[Nfbf-l] Out of state services

[RJ Sandefur]

Dear list, I'm concitering getting back with DBS, and attending LCB, but I was on the DBS websight, and I read the following policy, and I'm not understanding it.
Out of State Services
DIVISION POLICY 6.14

SUBJECT 
Out of State Services

EFFECTIVE DATE
July 9, 2003

REVISION DATE
February 14, 2008

EXPIRATION DATE
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed.

PURPOSE

To provide guidelines for the provision of out-of-state services.

AUTHORITY
34 CFR 361.50(b)

POLICY
The Florida Division of Blind Services has established a preference for in-State services, provided that the preference does not effectively deny an individual a necessary service. If the individual chooses an out-of-State service at a higher cost than an in-State service, and either service would meet the individual's rehabilitation needs, the designated State unit is not responsible for those costs in excess of the cost of the in-State service. However, if the out-of-state services provides a unique service to meet the individual's rehabilitation plan, the Bureau Chief should be contacted to approve or disapproval such a service.

Original signed by Michael Elliott, Bureau Chief, February 14, 2008 But compare this with a directive from RSA. policy as stated in 2001 in RSA PD-01-03:


      POLICY STATEMENT:  The State VR program must provide applicants
and individuals eligible for VR services with opportunities to
exercise informed choice throughout the VR process, including making
decisions about the employment goal, VR services, service providers,
settings for employment and service provision, and methods for
procuring services.  To enable an individual to make such decisions,
the State VR agency must provide information, support and assistance
needed by the individual.  The VR agency has the responsibility to
implement policies, procedures, and practices, and to develop
resources that enable applicants and individuals eligible for VR
services to exercise informed choice throughout the entire VR process;
these policies, procedures, and practices must be consistent with
Federal statutory and regulatory requirements. Craig, Does this mean, that DBS can tell me, "RJ, we're denining your resquest to attend LCB, due to causts?" I want to have my facts, before I make a dision. RJ