Section 682.5 - Powers and duties of board(a) General rule.--The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, established by this act within the Department of Labor and Industry, shall be administered, supervised and controlled by the board. Such powers of administration, supervision and control may be delegated by the board to the secretary. When such powers are delegated, the board shall receive, for review and approval, regular reports with respect to program budgeting, personnel actions and affirmative action practices.(b) Responsibilities.--The board shall:(1) Establish the philosophy, mission and goals under which the Commonwealth's vocational rehabilitation program shall be conducted.(2) Establish policies with regard to the development and delivery of vocational rehabilitation services.(3) Establish policies with respect to cooperation with other departments, agencies and institutions, both public and private, in providing for the vocational rehabilitation of individuals with handicaps, in studying the problems therein, and in establishing, developing and providing, in conformity with the purposes of this act, such programs, facilities and services as may be necessary or desirable.(4) Establish policies with respect to entering into reciprocal agreements with other states to provide for the vocational rehabilitation of residents of the states concerned.(5) Establish policies with respect to the expenditure of funds for vocational rehabilitation made available by the Federal Government, by the Commonwealth and by any other source, or by any combination of funds thereof.(6) Prepare and publish State vocational rehabilitation program plans for a three-year period for:(i) Vocational rehabilitation services.(ii) Providing comprehensive services for independent living to individuals with severe handicaps.(iii) Providing training and traditionally time-limited postemployment services leading to supported employment for individuals with severe handicaps.(iv) Any other concerns with respect to the vocational rehabilitation program under the office. The board shall annually review, evaluate and make such revisions as may be necessary with respect to the State vocational rehabilitation program plans.
(7) Review and evaluate on a continuing basis:(i) All policies, programs and activities which concern the vocational rehabilitation of handicapped individuals and persons with disabilities and which are established or assisted under this act, or as pertain to the Commonwealth under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( Public Law 93-112, 29 U.S.C. § 701 et seq.).(ii) All policies, programs and activities established by the board in order to assess the effectiveness of such policies, programs, activities and statutes in meeting the rehabilitation needs of handicapped individuals and persons with disabilities.(8) Assess the extent to which the policies, programs and activities provide incentives or disincentives to the establishment of community-based services for handicapped individuals, promote the full integration of such individuals in the community, in schools and in the workplace, and contribute to the independence and dignity of such individuals.(9) Provide to the General Assembly and the Governor, on a continuing basis, advice, recommendations, legislative proposals and any additional information which the board or the General Assembly deems appropriate.(10) Submit not later than March 31 of each year, beginning in 1989, an annual report to the General Assembly and the Governor. This report shall be published and made available to the board's advisory committees, to organizations and such other entities representing consumers and constituents of vocational rehabilitation, to providers of rehabilitation services and to the public at large, and shall contain: (i) A statement of the current status and trends in the status of vocational rehabilitation programs concerning handicapped individuals in this Commonwealth, including an evaluation of the status of individuals with severe handicaps participating in or affected by vocational rehabilitation programs.(ii) A review of the vocational rehabilitation activities, accomplishments and achievements of the office on the basis of the policies of the board.(iii) A review of the effectiveness of the policies, programs and activities of the board in meeting the vocational rehabilitation needs of handicapped individuals and persons with disabilities.(iv) Recommendations respecting the items described in subparagraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) as the board considers appropriate.(11) Prescribe such bylaws and rules as may be necessary to carry out its duties under this act.(12) Hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony and receive such evidence as it deems advisable with respect to the vocational rehabilitation program.(13) Appoint advisory committees, task forces and study groups to assist the board in carrying out its duties. The members thereof shall serve without compensation, other than reimbursement, to the extent allowable under Commonwealth regulations, for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.(14) Use operational support services of the office, such as mailing, duplication, etc., to carry out its duties.1988, Dec. 20, P.L. 1306, No. 167, § 5, imd. effective.