Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers Manual

The VR Standards for Providers:

• helps ensure TWC customers receive quality services to assist them in achieving a successful outcome to their vocational rehabilitation or independent living goals;
• helps to ensure taxpayer funds are spent wisely and each purchase paid for with public funds represents full value to the taxpayer;
• provides published standards for maintaining compliance; and
• provides criteria in order to meet TWC performance expectations for each purchase.

The latest update to this manual is reflected in the chapters below. Any printed versions may not contain the latest policy changes.

These activities are financed under the TWC Federal Vocational Rehabilitation grant. 

For the Federal fiscal year 2022 (October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2022), TWC anticipates expending $242,743,967 in Federal Vocational Rehabilitation funds. Funds appropriated by the State pay a minimum of 21.3% of the total costs ($65,698,117) under the Vocational Rehabilitation program.  

For purposes of the Supported Employment program, the Vocational Rehabilitation agency receives 94.7 percent of its funding through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. For the 2022 Federal fiscal year, the total amount of grant funds awarded are $1,484,466. The remaining 5.3 percent ($82,470) are funded by Texas State Appropriations. 

For purposes of the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals who are Blind program, the Vocational Rehabilitation agency receives 90 percent of its funding through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. For the 2022 Federal fiscal year, the total amount of grant funds awarded are $2,189,102. The remaining 10 percent ($243,234) are funded by Texas State Appropriations. 
 

Previous communication related to 30-day review postings of changes, clarifications or expectations to the VR Standards for Providers are listed here. Current Notices to Providers are located on the Vocational Rehabilitation Providers’ Resource page.

• 07/01/2021 Notice to Providers

  The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) is updating the VR Standards for Providers (VR-SFP) manual to remove requirements put in place following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With these updates, some services can now be provided remotely without an approved VR3472, Contract Service Modification Request, if agreed upon by the counselor, customer, and provider. In-person services that required an approved VR3472, Contract Service Modification Request to ensure appropriate COVID-19 safety measures will no longer require a VR3472 and may proceed with standard approvals. Below are three documents that provide an overview of the changes to each chapter in the VR Standards for Provider Manual and related forms.

  The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) has recorded a Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) training webinar that describes CIE requirements in greater detail. Providers are encouraged to view the recording for a better understanding of these requirements.

  Send any questions to VR.Standards@twc.texas.gov.

  • In-Person or Remote Service Delivery Chart
  • Overview of Standards for Providers changes effective July 1, 2021
  • List of forms updated on July 1, 2021

• 06/14/2021 Notice to Providers

  The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a virtual meeting from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. The purpose of this meeting is to continue ongoing dialogue and collaboration. Please submit your questions to us at vr.standards@twc.texas.gov no later than Friday, June 18, 2021. Please include "Provider Meeting" in the subject line of your email message.

  Meeting Agenda

  • Welcome and Introductions
  • Updates from Regional Providers and Discussion of Identified Topics
  • VR Updates and Training Topics
  • Answers to Questions Submitted by Providers
  • Wrap-up and Next Steps

• 05/28/21 Notice to Providers

  The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) is updating the VR Standards for Providers manual as follows:

  Section 3.6.4 Evaluation of Service Delivery in Chapter 3: Basic Standards includes Executive Order GA-36 (EO-36) prohibiting governmental entities and officials from mandating face coverings or restricting activities in response to the COVID-19 disaster. EO-36 is effective immediately.

  Effective July 1, 2021 the services below will no longer require an approved VR3472 before the provision of services.

  Effective July 1, 2021 Worksite visits for Job Placement Services may be conducted in-person, remotely or a combination of both as selected by the counselor on 1845B Bundled Job Placement Plan Part B and Status Report.

  Effective July 1, 2021 Job Skills training may be conducted remotely if agreed upon by the counselor, customer, and provider. The VR3314, Job Skills Training Referral will include a section to indicate the remote, in-person or a combination of Job Skills Training.

  Effective July 1, 2021 Work Skills remotely if agreed upon by the counselor, customer, and provider. The VR1601, Work Experience Plan and Placement Report will include a section to indicate the remote, in-person or a combination.

  The Authority to Issue a Temporary Exception to Policy section includes VR-SFP Temporary Exception for Trainer-to-Customer Ratios. This exception took effect on September 18, 2020 and remains in effect through May 31, 2021.

  The VR Standards for Providers Frequently Asked Questions, originally published on October 15, 2020 and updated today, May 28, 2021, includes information on the current requirements regarding the wearing of face coverings. The FAQ provides guidance on the use of VR3472, Contract Service Modification, and COVID-19 exceptions.

  Send any questions to VR.Standards@twc.texas.gov.

  • Environmental Work Assessment
  • Vocational Evaluation
  • Work Adjustment Training
  • Orientation and Mobility Services
  • Diabetes Self-Management Education Services
  • Assistive Technology for Sighted-Related Disabilities
  • Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind

• 05/20/2021 Notice to Providers

  The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a virtual meeting from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CST) on June 22, 2021. The purpose of this meeting is to continue our ongoing dialogue and collaboration. Agenda items and registration information will follow soon. Questions about the virtual meeting may be submitted to vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

• 05/19/2021 Notice to Providers

  The University of North Texas Workplace Inclusion and Sustainable Employment (UNT WISE) is offering a free on-demand, prerecorded webinar called Ethics of Informed Choice, which is available through April 22, 2022. This training outlines informed choice and helps contractors, vendors, and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) staff understand its importance in the VR process. Information on the training can be found on the UNTWISE web page.

• 04/02/2021 Notice to Providers

  Revisions to the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers manual (VR-SFP) Chapter 6: Hearing Aids and Related Accessories are posted for the 30-day review period. These revisions are effective on May 3, 2021. The content has been updated to align with the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Manual (VRSM) and contracts.

• 03/12/2021 Notice to Providers

  The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a virtual meeting from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on March 23, 2021. The purpose of this meeting is to establish a venue for ongoing dialog and collaboration. In order to provide feedback on relevant topics, we are requesting that questions be submitted in advance of the meeting, and we will try to answer as many of the questions as possible during the meeting. Please submit all questions to the following email: VR.Standards@twc.texas.gov no later than Friday March 19, 2021. Please type "Provider Meeting" in the subject line of your email.

  Meeting Agenda

  TWC-VR looks forward to hearing from providers and offering updates on the VR program. We welcome provider feedback on opportunities and challenges.  We are particularly interested in provider's ideas about how we can continue to work together to increase the effectiveness of services for VR customers and facilitate provider engagement.

  Email the VR Standards mailbox at vr.standards@twc.texas.gov if you have a question regarding the following:

  • Welcome and Introductions
  • Updates from Regional Providers and Discussion of Identified Topics
  • VR Updates and Training Topics
  • Answers to Questions Submitted by Providers
  • Wrap-up and Next Steps
  • Adjourn
  • service requirements outlined in the VR Standards Manual,
  • provision of services to a customer related to COVID-19 impact or mitigation measures, and
  • concerns related to service delivery.

• 03/9/21 Notice to Providers

  The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) is updating the VR Standards for Providers manual as follows:

  Send any questions to VR.Standards@twc.texas.gov.

  • Chapter 3: Basic Standards now includes Executive Order GA-34 about information on social distancing and face coverings.
  • The Authority to Issue a Temporary Exception to Policy section now includes Executive Order GA-34 on VR-SFP Temporary Exception for Trainer-to-Customer Ratios. This exception took effect on September 18, 2020, and will remain in effect through May 31, 2021.
  • Information on the current requirement to wear a face covering in the VR Standards for Providers Frequently Asked Questions, originally published on October 15, 2020, is added. The FAQ provides guidance on the use of VR3472, Contract Service Modification, and COVID-19 exceptions.

• 03/5/2021 Notice to Providers

  The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a fourth virtual meeting starting at 1:00 p.m. on March 23, 2021.

  The purpose of this meeting is to continue the dialogue and collaboration initiated during previous meetings.

  Another notice will be sent during the week of March 9, 2021 that will include the meeting agenda and additional details about how to register for the meeting. TWC-VR looks forward to continued discussions with providers and will provide an update on the VR program during the meeting.

  TWC-VR welcomes provider feedback on opportunities and challenges as well as questions that providers may have about policies and procedures. TWC-VR is particularly interested in hearing providers' ideas about how to work together to increase the effectiveness of services for VR customers.

  If you have a question regarding provision of services to a customer related to COVID-19 impact or mitigation measures, please fax or email the question to the VR Standards mailbox at: vr.standards@twc.texas.gov. Questions about the virtual meeting can be submitted to the VR Standards mailbox at: vr.standards@twc.texas.gov

• 12/28/2020 Notice to Providers

  The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division is:

  Questions about the exception should be directed to VR.Standards@twc.texas.gov.

  • extending the exception titled VR-SFP Temporary Exception for Trainer-to-Customer Ratios until May 31, 2021. This exception took effect on September 18, 2020 and will remain in effect through May 31, 2021; and
  • clarifying and adding content to the VR Standards for Providers Frequently Asked Questions originally published on October 15, 2020. This FAQ provides guidance on the use of VR3472, Contract Service Modification and COVID-19 exceptions.

• 12/07/2020 Notice to Providers

  Provider Meeting

  The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a virtual meeting from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on December 15, 2020. The purpose of this meeting is to establish a venue for ongoing dialogue and collaboration.

  Meeting Agenda

  TWC-VR looks forward to hearing from providers and offering updates on the VR program. In addition, we will be discussing topics identified by providers including rates, fees and payment for services, credentialing, communication, Covid-19 exceptions, and others. We welcome provider feedback on opportunities and challenges, as well as any questions providers may have. We are particularly interested in provider's ideas about how we can continue to work together to increase the effectiveness of services for VR customers.

  Questions about the virtual meeting can be submitted to the VR Standards mailbox at vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

  • Welcome and Introductions
  • Updates from Regional Providers and Discussion of Identified Topics
  • Forum for Comments
  • Wrap-up and Next Steps
  • Adjourn

• 11/19/2020 Notice to Providers

  The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a third virtual meeting starting at 1:00 p.m. on December 15, 2020. The purpose of the meeting is to continue the dialogue and collaboration initiated during the meeting that was held on September 15, 2020.

  Another notice will be sent during the week of November 30, 2020, that will include the meeting agenda and additional details about how to register for the meeting. TWC-VR looks forward to continued discussions with providers and will provide an update on the VR program during the meeting.

  TWC-VR welcomes provider feedback on opportunities and challenges as well as questions that providers may have about policies and procedures. TWC-VR is particularly interested in hearing providers' ideas about how to work together to increase the effectiveness of services for VR customers.

• 10/15/2020 Notices to Providers

  The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division released more than 60 updated forms and updates to the VR Standards for Providers (VR-SFP) manual on September 1, 2020. TWC-VR created a Frequently Asked Questions document for these updates, which contains guidance on:

  Language in sections 3.6.4 Evaluation of Service Delivery and 3.11.1 Documentation and Signatures of the VR-SFP has been updated to clarify the content originally posted on September 1, 2020. These revisions are shown in track changes in the VR-SFP Revision log.

  If you have questions, please contact VR.Standards@twc.texas.gov.

  • how to transition to using the new forms;
  • what services require a VR3472, Contracted Service Modification Request, when performed in person;
  • what services can be provided remotely when approved on a referral form;
  • how to handle different scenarios for services provided during and after the COVID-19 exception period;
  • how to handle required in-person worksite visits; and
  • when VR1825, Pre-ETS Curriculum Checklist, needs to be updated.

• 09/22/2020 Notices to Providers

  The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division is posting a temporary exception to certain requirements in the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers Manual. The exception is titled VR-SFP Temporary Exception for Trainer-to-Customer Ratios. This exception is effective September 18, 2020 and will remain in effect through December 31, 2020. Questions about the exception should be directed to VR.Standards@twc.texas.gov.

• 09/01/2020 Notices to Providers

  Provider Meeting

  The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a virtual meeting at 1:00 p.m. on September 15, 2020. The purpose of this meeting is to establish a venue for ongoing dialogue and collaboration.

  Meeting Agenda

  TWC-VR looks forward to hearing from providers and offering an update on the VR program. We welcome provider feedback on opportunities and challenges, as well as any questions providers may have. We are particularly interested in provider's ideas about how we can work together to increase the effectiveness of services for VR customers.

  If you have a question regarding provision of services to a customer related to COVID-19 impact or mitigation measures, please fax or email the question to the VR Standards mailbox at: vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

  New Revisions Effective October 1, 2020

  The following additions and revisions to the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers Manual (VR-SFP) are posted for the 30-day review period and will go into effect October 1, 2020:

  Some Temporary Policy Exceptions Related to COVID-19 Now Part of Permanent Policy

  On September 1, 2020, many of the temporary exceptions that are set to expire will become permanent revisions to the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers (VR-SFP) manual. A marked-up version of the VR-SFP changes is available in the VR-SFP Revision Log. Providers are responsible for reviewing the List of Revisions and implementing modifications to ensure continued compliance with the VR-SFP.

  The revisions include content on the following:

  A recorded webinar on the modifications to the VR-SFP (51 minutes) is also available to explain these changes.

  Send any questions to VR.Standards@twc.texas.gov.

  • Welcome and Introductions
  • General Updates
  • Forum for Discussion
  • Wrap-up and Next Steps
  • Adjourn
  • Chapter 24: Communication Access Services. This is a new chapter that describes the provision of sign language interpretation, transliteration, and/or Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services to those with hearing and/or speech disabilities. TWC will be posting an Open Enrollment in the near future in order for potential applicants to apply for Communication Access contracts.
  • Chapter 15: Pre-Employment Transition Services is being revised to clarify that items cannot be purchased with TWC funds to incentivize customers to attend Pre-ETS programs or trainings.
  • Chapter 3: Basic Standards is being revised to add "Communication Access" to the Exception: Contracts for Communication Access, Employment Supports for Brain Injury services and Supported Residential Services for Persons in Recovery.
  • Signature requirements
  • Contractor's responsibilities related to service delivery when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or federal, state, and/or local governments have issued health and safety protocols
  • Identification of services that can be conducted remotely and the requirements for conducting remote trainings
  • Guidelines on the use of form VR3472, Contracted Service Modification Request
  • Changes to the 90-day Count of Employment for Bundled Job Placement and Project SEARCH when a customer changes positions with the employer or obtains employment with another employer

• 08/10/2020 Notice to Providers

  The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a second virtual meeting at 1:00 p.m. on September 15, 2020. The purpose of the meeting is to continue the dialogue and collaboration initiated during the meeting that was held on June 16, 2020.

  Another notice will be sent during the week of August 24, 2020, including a meeting agenda and additional details about how to register for the meeting. TWC-VR looks forward to continued discussions with providers and will provide an update on the VR program.

  TWC-VR welcomes provider feedback on opportunities and challenges, as well as questions that providers may have about policies and procedures. TWC-VR is particularly interested in hearing providers' ideas about how to work together to increase the effectiveness of services for VR customers.

• 07/31/2020 Notice to Providers

  Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation (TWC-VR) is adding a new Vocational Adjustment Training (VAT) service, 13.17: VAT Exploring Postsecondary Education and Training. The service description, process and procedure, and outcomes required for service payment are posted for 30-day review and will go into effect on September 1, 2020.

• 07/20/2020 Notice to Providers

  This month, Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation (TWC-VR) is implementing the Standards for Providers Local Provider Liaison (LPL) initiative, designed to build productive relationships with TWC-VR employment services providers through improved communication, technical assistance and training.

  TWC-VR has produced a recorded webinar that explains the LPL initiative. We encourage employment services provider directors and key staff to view the recording.

  Each employment services provider will be assigned an LPL who will be contacting the provider's director.

  The focus of the LPL initiative is to:

  For questions about the initiative or webinar, email VR.Standards@twc.texas.gov or contact your assigned regional quality assurance specialist.

  • build active relationships between VR staff and providers;
  • promote effective communication between VR staff and providers;
  • provide technical assistance and training to providers and VR staff; and
  • monitor provider performance.

• 07/03/2020 Notice to Providers

  Temporary exceptions to the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers (VR-SFP) are currently published and in effect. These temporary exceptions are scheduled to expire on August 31, 2020.

  On September 1, 2020, many of these temporary exceptions will become permanent revisions to the VR-SFP, and providers will be responsible for implementing the revisions.

  A marked-up version of the VR-SFP changes will be available in the VR-SFP Revision Log on September 1, 2020. Providers must review the changes to ensure continued compliance.

  The revisions will address the following temporary exception topics:

  • Handwritten Signatures
  • Remote Delivery of Services
  • Remote Planning Meetings
  • 90-day Count of Employment for Bundled Job Placement and Project SEARCH
  • Use of form VR3472, Contracted Service Modification Request

• 06/05/2020 Notice to Providers

  The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a virtual meeting at 1:00 p.m. on June 16, 2020.

  The purpose of this meeting is to establish a venue for ongoing dialogue and collaboration. If the virtual meeting format is successful, TWC-VR anticipates using this format for future quarterly meetings with providers. 

  Meeting Agenda

  TWC-VR looks forward to hearing from providers and offering an update on the VR program. We welcome provider feedback on opportunities and challenges, as well as any questions providers may have. We are particularly interested in provider's ideas about how we can work together to increase the effectiveness of services for VR customers.

  TWC-VR would like to continue to extend special thanks to the many providers that have implemented the TWC-VR COVID-19 exceptions and adapted their procedures and programs to continue to serve VR customers during the pandemic.

  • Welcome and Introductions
  • Purpose and Expectations
  • Forum for Discussion
  • Wrap-up and Next Steps
  • Adjourn

• 06/02/2020 Notice to Providers

  The Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers Manual (VR-SFP) exceptions document has been updated to continue to support safe and continued service delivery to Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) VR Division (VRD) customers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the revision is to do the following:

  1. Extend the exceptions to August 31, 2020, unless otherwise specified. Public health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of COVID-19 mitigation strategies during the pandemic period.
  2. Reformat the exceptions document to be more user-friendly.

• 05/29/2020 Notice to Providers

  The following revisions to the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers Manual will go into effect on June 29, 2020. These revisions are shown in Track Changes in the documents at the links listed below.

  Chapter 2: Obtaining a Contract for Goods and Services — updated Section 2.8.1 Adding Counties or Services, Goods, and/or Equipment to a Contract, to indicate that provider contracts awarded after January 2020 will be statewide and therefore will not list the counties to be served.

  Chapter 17: Basic Employment Services — updated Section 17.4.1 Bundled Job Placement Services Service Description, and its associated form VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services Plan—Part B and Status Report, to clarify which types of placements are acceptable for VR customers.

  Chapter 18: Supported Employment Services — updated Section 18.1 Supported Employment Overview, and its associated form VR1643, Supported Employment Services Plan 2—Placement, Job Analysis, and Training Plan, to clarify which types of placements are acceptable for VR customers.

• 05/28/2020 Notice to Providers

  The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a virtual meeting at 1:00 p.m. on June 16, 2020. The purpose of this meeting is to establish a venue for ongoing dialogue and collaboration. If the virtual meeting format is successful, TWC-VR anticipates using this format for future quarterly meetings with providers.

  Another notice will be sent the week of June 1, 2020, with an agenda and additional details about how to register for the meeting. TWC-VR looks forward to hearing from providers and offering an update on the VR program, including upcoming revisions to policy and standards. We welcome provider feedback on opportunities and challenges, as well as questions providers may have about policies and procedures. We are particularly interested in providers' ideas about how we can work together to increase the effectiveness of services for VR customers.

  TWC-VR would like to extend special thanks to the many providers that have implemented the TWC-VR COVID-19 exceptions and adapted their procedures and programs to continue to serve VR customers during the pandemic.

• 05/07/2020 Notice to Providers

  The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program has posted a recorded webinar titled Temporary Exceptions to the Requirements in the Texas Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers manual (duration 47 minutes), which provides an overview of the VR-SFP revised exceptions document and includes answers to common questions received by the VR.Standards@twc.texas.gov mailbox.

  TWC-VR staff will continue to answer questions received regarding the exceptions document and will issue a FAQ document and host a second live webinar to address questions in the near future.

  The VR-SFP revised exceptions document and the COVID VR3472 Contract Service Modification forms have been updated to provide clarifications on topics such as:

  • time frames of retroactive exceptions;
  • examples of useful tools to collect electronic signatures;
  • use of form VR3372 for Project SEARCH;
  • when to issue authorizations for Non-bundled and Bundled Services; and
  • and when to request COVID-19 VR3472s for Bundled Job Placement and Supported Employment.

• 04/24/2020 Notice to Providers

  The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VRD) is creating and posting a recorded webinar to address application of the VR-SFP revised exception document. The webinar will provide an overview of the VR Standards for Providers (VR-SFP) Manual exception document that can be accessed at any time by the provider and provider staff. We will send a GovDelivery notice once the webinar is available, during the week of April 27, 2020, and also post the announcement on this page.

  If you have questions or suggestions related to the VR-SFP Manual Exception document, please send them to VR Standards at vr.standards@twc.texas.gov by 4:00 p.m., Monday, April 27, 2020, and we will provide responses to questions received during the recorded webinar. We will host a live question-and-answer session during the following week.

• 04/20/2020 Notice to Providers

  Further Updates to Temporary Exceptions Due to COVID-19

  The revised exception document is now available. Minor edits were made to the exceptions for language consistency.

• 04/06/2020 Notice to Providers

  Update to Temporary Exceptions Due to COVID-19

  TWC Vocational Rehabilitation Division (VRD) staff and service providers continue to deliver essential services that are necessary to assist Texans with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and retain competitive integrated employment.

  On March 30, 2020, VRD announced the implementation of temporary exceptions to certain requirements in the VR Standards for Providers Manual (SFP). The exceptions are intended to support VRD staff and service providers as we work together to maintain continuity of services to our current customers and access to services for new customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  The exceptions have been revised to extend the temporary exception period, consistent with GA 14, issued by Governor Abbott on March 31, 2020, as well as any superseding orders issued by the Governor in the coming weeks.

  In addition, VRD recognizes that some providers proactively implemented COVID-19 containment strategies during the month of March to protect VRD customers, provider staff and communities. The revisions clarify that VRD staff may approve and pay provider invoices for services rendered during the month of March 2020 that were delivered as allowed in the exceptions issued on March 30, provided that all other applicable requirements are met.

  Finally, the revisions clarify language in some sections and provide a more detailed list of services that may be postponed, if necessary, to implement COVID-19 containment measures.

  The revised exception document is now available.

  The health and safety of our customers, providers, staff and communities remains our top priority. Providers should continue to cooperate with the guidance on COVID-19 containment strategies issued by federal, state and local authorities.

  If you have a question regarding provision of services to a customer related to COVID-19 impact or mitigation measures, please fax or email the question to the VR Standards mailbox at: vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

  Again, updates and information regarding service delivery during this time will be posted on the Provider Resources page found at: twc.texas.gov/partners/vocational-rehabilitation-providers-resources.

  For the latest information on the coronavirus pandemic, including symptoms, how to protect yourself, and travel advisories, visit the CDC's COVID-19 website found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. Included in this website is CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html.

  For State information, you may review the Texas Department of State Health Services website: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/

• 03/30/2020 Messages to our Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Providers

  Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services Update to Providers on Temporary Exceptions Due to COVID-19

  To support VRD staff and service providers as we work together to maintain continuity of services to our current customers and access to services for new customers, VRD is implementing temporary exceptions to certain requirements in the VR Standards for Providers Manual (VR-SFP). Read the full notice on temporary exceptions as of March 30.

  Authorized Passage for Supporting and Performing Agency Minimum Essential Functions and Services During the COVID-19 Restrictions

  VR service providers may request authorized passage documentation acknowledging that they are performing state governmental duties, for purposes of going to or returning from said duties, consistent with local orders to shelter in place. Read the full announcement on agency minimum essential functions.

  Telerehabilitation Guidance for Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Providers

  Employment providers with the Autism Endorsement can learn how to continue to provide the Autism Spectrum Disorder Support service through a telerehabilitation option during the COVID-19 restrictions.

• 03/20/2020 Notice to Providers

  Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services Message to Providers on Agency Response to COVID-19 Outbreak

• 01/27/2020 Notice to Providers

  The following revisions to the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers Manual will go into effect March 2, 2020. These revisions are shown in Track Changes at the link listed below.

  Chapter 8: Durable Medical Equipment (DME)—Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP machine) and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP machine) will be added to the list of equipment allowed to be purchased for VR customers.

• 12/16/2019 Notice to Providers

  The following revisions to the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers Manual will go into effect January 15, 2020. These revisions are shown in Track Changes at the links listed below.

  If you have questions about the revisions, please contact vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

  • Chapter 3: Basic Employment—Updated section 3.8 Goods and Services Purchased to include language related to ReHabWorks system--generated billing cover sheet use. Updated section 3.3.3 Conflict of Interest to clarify limitations for hiring current TWC staff and limitations for TWS-VR customers providing services to other TWS-VR customers.
  • Chapter 14: Work Experience—Updated to allow for use with Wage Services and includes added Work Experience Monitoring to the Work Experience Training service definitions. 
  • Chapter 17: Basic Employment Service—Updated Job Skills Training service description to include use as Extended Services for "youth with disabilities."
  • Chapter 18: Supported Employment Services—Updated content related to Extended Services. Reminder: Provider Notice on 10/01/2019 noted revisions to this chapter related to competitive integrated employment and temporary employment, also effective on January 15.
  • Chapter 21: Employment Supports for Brain Injury—Updated content for clarity, removed billing codes, added premium rate Medical Team Services for attending interdisciplinary team meetings, and removed Psychological Services from sections 21.5.3.1 Therapy Evaluations and 21.5.5 Therapy Services and placed it in section 21.9 Ancillary Other Support Goods and Services.

• 10/01/2019 Notice to Providers

  Chapter 21: Employment Supports for Brain Injury is now in effect; this replaces the retired Chapter 21: Standards for Post-acute Brain Injury (PABI) Service Providers.

  A new section, 20.11 Brain Injury Premiums, will be added to VR-SFP Chapter 20: Premiums. The provisions in this new section will take effect on November 1, 2019. Note: The UNTWISE Brain Injury Endorsement is still being developed.

  Revisions to VR-SFP Chapter 18: Supported Employment Services, related to competitive integrated employment and temporary employment, will take effect on January 15, 2020.

• 08/01/2019 Notice to Providers

  Chapter 5: Orientation and Mobility - Minor revisions made to the chapter to clarify content and make rate changes. Revisions to go into effect on September 3, 2019. These revisions are shown in Track Changes.

  Chapter 7: Diabetes Self-management - Minor revisions made to the chapter to clarify content and make rate changes. Revisions are effective September 3, 2019. These revisions are shown in Track Changes.

  Chapter 10: Independent Living Services for Older Individual Who Are Blind - Minor revisions to clarify content in chapter and make rate changes which will go into effect on September 3, 2019. These revisions are shown in Track Changes.

  If you have questions about the revisions, please contact vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

• 07/02/2019

  A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document related to VR-SFP Chapter 15: Pre-Employment Transition Services is now available. For questions about this FAQ document, email vr.pre-ets@twc.texas.gov.

• 07/01/2019

  Chapter 21: Employment Supports for Brain Injury—this chapter will replace Chapter 21: Standards for Post-acute Brain Injury (PABI) Services Providers. The effective date of the revised chapter will be October 1, 2019.

• 06/05/2019

  Chapter 17: Basic Employment Services—this chapter has been revised and the changes (indicated through the Track Changes feature in Microsoft Word) will be effective July 5, 2019:

  • Non-bundled Job Placement—clarification of curriculum requirements for required training and change in the requirement of video-recorded mock interviews
  • Bundled Job Placement—addition of definition of “Competitive Integrated Employment,” clarification of curriculum requirements for required training, change in the requirement of video-recorded mock interviews, and clarification of temporary employment
  • Job Skills Training—clarification of when additional goals can be added to the VR3315, Job Skills Training Report, and when premium service authorizations are issued.

• 05/22/2019

  Revised standards on Pre-Employment Transition Services will take effect on July 1, 2019. These revisions to Chapter 15: Pre-Employment Transition Services are shown in Microsoft Word Track Changes.

  Please see Guidance on Transitioning to the Revised Pre-ETS Standards for guidance about the new curriculum checklist and samples of the new and updated forms referenced in Chapter 15. For questions about these revisions or the webinar, please email vr.pre-ets@twc.texas.gov.

• 05/01/2019

  The following chapters have been revised and the changes will take effect on June 3, 2019. Revisions are indicated through Microsoft Word's Track Changes feature.

  Chapter 13: Work Readiness Services - The content has been revised as follows:

  Chapter 14: Work Experience - Now includes unexpired employment authorization documents.

  Chapter 18: Supported Employment Services - Due to the extensive reorganization of content in this chapter, the entire chapter is being retired and replaced. In addition, the new version of Chapter 18 references new and consolidated Supported Employment (SE) forms. The older SE forms will be phased out entirely on August 30, 2019.

  See Guidance on Transitioning to the New Supported Employment Forms for samples of the new Supported Employment forms and more information on when to use them.

  Chapter 20: Premiums - The content has been revised as follows:

  • Clarified the required staff qualifications when Personal Social Adjustment Training is provided with Supportive Residential Services for Persons in Recovery
  • Added "Employment Skills" to Module 2 of Vocational Adjustment Training (VAT) Job Search Training
  • Updated VAT Money Smart to include new modules published by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
  • Removed "Integrated" from Work Adjustment Training
  • Changed the timing for when a service authorization for a premium is issued and paid
  • For the Criminal Background Premium, clarified that the criminal history record or fingerprint record is obtained from the Texas Department of Public Safety or an equivalent law enforcement agency
  • For the Travel Premium, clarified the standards for lodging and meals

• 03/01/2019 Notice to Providers

  Sharing documents—A new standard on sharing documents with customers is effective April 1, 2019. The standard is shown in Track Changes:
  Chapter 3: Basic Standards, 3.11 Documentation and Record Keeping

  Procedures for AT evaluators and trainers—The revised standards on proficiency tests and procedures for assistive technology (AT) services are effective April 1, 2019. The revisions are shown in Track Changes:
  Chapter 9: Assistive Technology for Sight-Related Disabilities

• 02/27/2019 Notice to Providers

  If you have questions about IRS form 1099, you may contact the Texas Workforce Commission’s Accounts Payable staff at AccountsPayableInquiry@twc.texas.gov.

• 08/03/2018 Notice to Providers

  The revised insurance requirements, record storage requirements, mileage premium, and travel premium will go into effect on September 4, 2018. Existing content in these sections of the VR-SFP will be replaced with the following content:

  Questions about revisions and related forms may be emailed to vr.standards@twc.texas.gov

  • 3.2 Insurance Requirements
  • 3.11.2 Record Storage
  • 20.6 Mileage Premium
  • 20.9 Premium Fee Chart
  • 20.10 Travel Premium

• 07/03/2018 Provider Directors and Providers

  Revisions to VR Standards for Providers Chapter 3: Basic Standards align the chapter with solicitation documents used for open enrollment and include the addition of nine forms. Providers, please use these forms, as needed, to keep your records up-to-date with TWC Vocational Rehabilitation Services:

  Provider directors, please review the latest published version of Chapter 3. A marked-up version showing the changes is also available. A list of the revisions made to the SFP manual in 2018 is published in the VR-SFP revision log.

  • DARS3441A, Entity Headquarters Information Part A - Management Team
  • DARS3441B, Entity Headquarters Information Part B - Services
  • DARS3441C, Entity Headquarters Information Part C - Counties
  • DARS3442A, Provider Physical Location(s) Information Part A - Certification Statement
  • DARS3442B, Provider Physical Location(s) Information Part B
  • DARS3443, TWC VR Standards for Providers Certification
  • DARS3444, Conflict of Interest Certification
  • DARS3445, Provider Insurance Verification
  • DARS3455, Provider Staff Information Form

• 04/25/2018 Notice to Providers

  General or Business Liability Insurance
  
  The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) is implementing a temporary exception to general or business liability insurance coverage requirement in the VR Standards for Provider manual Chapter 3: Basic Standards, Section 3.2.1, General or Business Liability, until October 1, 2018, unless this exception is rescinded earlier by TWC VRD. This extends the previous exception to insurance requirements that was posted September 29, 2017.
  
  Contractors are reminded that, as service providers, you are responsible for your actions and the actions of your employees and subcontractors. Insurance provides protection to contractors from claims of negligence made by customers.
  
  Please note that there is no exemption for premises liability insurance for contractors that own a building where services are provided to TWC-VR customers.
  
  Contractors transporting customers in motorized vehicles must meet the minimum liability requirements of the Texas Department of Insurance.

•  03/15/2018 Notice to Providers:

  On March 15, 2018, a change to the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers manual section 20.6 Travel Premiums went into effect. Corresponding updates were made to section 20.9 Premium Fee Tables. This new content was made available for review on this page in the February 15, 2018 Notice to Providers listed below, and is now published.

• 02/15/2018 Notice to Providers:

  The revised Travel Premiums will go into effect on Monday, March 15, 2018. Existing content in these sections of the SFP will be replaced with the following content
  SFP 20.6 Travel Premiums
  SFP 20.9 Premium Fee Table
  
  Questions about Travel Premiums and related forms can be emailed to vr.standards@twc.texas.gov

• 01/10/2018 Notice to Providers:

  
  A TWC GovDelivery list was created to notify contractors and providers every time revisions are posted to the Standards Manual and other important information. To subscribe for these notifications, visit the TWC GovDelivery website: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/txwc/subscriber/new, enter an email address, and select the topic ‘Vocational Rehabilitation Contractors and Providers News.'
   

• 09/29/2017 Notice to Providers:

  The combined Vocational Rehabilitation Division of the Texas Workforce Commission will implement a combined Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers Manual (VR-SFP) on October 1, 2017. SFP chapters that are posted on September 1, 2017 will go into effect on October 1, 2017.
  
  Review information on changes to Travel Reimbursement, Bundled Job Placement Services, Job Coaching, Director Credential, and Liability Insurance requirements.

02/15/2018 Notice to Providers:

The revised Travel Premiums will go into effect on Monday, March 15, 2018. Existing content in sections 20.6 Travel Premium and 20.9 Fee Table of the manual will be replaced. Refer to the VR-SFP Revision Log for archived copies of these sections.

01/10/2018 Notice to Providers:

A TWC GovDelivery list was created to notify contractors and providers every time revisions are posted to the Standards Manual and other important information. To subscribe for these notifications, visit the TWC GovDelivery website: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/txwc/subscriber/new, enter an email address, and select the topic ‘Vocational Rehabilitation Contractors and Providers News.’

10/01/2017 Notice to Providers:

On October 1, 2017, Texas Workforce Commission’s Blind Services Division and Rehabilitation Services Division combined to create a single designated state unit (DSU) to administer the vocational rehabilitation program for Texans with disabilities. The combined VR Standards for Providers (VR-SFP) manual has been published.

09/01/2017 Notice to Providers:

October 1, 2017 Texas Workforce Commission’s Blind Services Division and Rehabilitation Services Division will combine to create a single designated state unit (DSU) to administer the vocational rehabilitation program for Texans with disabilities. This process includes replacing our existing divisions specific standards for providers’ manuals with a single combined standards manual. The new providers’ manual will be called the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers’ Manual (VR-SFP). While some content is still under development, the VR-SFP chapters that are posted on September 1, 2017 will go into effect on October 1, 2017.

The new and revised VR forms referenced within the VR-SFP will be published on Oct. 1, 2017. Questions about the content of the Standards for Providers manual and related forms can be emailed to vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.