New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules
Ed - Board of Education
Chapter Ed 1000 - VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAMS
Part Ed 1005 - ASSESSMENT
Section Ed 1005.05 - Assessment for Determining Eligibility and Priority for Services

(a) An assessment for determining eligibility and priority for services shall begin when an individual with a disability applies for NHVR services, as outlined in Ed 1004.03(g), with the intent to reach an employment outcome;

(b) An assessment and determination shall be completed within 60 days of receipt of one of the application types described in Ed 1004.03(g);

(c) Existing information shall be reviewed by the NHVR counselor to determine if the information is sufficient to determine eligibility and this shall include establishing the disability(ies), identifying the impediment to employment, and determining whether there is a need for vocational rehabilitation services;

(d) After the execution of the "Authorization to Disclose Information to NH Vocational Rehabilitation" form, revised June 2021, and all other applicable releases, written documentation of the person's disability shall be obtained. This documentation may be from treatment facilities, providers, medical and other diagnosticians, educational sources, federal or state agencies, therapists, and professionals who evaluate and report on disability or medical and psychological disorders. Referrals, or information obtained by request with an authorized release by other agencies, may include information about the individual's disability, resulting functional limitations, and how it relates to the individual's employment needs;

(e) Individuals may obtain and provide documentation from their treating physician, certified treatment program, a licensed or certified practitioner skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of the disability, or other source that verifies the existence and extent of an impairment to assist with the eligibility determination process;

(f) If additional information is needed, the applicant and counselor shall decide how best to obtain the information and establish appropriate time frames. If the applicant is unable to provide appropriate evidence, NHVR shall obtain the required information as part of the assessment process;

(g) If not already completed, the applicant and counselor shall complete the form required in Ed 1003.03(b) during the assessment process using the information gathered before and during the process;

(h) Existing information shall be considered adequate if, in the NHVR counselor's judgment, it provides sufficient information to document the person's disability(ies) and employment factors, resulting impediments to employment, ability to benefit from services, and requirements for services;

(i) If an individual meets NHVR's eligibility criteria, eligibility shall not be delayed while waiting for information to be used for vocational planning purposes; and

(j) A determination of eligibility shall not be a guarantee of the provision of specific services.