SECTION 612:10-7-220. Vehicle modification services

(a)   Vehicle modification services may be provided as needed to enable a Vocational Rehabilitation client to prepare for, enter or retain employment. Vehicle modifications include the range of modifications and special equipment needed by a person with an impairment to drive or be a passenger in a vehicle.

(b)   Vehicle modification services provided to an individual in the Vocational Rehabilitation program may include:

(1)   purchase and installation of adaptations or devices in a vehicle;

(2)   assistance with payment of the portion of the cost attributable to modifications pre-installed in a new or used vehicle purchased from a dealer;

(3)   evaluation of an individual's ability to operate a motor vehicle;

(4)   prescription of required devices specific to both the individual's needs and the vehicle; and

(5)   training in the operation of the vehicle.

(c)   Vehicle modifications which are projected to cost the amount of the DCAM authority order limit or less will be made in accordance with 612:10-1-7. Vehicle modifications projected to cost more than the DCAM authority order limit will require additional processing by DRS Central/Departmental Services after the process is completed by the counselor as outlined in Categories A through C below. Clients purchasing new vehicles shall apply for any mobility equipment rebate available from the vehicle manufacturer and the amount of any such rebate shall be assigned to DRS.

(1)   Category A: New or used vehicle with structural modifications: In this process, the vehicle will be purchased by client choice and not obtained through a bid process. The client will be responsible for the purchase of the vehicle and DRS will be responsible for the costs attributable to the structural modifications.

(2)   Category B: New or used vehicle with structural modifications and accessibility modifications additions: In this process, the vehicle will be purchased by client choice and not obtained through a bid process. The client will be responsible for the purchase of the vehicle and DRS will be responsible for the costs attributable to the structural modifications and the accessibility modification additions. DRS will participate in this method only if the client obtains warranty from the mobility aids vendor. A copy of the warranty agreement will be obtained by the counselor and maintained in the case file.

(3)   Category C: Any modifications to a new or used vehicle not purchased as part of the vehicle package with a cost greater than the DCAM authority order limit will require additional processing by C/DS after the bid process is completed by the counselor in accordance with 612:10-1-7.

(d)   The qualifications in (1) - (9) of this Subsection apply to all vehicle modifications.

(1)   The client or individual providing the transportation must have a current, valid driver's license. If the client will be driving the vehicle and does not yet have a driver's license, he/she must be legally permitted to drive or participate as a driving student.

(2)   The name of the client must appear on the title to the vehicle and current vehicle registration. The client may be listed as a co-owner on these documents.

(3)   The client must agree to maintain the vehicle for the predictable life of the equipment and is responsible for maintaining special equipment in good working order. DRS may pay for repairs to such equipment during the life of the case unless there is clear evidence that the special equipment has been damaged due to client abuse or neglect as determined by the dealer, vendor or Assistive Technology Specialist.

(4)   The client must maintain both collision and comprehensive insurance on the vehicle, including the equipment.

(5)   The vehicle must be evaluated by an Assistive Technology Specialist or person with equivalent qualifications (Driver Rehabilitation Instructor, Occupational Therapist, Rehab Engineer, etc.) for identification of the appropriate adaptive equipment and assessment of the compatibility of the vehicle with recommended adaptive equipment.

(6)   A used vehicle must be inspected by an ASE or manufacturer certified mechanic to assure it is mechanically and structurally sound before equipment can be installed. This inspection may be authorized by the counselor if necessary. If the ASE or manufacturer certified mechanic recommends it, a separate inspection related to structural soundness will be completed. This inspection may be authorized by the counselor.

(7)   Existing modifications on a new or used vehicle shall be inspected for the appropriateness of the adaptive equipment for the consumer's needs by the Assistive Technology Specialist or other qualified person. DRS also requires documentation that existing modifications on a used vehicle have been inspected by the mobility equipment dealer/vendor to determine efficiency, quality and fair market value of the modification or adaptive equipment. This documentation may be obtained directly from the mobility equipment dealer/vendor or from the lender when such documentation has been required for loan approval.

(8)   DRS will not pay the expense of replacing the equipment unless the equipment no longer meets the needs of the client as determined through review of current medical reports and assistive technology evaluation indicating replacement is required to meet the IPE goals.

(9)   Certain types of vehicle modification equipment are considered "transferable" by design: i.e., hand controls, left foot accelerator, and hitch lift systems for wheelchairs/scooters. DRS may assist with the cost of transferring this type of equipment to meet the IPE goals. These modifications are categorized as non-structural modifications.

(10)   When vehicle modifications are completed, installation is to be inspected by an Assistive Technology Specialist or person with equivalent qualifications, to determine if the authorized equipment conforms to prescribed standards, is properly installed and meets the functional needs of the client. The counselor must obtain a statement of satisfaction from the client.

[Source: Added at 10 Ok Reg 4633, eff 9-1-93 (emergency); Added at 11 Ok Reg 2449, eff 7-1-94; Amended at 13 Ok Reg 1817, eff 4-3-96 (emergency); Amended at 14 Ok Reg 809, eff 1-24-97 (emergency); Amended at 14 Ok Reg 2332, eff 7-1-97; Amended at 15 Ok Reg 2904, eff 7-1-98; Amended at 16 Ok Reg 1614, eff 7-1-99; Amended at 18 Ok Reg 2228, eff 7-1-01; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 1819, eff 7-1-02; Amended at 20 Ok Reg 1771, eff 7-1-03; Amended at 25 Ok Reg 1687, eff 7-1-08; Amended at 26 Ok Reg 1690, eff 7-1-09; Amended at 27 Ok Reg 1589, eff 7-1-10; Amended at 28 Ok Reg 1832, eff 7-1-11; Amended at 31 Ok Reg 2388, eff 9-12-14]