Oklahoma Administrative Code
Title 612 - State Department of Rehabilitation Services
Chapter 25 - Business Enterprise Program
Subchapter 4 - The State Licensing Agency
Part 3 - BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM TRAINING
Section 612:25-4-14 - Training for new or potential licensed managers

(a) Overview of Licensed Manager Training. The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) provides individuals who are blind with training that leads to potential employment as a Licensed Manager of a vending facility or related business in the Business Enterprise Program. The training program includes but is not limited to training in laws and regulations affecting the Business Enterprise Program, state and federal tax reporting, food service operations, sanitation, inventory control, money management, staffing of personnel, safety procedures, business management principles and techniques, and preparation of reports required by the State Licensing Agency. The licensed manager training program will be based on a curriculum developed and periodically reviewed through consultation with appropriate business representatives, trainers, BEP experts, and the Elected Committee of Licensed Managers. Additional training required by the licensed manager trainee to adjust to blindness, learn assistive technology skills or improve the trainee's opportunity to succeed as a licensed manager may be arranged through coordination with the DRS Division of Visual Services and DRS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

(b) Application process. Applications for BEP training shall include the following information which shall be obtained from the individual's counselor:

(c) Acceptance for training. Applicant qualifications will be reviewed by BEP staff who will report any training-related recommendations to the individual's DVR/DSBVI counselor and BEP operations coordinator. An individual's application must be approved by the BEP operations coordinator prior to acceptance into the training program.

(d) Notice regarding criminal background record and Oklahoma sales tax background check. Before entering training, BEP applicants will be informed that a criminal background investigation and an Oklahoma sales tax background check will be performed and may prevent their being licensed to manage some BEP facilities.

(e) Duration of training. To be eligible for licensure as a BEP facility manager an individual must complete the full BEP manager training program, unless the BEP operations coordinator, in consultation with the Chair of the Elected Committee of Licensed Managers, determines an exception is justifiable.

(f) Completion of training. Each trainee who completes the BEP manager training program is issued a certificate certifying that the trainee has met all the training criteria to be a licensed manager in the Business Enterprise Program. Upon assuming management of their first facility, a certified graduate shall be issued a BEP license.

(g) Failure to complete training. If it appears that a trainee will not be able to successfully complete training, the BEP operations coordinator, in consultation with the ECM Chair, will review the individual's training record before making a decision to terminate training. The BEP operations coordinator will notify the trainee and their DSBVI or DVR counselor of any BEP decision to terminate training.

(h) Post-training interview. Upon completion of a new manager's training, they will be interviewed by a representative of the Elected Committee of Licensed Managers, normally the chairperson, to evaluate the effectiveness of the training program. The interviewer formulates recommendations and comments regarding the training program and provides them to the BEP Operations Coordinator.

(i) Acceptance of out-of-state licenses. The BEP Operations Coordinator will evaluate the skills and knowledge of BEP applicants who were licensed managers in other states. Training will be provided to correct any noted deficiencies and acquaint the applicant with Oklahoma's program. After qualifications are met, the applicant is issued a training completion certificate.

(j) Seniority. Seniority in the Oklahoma Business Enterprise Program will only accrue when managing an Oklahoma BEP facility.

(k) Licensed Manager Benefits. Benefits such as insurance will begin the same date the Licensed Manager signed the manager's agreement.