1. The Specialist makes a determination and fully informs the client/recipient and if appropriate his/her authorized representative .
2. If the client/recipient is dissatisfied with the determination or if the determination is ineligible/no longer eligible, the Specialist summarizes in QE2 task notes and notifies his/her office director.
3. The office director reviews case and fully consults with the client/recipient and if appropriate his/her authorized representative. The office director makes the final determination. If the office director made the original determination or was involved in making the original determination, the review is to be conducted by a different office director who will make the final determination.
4. If the client/recipient is dissatisfied with the final determination the office director sends the office director letter to the client/recipient and if appropriate authorized representative.
5. If the final determination involves an ineligible or no longer eligible decision, the case should not be closed until the 30 days has elapsed from the date of the final determination since the client/recipient has 30 calendar days to appeal.

For the purpose of this chapter, “client” means, applicant, client receiving services and "recipient" means pre-employment transition students.

If a client expresses dissatisfaction with a VR staff determination affecting the provision of services or involves a determination of ineligible/no longer eligible will be reviewed by the office director. The office director makes the final determination. If the office director made the original determination or was involved in making the original determination, the review is to be conducted by a different office director who makes the final determination.

When a client/recipient disagrees with the final determination, the client/recipient shall be informed in writing of:

• the availability of assistance from the Client Assistance Program;
• the right to a timely review through an impartial due process hearing; and
• the right to pursue mediation.

VR staff must fully consult with the client/recipient and if appropriate his/her authorized representative in person, by phone, or as a last resort by letter (email/text) unless the client/recipient has died, or there is no way to contact the individual.

VR cannot reduce, suspend, or stop disputed VR services currently being provided to a client/recipient at the time of the filing of the petition, including assessment services and IPE development, pending informal resolution, mediation, or a determination by an impartial hearing officer unless:

• The client/recipient, or his/her authorized representative requests the reduction, suspension, or termination of the service; or
• VR has evidence the services have been obtained through misrepresentation, fraud, collusion, or criminal conduct by the client/recipient, or his/her authorized representative.