Nebraska Administrative Code
Topic - EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF
Title 92 - NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Chapter 72 - VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES
Appendix A - STANDARDS FOR FACILITIES AND SERVICE PROVIDERS

To determine whether a facility, service, program, or provider meets minimum standards, program staff consider such factors as: their past performance in achieving results or employment outcomes and the quality of results or employment outcomes achieved, licensure, accreditation, certification, or registration from state authorities; accreditation or certification from nationally recognized accrediting organizations; education, training, and experience of personnel; and, compliance with the American With Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Hospitals and clinics must be licensed by the State of Nebraska. Hospitals accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities are given preference for the provision of rehabilitation medicine and treatment of physical impairments.

Schools and other training institutions must be approved by a recognized accrediting body for the institution. Out-of-state schools must be approved by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association.

Program services and goods may be purchased from any entity doing business in Nebraska, including businesses operated by independent contractors, for-profit sole proprietorships and partnerships, and those engaged in the construction or renovation of homes.

Medical or psychological diagnosis and treatment services in audiology and speech language pathology; chiropractic; dentistry; hearing aid instruments; dispensers and fitters; medicine and surgery; mental health; nursing; occupational therapy; optometry; physical therapy; podiatry; psychology; respiratory care; and, social work must be provided by professionals who are appropriately licensed, certified, or registered with the appropriate state examining board. Psychologists with clinical certification are given preference.

Prosthetic and orthotic services and appliances must be provided by professionals who are certified by the American Board of Certification for Prosthetic and Orthotic Appliance Industry Inc. or otherwise qualified by training and experience to perform the specific service required.

A qualified interpreter for the hearing impaired is an interpreter who holds a license issued by the State of Nebraska through the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Interpreters providing services for hearing impaired recipients must be appropriately qualified for the particular assignment.

All service providers must be at least 18 years of age.

Background screening requirements. Background screening is required for individuals who provide job coaching, independent skills exploration and training, supported employment, and self employment consultation services. The program will conduct background screening, including checks of the following: State Patrol Criminal Records, Nebraska Sex Offender Registry, HHS Adult and Child Protective Services Central Registries, and DMV Driving Records (if transporting a recipient is a requirement of the job) before approving service agreements with individuals who will provide services requiring background screening. Service providers who employ individuals who will provide services requiring background screening must provide the program with written assurance that persons employed to provide these direct services have not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving neglect or abuse of a child or vulnerable adult before the program will approve their service agreements.