Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 67 - SOCIAL SERVICES
Part VII - Rehabilitation Services
Chapter 5 - Business Enterprises Program Manual
Section VII-515 - Organization of State Licensing Agency
Universal Citation: LA Admin Code VII-515
Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024
A. Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), is designated as the sole state agency under a state plan for vocational rehabilitation services approved pursuant to the provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, (29 U.S.C. ch. 16) and approved by Rehabilitation Services Administration as the state licensing agency.
1. Louisiana Rehabilitation Services
Director. The senior administrative official of the agency.
2. Blind Services Executive Director.
Administers and coordinates services to the blind.
3. Central Office Staff. The program is
administered by the Randolph-Sheppard Program Manager who reports to the Blind
Services Executive Director.
4.
Field Staff. The state is divided into specific geographic areas for the
purpose of administering the Business Enterprises Program, and a business
consultant (Randolph-Sheppard Management Analyst) is assigned to each area. The
RSMA provides the link between the licensed managers and the central office and
is authorized to provide the services and is obligated to assist and support
the licensed managers in complying with the rules and regulations of the
Rehabilitation Services Administration and the SLA relative to business
enterprises established under the Randolph-Sheppard Act.
5. Licensed Managers. The individual
enterprises established by the Business Enterprises Program are managed by
licensed managers who derive their livelihood from net profits of the
operations. Licensed managers are subject to instructions, policies, rules and
regulations of the Business Enterprises Program, but are not employees of the
program, the SLA, or the State of Louisiana. They do, however, have a
contractual relationship with the SLA and are required to manage the facilities
in accordance with established rules and regulations.
6. Duties of the Business Enterprises Program
Administrator. The duties of the Business Enterprises Program Administrator
are:
a. assures compliance with all
applicable rules, regulations and statutory provisions;
b. prepares program budgets and approves
expenditures;
c. plans for the
development and expansion of the program and upgrading of existing
facilities;
d. drafts program
policy, operating instructions and regulation changes as needed to make the
program more efficient or to conform to current legislative mandates;
e. promotes the program to the general
public; and
f. actively
participates with the ECM in accordance with
34 CFR
395.14.
7. Duties of the RSMA. The duties of the
Randolph-Sheppard Management Analyst are:
a.
assists each licensed manager to operate the business enterprise within
applicable rules and regulations;
b. initiates negotiations for new
facilities;
c. oversees the
development of new installations;
d. conducts public relations activities which
promote a positive image of the program to existing and potential host
organizations, rehabilitation workers, consumers, and the general
public;
e. provides management
services to licensed managers;
f.
collects and analyzes data on the operation of each business enterprise in
order to provide technical assistance and for monitoring and reporting
purposes; and
g. communicates with
the district EMC on district operations.
8. Guidelines for Communication.
Communication of information is to occur so that the best interests of the
Business Enterprises Program are served. This is best accomplished when
information is shared and acted upon by those who can respond most effectively
in the circumstances. The administrative staff of the SLA is responsible for
assuring that active communication among SLA staff and licensed managers
contributes to the effective operation of the entire Business Enterprises
Program. Management services and operational matters are best handled by
communicating with the appropriate RSMA. Subparagraphs 515.A.8.a-c describe
appropriate levels to which various types of communication should be directed.
a. Communications Originated by a Licensed
Manager. The licensed manager is to maintain appropriate and professional
communication with customers and building management personnel. The point of
communication for licensed managers with the SLA is the RSMA. Circumstances in
which a licensed manager may contact the Business Enterprises Program
Administrator are:
i. when a problem cannot
be resolved through normal channels;
ii. when there is a specific complaint
concerning the conduct and/or behavior of a RSMA; or
iii. when an emergency develops and the RSMA
is not available.
b.
Randolph-Sheppard Management Analyst Communication. An RSMA is expected to
maintain open and ongoing communications with all the licensed managers in
his/her area. Should a situation require immediate action beyond the RSMA's
authority, he/she may contact the proper administrative official. All
significant information will be communicated to the BEP Administrator at the
earliest opportunity.
c. Written
Communications. Any communication of major consequence is to be documented in
writing. Situations needing immediate action are to be addressed promptly by
the appropriate official and subsequently documented in writing. Records of
written documentation will be maintained in accordance with agency policy.
Written requests require written responses.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 23:3022.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Louisiana may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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