SECTION 612:10-7-98. General guidelines for physical and mental restoration services

(a)   To the extent that assistance is not readily available from a source other than DVR or DSBVI, diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental impairments may be provided to assist the individual with a disability in preparing for, securing, retaining or regaining employment. Physical or mental restoration services are provided only when the condition is stable, or slowly progressive. A slowly progressive condition is one in which the client's functional capacity is not expected to diminish so rapidly as to prevent successful completion of vocational rehabilitation services, and/or employment for a reasonable period of time. The individual is liable for services he or she arranged which were not planned and initiated under the auspices of DVR and DSBVI. DVR and DSBVI will not pay for hospitalization or treatment occurring prior to initiation of an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). DVR and DSBVI will not pay for emergency hospitalization or treatment needed at the time of referral. However, diagnostic examinations or information may be paid from DVR and DSBVI funds for use in eligibility determination, priority group placement, or determination of vocational rehabilitation needs. Physical and/or mental restoration services will be purchased only from licensed or board certified health professionals unless otherwise specified in DRS policy. Payment will be made in accordance with the established fee schedule of the Department.

(b)   Temporary conditions with sudden onset do not fall within the definition of impairment for eligibility purposes. Emergency treatment of remediable conditions will not be purchased by DVR and DSBVI except under intercurrent illness policy. When the staff is in doubt as to the effect of such a condition upon the outcome of the IPE objectives, a medical consultation may be requested.

(c)   DVR and DSBVI do not provide long-term or ongoing physical or psychological treatment. DVR and DSBVI funds cannot be used to initiate treatment that is reasonably anticipated to last more than three months unless supervisory approval has been obtained for a three month extension. Additional three month extensions may be approved if the client maintains reasonable progress toward achieving the vocational goal. Persons needing long- term or ongoing treatment are to be referred to other medical assistance sources if available.

(d)   Payment from DVR and DSBVI funds may be planned and authorized only after applicable third party pay sources provide verification of the expense they will cover, and not cover, associated with the physical or mental restoration services in question. When DVR and DSBVI funds are used to supplement a third party pay source, planned services and the authorization will be limited to those expenses that fall within the scope of the program and that do not exceed the difference between what the third party pay source will pay and the Department's established payment schedule.

(e)   Individuals with chronic disabilities that can be removed with little or no residual limitations will not be eligible for purchase of services other than those related to the required treatment.

(f)   Physical and mental restoration services may include but are not limited to:

(1)   Braces and orthotic devices.

(2)   Chiropractic services. A chiropractor providing treatment must be duly licensed to practice his profession in Oklahoma, have a current provider/vendor agreement with DRS, and following evaluation of the client's needs, must provide a treatment plan with goals, time frames and the estimated number of treatments required to meet the goals. Treatment may not be extended beyond three months unless progress toward treatment goals can be determined.

(3)   Dental services. Dental services may be provided to treat or correct dental conditions that constitute an impediment to employment or participation in the rehabilitation process, produce health problems or aggravate an existing disability. Dental services with a projected cost over $5,000.00 require review by the DRS dental consultant and supervisory approval.

(4)   Dialysis and treatment for end-stage-renal-disease. DVR and DSBVI may assist with the cost of Medicare deductible, co-insurance, and services not covered by Medicare if documentation states other resources are not available and the client is actively participating in an IPE with treatment as part of the plan. Requests for kidney transplants must be approved by the medical consultant.

(5)   Prescription drugs and prescribed medical supplies. Prescription drugs and/or prescribed medical supplies may be purchased when required for proper diagnosis, for post-operative treatment, or to stabilize a documented disability. The need for the drugs and/or medical supplies must be documented in a physician's report. Payment will be made for generic type drugs unless the physician specifically requests a brand name drug.

(6)   Hearing aids and audiological services.

(7)   Hospitalization when recommended by a physician and the client is to receive medical treatment or surgery. Hospitalization may also be authorized for diagnostic services upon recommendation of a physician.

(8)   Treatment for intercurrent illness. Intercurrent illness is an illness or injury which occurs during the course of an individual's vocational rehabilitation and, if not treated, will complicate or significantly delay achievement of the client's employment outcome. DVR and DSBVI will purchase treatment for intercurrent illness or injuries if the client is not covered by health insurance or eligible for comparable services and benefits, or when the provision of services through comparable services and benefits would significantly interrupt or delay treatment for an individual at extreme medical risk, jeopardize a job placement or impair the individual's progress in achieving the planned employment outcome.

(9)   Laboratory work and x-rays if required by the physician to complete his examination or in conjunction with diagnosis or treatment.

(10)   Low vision services.

(11)   Medical examinations, when necessary to determine eligibility, achieve a goal in the IPE or when related to an intercurrent illness.

(12)   Nursing services can be provided for a client who is convalescing from physical restoration services if recommended by the doctor of treatment. Either Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses may be used to provide this service when a current medical vendor agreement is on file with the Department. Volunteers may be used if less technical care is needed and if approved by the client's physician.

(13)   Physical and occupational therapy may be provided on either an in-hospital or outpatient basis if recommended by the attending physician.

(14)   Post-operative care of cataract patients.

(15)   Prosthetic eyes, glasses and other optical aids.

(A)   Glasses and other visual aids and services may be prescribed or provided by either an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. Other optical aids recommended by optical aid clinics are purchased upon the recommendation of the specialist(s) in one or more such clinics. Prosthetic eyes are provided, upon the recommendation of an ophthalmologist.

(B)   Lenses and frames for glasses purchased by DRS will be authorized at fee schedule prices. The vendor may add a service charge not to exceed the established fee. An additional code and fee may be added for tinting if it has been prescribed by the physician or optometrist that performed the eye examination with written medical/vocational justification.

(C)   The fee that has been established for frames will only cover the cost of plain sturdy frames. Clients do not have the option of selecting more expensive frames and paying the difference between the vendor's price and the amount authorized. If the vendor accepts payment from the client or a representative of the client and also files a claim with the Department for the same services, a violation of the Provider Agreement has occurred and the vendor would be subject to sanctions.

(D)   If a client selects special frames and has sufficient resources to purchase them, the frames should not be included on the authorization and the client would be responsible for the entire cost of the frames.

(16)   Prosthetic limbs.

(A)   Prosthetic limbs may be provided if the prosthesis is recommended by a physician. The client who has successfully worn a prosthesis will not be required to see an orthopedist or physiatrist, or attend an amputee clinic unless some other disorder is apparent.

(B)   An individual who has never worn a prosthesis must be seen by a physician before the prosthesis is provided. The client must agree to training in its use. Gait training is considered Personal Adjustment Training and does not require client participation in cost. However, physical therapists providing the training are recognized as medical vendors and require authorizations completed on a Medical Service Authorization.

(C)   Persons with multiple amputations must have the special examination and training.

(D)   The counselor may authorize for a prescribed standard prosthesis without further review. The choice of prosthesis must be closely related to its intended use in a work setting, or in relation to reasonable independent living goals. Non-standard prostheses (i.e., myoelectric) will not be purchased with DRS funds unless medically justified and/or required for a specific employment, or independent living, outcome. When a prosthesis other than a standard prosthesis is prescribed the counselor will request a consultation from the appropriate medical consultant. Justification for the non-standard prosthesis must be documented in the case record.

(17)   Psychiatric and psychological treatment.

(A)   Psychotherapy may be provided for emotional conditions which may be expected to respond within a reasonable period of time. Psychotherapy can be provided only by the sources in (1) - (5) of this Subsection.

(i)   Psychiatrists certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology or completed the required training and are "Board Qualified", or who have spent a major portion of their time in a particular specialty for at least two years and are recognized as specialists in the local community (same criteria as applied to other medical specialists).

(ii)   Licensed Doctors of Medicine or Doctors of Osteopathy who have received specific training for and are experienced in performing mental health therapeutic, diagnostic, or counseling functions.

(iii)   Psychologists with a doctorate in clinical or counseling psychology who hold a valid license to practice psychology.

(iv)   Psychologists with a doctorate in clinical or counseling psychology who are employed by governmental agencies exempt from the licensing law.

(v)   Other licensed clinicians or those employed by governmental agencies who have received administrative approval to provide this treatment service.

(B)   Upon receipt of a written report from the therapist, the supervisor may approve additional three-month periods of therapy. Clients needing long-term or ongoing psychiatric or psychological treatment will be referred to the appropriate community mental health center.

(C)   Personal Adjustment Counseling may be provided for those persons with emotional conditions who may benefit from counseling to bring about a more adequate social adjustment, alleviate superficial anxiety, and to create more effective interpersonal relationships. Personal Adjustment Counseling may be provided by: those individuals listed in (17) (A) of this Subsection.

(18)   Speech therapy/training as recommended in a speech evaluation. Speech therapy, although provided by recognized speech therapists, is considered Personal Adjustment training and is not based on financial status. The providers of speech therapy are classified as medical vendors.

(19)   Surgery and medical treatment.

(A)   Surgery and complex or unusual medical treatment may be provided when recommended by a specialist. Medical consultant approval will be obtained prior to planning and authorizing a diagnostic procedure which could lead to immediate surgical treatment. The medical consultant will give conditional approval for the possible surgery if deemed necessary. Normal post-operative care is an integral part of the surgery; therefore, no post-operative charges are to be paid above the approved surgical fee.

(B)   Specified outpatient surgical services are approved for payment when provided in qualified outpatient surgical facilities. Qualified facilities include Medicare certified free standing ambulatory surgical centers, Medicare certified hospitals offering outpatient surgical services, and hospitals which have an agreement with DRS.

(C)   The counselor will advise the client he/she may be liable for any balance due when payment by private insurance exceeds the Department allowable rate.

(20)   Weight loss treatment. A weight loss plan or treatment are included as a service in the IPE for individuals who are eligible on the basis of obesity. A licensed dietician or a physician skilled in weight reduction must monitor any treatment program authorized by the agency. Surgery for weight loss is not provided unless medically recommended as treatment for morbid obesity, a second confirming medical opinion is obtained, the surgery is approved by the DRS medical consultant and supervisory approval is obtained. Before approving DRS provision of surgery for treatment of morbid obesity, the supervisor shall consider the individual's past experience with standard weight loss protocols, and medical and behavioral factors that may impact the individual's ability to obtain long-term benefit from the surgery.

(21)   Wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment when prescribed by a physician or recommended by an occupational therapist, physical therapist, assistive technology specialist or person with equivalent qualifications. Power mobility devices may be purchased for individuals when necessary to assist the client in achieving IPE goals.

(A)   The client, and/or client's authorized representative, will participate in choosing from which vendor the wheelchair or durable medical equipment will be purchased. Wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment will be authorized at the agency approved fee.

(B)   The client, or client's family or authorized representative as appropriate, is responsible for maintaining wheelchairs or other durable medical equipment in good working order. DVR and DSBVI will pay for repairs to wheelchairs or other durable medical equipment during the life of the case unless there is clear evidence the equipment has been damaged due to client abuse or neglect. An agency-purchased wheelchair will be returned to the agency if the client becomes unable to use it.

(C)   Wheelchair rental may be authorized for a period not to exceed six months when necessary to assist the client with mobility. An exception can be made if it is documented that rental is more cost effective than purchase.

[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 13 Ok Reg 1739, eff 7-1-96; Amended at 14 Ok Reg 1432, eff 7-1-97; Amended at 16 Ok Reg 1711, eff 4-13-99 (emergency); Amended at 16 Ok Reg 2590, eff 7-1-99; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 1819, eff 7-1-02; Amended at 21 Ok Reg 1774, eff 7-1-04; Amended at 27 Ok Reg 1589, eff 7-1-10; Amended at 28 Ok Reg 1832, eff 7-1-11; Amended at 29 Ok Reg 1430, eff 7-1-12; Amended at 32 Ok Reg 1278, eff 8-27-15; Amended at 34 Ok Reg 1994, eff 9-11-17; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 2135, eff 9-11-20]