brokers and private provider staff,

(9) the person has an Office of Education, Rehabilitation Services, Referral and Services Report form 58 completed signed by a rehabilitation counselor and a support coordinator,

(10) the person agrees that the person's need for extended supported employment services will be met solely by the provision of supported employment services for the duration of the pilot program, and

(11) the person agrees to provide information needed by the person's employer to obtain the tax incentive through P.L. 104-188, Federal Welfare to Work, Internal Revenue Service, IRS Form 8850 or Section 59-7-608 or Credit for Employers Who Hire Persons with Disabilities, Form TC-40HD.[, and

(12) the person has a T score below 50.5.]

 

R539-9-4 Priority.

(1) First priority will be given to Persons on the waiting list for supported employment services who currently receive Division of Rehabilitation Services funding.

(2) Second priority will be given to Persons on the waiting list for supported employment services and no other services.

(3) Third priority will be given to Persons waiting for supported employment and other services.

 

KEY: disabilities, supported employment

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: August 22, 2006

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 62A-5-103.1