1. (a)

   1. (1) In the unique circumstance where the specific expertise of another vocational rehabilitation agency is necessary to best meet the needs of an individual, there can be a dual case file.
   2. (2) The Division of State Services for the Blind has a dual service agreement with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services that uses a team approach with consumers who have disabilities in addition to blindness or visual impairment.

2. (b)

   1. (1) The expectation in any dual case situation is that there will be sufficient communication between the vocational rehabilitation counselors involved from each agency to prevent duplication of services and funding on the IPE.
   2. (2) When a counselor determines that a consumer has a case with another agency, they must notify Quality Assurance of the dual case.
   3. (3) Quality Assurance will then coordinate with the other agency to assign one (1) unique identifier to the participant for both agencies on all federal reports.
   4. (4) This will ensure both agencies correctly identify the participant to the United States Rehabilitation Services Administration and correctly include them in all performance measures.

3. (c)

   1. (1) When a participant must be contacted for supplemental wage information, each agency will send their form to the consumer at the appropriate time after closure.
   2. (2) It is possible that the case will close at different times for each agency, and this will allow both agencies to track their participant’s performance measures as needed.
4. (d) When supplemental wage information is received by the agency for a shared consumer, the agency will provide a copy of that information to the other agency for federal reporting purposes.
5. (e) If the individual has a Ticket to Work, both vocational rehabilitation agencies may seek cost reimbursement from the Social Security Administration.

6. (f)

   1. (1) Reimbursement payments will not be made more than once for the same service or cost.
   2. (2) This is per 20 C.F.R. pt. 404, Subpart V.
   3. (3) See United States Rehabilitation Services Administration Technical Assistance Circular titled Provision of Vocational Rehabilitation Services to an Individual by More Than One Agency.

Codification Notes: “IPE” means individualized plan for employment.