TITLE 40.SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE

Part 2. DEPARTMENT OF ASSISTIVE AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES

Chapter 107. REHABILITATION SERVICES

Subchapter B. VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES PROGRAM

5. METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

40 TAC §107.219

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission proposes to amend Title 40, Part 2, Chapter 107, §107.219 of the rules of the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, concerning order of selection. The amendment is being proposed to update the rules concerning order of selection, and conform to the provisions of the current DARS Division for Rehabilitation Services VR State Plan.

Bill Wheeler, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, estimates that for each year of the first five years that the amended rule will be in effect, there will be no material fiscal implications for state or local government.

Mr. Wheeler also estimates that for each year of the first five years the amended rule will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of adopting the proposed amendment will be the agency's compliance with House Bill 2292, 78th Legislature, Regular Session, and other existing provisions of law pertaining to provision of health and human services in Texas. There should be no material economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed for amendment. There should be no material effect to small or micro businesses. In accordance with Government Code §2001.022, the Health and Human Services Commission has determined that the proposed amendment will not affect a local economy.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Roger Darley, Deputy General Counsel, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, 4800 North Lamar Boulevard, Suite 300, Austin, Texas 78756.

The amendment is proposed under the Government Code, Chapter 531, §531.0055(e), which provides the Executive Commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission with the authority to promulgate rules for the operation and provision of health and human services by health and human services agencies.

No other statute, article, or code is affected by this proposal.

§107.219.Order of Selection [ and Outcomes and Service Goals ].

An order of selection established for allocation of vocational rehabilitation services when such services cannot be provided to all who apply and are eligible is as follows:

(1) First priority: Eligible individuals with the most significant disabilities. Such individuals are those with significant disabilities who have serious limitations in three or more functional capacities (mobility, self-care, self-direction, work skills, work tolerance, interpersonal skills, and communication) in terms of an employment outcome. [ first priority to eligible individuals with the most severe disabilities; ]

(2) Second priority: Eligible individuals with significant disabilities who have serious limitations in two functional capacities in terms of an employment outcome. [ second priority to eligible individuals with other severe disabilities; ]

(3) Third priority: Eligible individuals with significant disabilities who have serious limitations in one functional capacity in terms of an employment outcome. [ third priority to eligible individuals with non-severe disabilities that result in permanent functional limitations; ]

(4) Fourth priority: All other eligible individuals. [ fourth priority to eligible individuals with non-severe disabilities that do not result in permanent functional limitations. ]

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 1, 2006.

TRD-200600521

Sylvia F. Hardman

General Counsel

Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 19, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 424-4050