Ariz. Admin. Code § 6-4-203

Current through Register Vol. 30, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section R6-4-203 - Diagnostic Study

A. Preliminary diagnostic study.

1. In order to determine whether any individual is eligible for vocational rehabilitation services, there shall be a preliminary diagnostic study sufficient to determine:

a. Whether the individual has a physical or mental disability which for such individual constitutes or results in a substantial handicap to employment, and

b. Whether VR services may reasonably be expected to benefit the individual in terms of employability or whether an extended evaluation of rehabilitation potential is necessary to make such a determination. It will place primary emphasis upon the determination of a vocational goal for the individual and his potential for achieving such a goal.

2. Information required for preliminary diagnostic study:

a. Each applicant shall have documented in the file a complete medical assessment in order to appraise current general health status. The general medical assessment will include a medical history, thorough physical examination and a routine urinalysis. The decision as to what is current is determined on an individual basis.

b. Examinations and diagnostic studies necessary for the agency to determine whether the individual has a physical or mental disability which for such individual constitutes or results in a substantial handicap to employment.

c. In all cases of mental or emotional disorders, an examination will be provided by a physician or by a certified psychologist skilled in diagnosis and treatment of such disorders.

d. In cases of alcoholism and drug addiction, evidence from such sources as hospital records, a physician's report, a social summary or treatment facility, records will be necessary to document the existence of these disabilities.

B. Thorough diagnostic study.

1. Before implementation of an IWRP for a client, a thorough diagnostic study shall be completed, to include:

a. As appropriate, a comprehensive evaluation of pertinent medical, psychological, vocational, educational and other related factors such as personal, vocational and social adjustment, patterns of work behavior, ability to acquire job skills and capacity for successful job performance which bear on the individual's handicap to employment and scope of rehabilitation services needed. The findings of such study(s) must be recorded in client's individual case folders.

b. In all cases of visual impairment, an evaluation of visual loss will be provided by a physician skilled in diseases of the eye or by an optometrist, whichever the individual may select.

c. In all cases of blindness, a screening for hearing loss will be obtained from a physician skilled in the diseases of the ear or from an audiologist licensed or certified in accordance with state laws and regulations.

d. In all cases of hearing impairment, an evaluation of the auditory system will be obtained from a physician skilled in the diseases of the ear and based on his findings a hearing evaluation may be provided by such a physician or by a licensed audiologist.

e. In all cases of deafness, an evaluation of the individual's vision will be provided by a physician skilled in the diseases of the eye or by an optometrist.

f. In all cases of mental retardation, a psychological evaluation will be obtained from a psychologist certified by the Arizona State Board of Psychologist Examiners which will include a valid test of intelligence, an assessment of social functioning and educational progress and achievement.

g. In all cases where drug addiction or alcoholism are documented as disabilities, evaluation by a certified psychologist or psychiatrist skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of mental or emotional disorders must be obtained.

C. The client shall be offered and given the choice of physicians, psychologists or providers of diagnostic services in all cases with the following restrictions:

1. The counselor, in consultation with medical/psychological and other appropriate consultants and within the limits set by law and described in these regulations, determines both the scope and type of studies and evaluations to be acquired;

2. The individuals chosen to do the necessary diagnostic studies and evaluations must have the minimum qualifications set forth in law and described elsewhere in these rules and regulations (see Section R6-4-302 );

3. If the agency has contracted with someone or some group to provide specific diagnostic studies or evaluations, their services must be utilized unless special considerations noted in the file deem it inappropriate to do so;

4. The individuals chosen to do the necessary diagnostic studies and evaluations must also be willing and able to conform to set fee schedules and reporting requirements.

Ariz. Admin. Code § R6-4-203

Adopted effective June 14, 1977 (Supp. 77-3).