Chapter 8.08 Contents:[REVISED: 9/15/22] - Counselor discretion.
The counselor may, but is not obligated to, authorize repair or replacement (and related costs, such as shipping charges) of goods needed for client VR. The counselor may decide not to authorize repairs or replacement needed due to misuse, negligence, improperly securing the goods from theft or damage, or use by someone other than the client or person trained to use the device, modified equipment, or goods. The counselor may determine that buying a new item is more cost-effective for DRS than repairing the item.
- For assessment of repairs/replacements needed to home modification, see Chapter 6.06, HOME MODIFICATION ASSESSMENT, Policy 1. Because home modifications are complex and comprehensive services, (per 2016 Federal Regulation 34 CFR § 361.5 (c) (42)), the counselor may not provide repairs or replacements to modification as a Post Employment Service.
- For assessment of repairs/replacements needed to vehicle modification, see Chapter 6.05, VEHICLE MODIFICATION ASSESSMENT, Policy 2. Because vehicle modifications are complex and comprehensive services, (per 2016 Federal Regulation 34 CFR § 361.5 (c) (42)), the counselor may not provide repairs or replacements to modification as a Post Employment Service.
- For assessment of repairs/replacements for assistive technology (AT) devices needed for VR, consult the DRS AT Specialist.
- For repair and replacement of prosthetic and orthotic appliances, see Chapter 8.14, PHYSRES, Policy 1, Section A18.
- For repair and replacement of wheelchairs, see Chapter 8.14, PHYSRES, Policy 1, Section A24.
- The client shall be financially responsible for maintaining and repairing occupational tools and equipment and other goods needed for VR.
- A self employed client shall (per Chapter 8.17, SELF-EMPLOYMENT, Policy 1 ) be responsible for maintaining, repairing, or replacing occupational tools and equipment needed after the start up period, including while DARS retains title after case closure. Other working clients shall be financially responsible for maintaining, repairing, or replacing occupational tools and equipment required to maintain the current job.
- Warranty and service maintenance contracts.
The counselor may authorize a service maintenance contract and extended warranty contract. The counselor may authorize routine product maintenance when required by the product warranty, extended warranty, or service maintenance contract.
- Risk Management.
DRS staff shall not use VR funds to authorize repair to the home or personal property or real property damaged due to the home modification process or repair to the vehicle during the vehicle modification process. Commonwealth of Virginia Risk Management must first determine DARS liability (see Chapter 1.2, LIABILITY, Policy 1.
- Vendors.
The repair and required product maintenance services the counselor authorizes shall be provided by the manufacturer or manufacturer-authorized service dealer. For other vendor qualifications, see Chapter 14.4, VENDORS, Policy 2.
- Comparable benefit.
Costs shall (per 2016 Federal Regulation 34 CFR § 361.53) be subject to comparable benefit policy. Product warranty, product extended warranty, vehicle insurance, or homeowner insurance is a comparable benefit if the repair is covered under the warranty or insurance contract.
- Fee-based.
Costs shall (per 2016 Federal Regulation 34 CFR § 361.54) be subject to financial participation policy and Client Financial Statement (RS-13) results (see Chapter 14.3, FINANCIAL, Policy 1 ).
- Encumbering funds.
Services shall be subject to DRS established purchasing policies and procedures (see Chapter 14.1, PURCHASING, Policy 1).
Links to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) are currently unavailable while we await federal changes to the vocational rehabilitation program. Upon promulgation of the final regulations the links will be updated and activated. |
