1. (a) Division of State Services for the Blind staff must ensure that all individuals who are referred to, apply for, or receive vocational rehabilitation services are responded to in a timely manner.
2. (b) Timeliness will be defined individually, based on individual needs and readiness for services.

3. (c) This includes:

   1. (1) Respond to emails and phone calls within one (1) business day of receiving or within one (1) business day of returning to the office;
   2. (2) Documented contact with individuals at least every forty-five (45) days;
   3. (3) Contact all referrals within one (1) business day to schedule the orientation contact;
   4. (4) Contact all newly assigned cases, including case transfers, within five (5) business days of the assignment;
   5. (5) An orientation meeting conducted by the vocational rehabilitation counselor completed within ten (10) days from the date of referral;

   6. (6)

      1. (A) Eligibility completed within sixty (60) days of application.
      2. (B) Extensions must follow 25 CAR § 2-402(d);
   7. (7) Weekly contact with individual during the comprehensive assessment period;

   8. (8)

      1. (A) IPE developed within ninety (90) days of eligibility.
      2. (B) Extensions must follow DSB Policy 6.3.2; and
   9. (9) Authorizations processed and paid within ninety (90) days of being issued, unless documented, extenuating circumstances apply.

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