La. Admin. Code tit. 67 § VII-515

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section VII-515 - Organization of State Licensing Agency

A. Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), is designated as the sole state agency under a state plan for vocational rehabilitation services approved pursuant to the provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, (29 U.S.C. ch. 16) and approved by Rehabilitation Services Administration as the state licensing agency.

1. Louisiana Rehabilitation Services Director. The senior administrative official of the agency.

2. Blind Services Executive Director. Administers and coordinates services to the blind.

3. Central Office Staff. The program is administered by the Randolph-Sheppard Program Manager who reports to the Blind Services Executive Director.

4. Field Staff. The state is divided into specific geographic areas for the purpose of administering the Business Enterprises Program, and a business consultant (Randolph-Sheppard Management Analyst) is assigned to each area. The RSMA provides the link between the licensed managers and the central office and is authorized to provide the services and is obligated to assist and support the licensed managers in complying with the rules and regulations of the Rehabilitation Services Administration and the SLA relative to business enterprises established under the Randolph-Sheppard Act.

5. Licensed Managers. The individual enterprises established by the Business Enterprises Program are managed by licensed managers who derive their livelihood from net profits of the operations. Licensed managers are subject to instructions, policies, rules and regulations of the Business Enterprises Program, but are not employees of the program, the SLA, or the State of Louisiana. They do, however, have a contractual relationship with the SLA and are required to manage the facilities in accordance with established rules and regulations.

6. Duties of the Business Enterprises Program Administrator. The duties of the Business Enterprises Program Administrator are:

a. assures compliance with all applicable rules, regulations and statutory provisions;

b. prepares program budgets and approves expenditures;

c. plans for the development and expansion of the program and upgrading of existing facilities;

d. drafts program policy, operating instructions and regulation changes as needed to make the program more efficient or to conform to current legislative mandates;

e. promotes the program to the general public; and

f. actively participates with the ECM in accordance with 34 CFR 395.14.

7. Duties of the RSMA. The duties of the Randolph-Sheppard Management Analyst are:

a. assists each licensed manager to operate the business enterprise within applicable rules and regulations;

b. initiates negotiations for new facilities;

c. oversees the development of new installations;

d. conducts public relations activities which promote a positive image of the program to existing and potential host organizations, rehabilitation workers, consumers, and the general public;

e. provides management services to licensed managers;

f. collects and analyzes data on the operation of each business enterprise in order to provide technical assistance and for monitoring and reporting purposes; and

g. communicates with the district EMC on district operations.

8. Guidelines for Communication. Communication of information is to occur so that the best interests of the Business Enterprises Program are served. This is best accomplished when information is shared and acted upon by those who can respond most effectively in the circumstances. The administrative staff of the SLA is responsible for assuring that active communication among SLA staff and licensed managers contributes to the effective operation of the entire Business Enterprises Program. Management services and operational matters are best handled by communicating with the appropriate RSMA. Subparagraphs 515.A.8.a-c describe appropriate levels to which various types of communication should be directed.

a. Communications Originated by a Licensed Manager. The licensed manager is to maintain appropriate and professional communication with customers and building management personnel. The point of communication for licensed managers with the SLA is the RSMA. Circumstances in which a licensed manager may contact the Business Enterprises Program Administrator are:

i. when a problem cannot be resolved through normal channels;

ii. when there is a specific complaint concerning the conduct and/or behavior of a RSMA; or

iii. when an emergency develops and the RSMA is not available.

b. Randolph-Sheppard Management Analyst Communication. An RSMA is expected to maintain open and ongoing communications with all the licensed managers in his/her area. Should a situation require immediate action beyond the RSMA's authority, he/she may contact the proper administrative official. All significant information will be communicated to the BEP Administrator at the earliest opportunity.

c. Written Communications. Any communication of major consequence is to be documented in writing. Situations needing immediate action are to be addressed promptly by the appropriate official and subsequently documented in writing. Records of written documentation will be maintained in accordance with agency policy. Written requests require written responses.

La. Admin. Code tit. 67, § VII-515

Promulgated by the Department of Social Services, Office of Rehabilitation Services, LR 25:530 (March 1999), Amended by the Workforce Commission, Rehabilitation Services, LR 412178 (10/1/2015).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 23:3022.