1. (a)

   1. (1) All services or goods for which the Division of State Services for the Blind is to pay must be authorized in writing at least fifteen (15) business days prior to the service occurring.
   2. (2) Per federal regulations, all services must be approved and authorized prior to a consumer receiving a service.

   3. (3)

      1. (A) However, the division may pay for anesthesia, radiology, and pathology services according to the division’s fee schedule.
      2. (B) In most cases, these services cannot be preauthorized.
      3. (C) It is understood that these services may be needed in conjunction with surgery and will have to be authorized after the date of surgery.
      4. (D) When this occurs, the counselor must document the reason for this action in a case narrative.

   4. (4) Other exceptions to preauthorizations include:

      1. (A) Eyeglasses;
      2. (B) Textbooks;
      3. (C) Medication; and
      4. (D) Medical emergencies.

2. (b)

   1. (1) All authorizations require approval by both the VR counselor and the Area Manager before they are approved to go to the vendor.
   2. (2) Once signed by the agency and vendor an authorization is a binding contract.
   3. (3) It is imperative that all division staff work to ensure authorizations are accurate and timely.
   4. (4) In addition, every authorization must be accompanied by an authorization justification narrative in the AWARE case file.

Codification Notes: “VR” means vocational rehabilitation.