AUTHORITY: Implementing Section 3 of the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act [20 ILCS 2405/3] and authorized by Section 5-625 of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois [20 ILCS 5/5-625].

SOURCE: Adopted at 2 Ill. Reg. 52, p. 481, effective December 29, 1978; codified at 7 Ill. Reg. 3200; amended at 13 Ill. Reg. 141, effective December 27, 1988; emergency amendment at 17 Ill. Reg. 11701, effective July 1, 1993, for a maximum of 150 days; amended at 17 Ill. Reg. 20380, effective November 15, 1993; recodified from the Department of Rehabilitation Services to the Department of Human Services at 21 Ill. Reg. 9325; amended at 23 Ill. Reg. 14663, effective December 13, 1999; emergency amendment at 24 Ill. Reg. 9245, effective June 14, 2000, for a maximum of 150 days; emergency expired November 10, 2000; amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 18132, effective November 30, 2000; amended at 32 Ill. Reg. 10066, effective June 26, 2008; amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 3129, effective February 16, 2024; expedited correction at 48 Ill. Reg. 17664, effective February 16, 2024.

SUBPART A: INTRODUCTION

 

Section 530.1  Definitions (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 32 Ill. Reg. 10066, effective June 26, 2008)

 

Section 530.5  Applicable Standards

 

a)         The Department of Human Services – Division of Rehabilitation Services (DHS-DRS) Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRP) offering job placement, supported employment, and customized employment to customers shall be accredited by a national accrediting organization or shall obtain interim approval from DHS-DRS according to the criteria set forth in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 530, Subpart B.

 

b)         DHS-DRS recognizes the following as national accrediting organizations (89 Ill. Adm. 509.110 (Accreditation) does not apply to this Section):

 

1)         Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities;

 

2)         National Accreditation Council;

 

3)         The Council on Quality and Leadership;

 

4)         The Joint Commission; 

 

5)         The Council on Accreditation; or

 

6)         Another nationally recognized accrediting organization approved by the Director of DHS-DRS or the Director's designee.  Approval can be requested in writing to DHS.CommunityResources@illinois.gov or be mailed to:  IDHS-DRS Transition and Community Rehabilitation Services Unit, 100 S. Grand Ave. East, Springfield, IL  62762.

 

c)         CRPs earning less than $100,000 in employment services funding from DHS-DRS each year are not required to obtain national accreditation but must undergo onsite reviews pursuant to Sections 530.5(e) and (g) to maintain interim DHS-DRS approval. 

 

d)         The Director of DHS-DRS or their designee may grant interim certification to a CRP for no more than three years if the CRP:

 

1)         Meets the requirements in Appendix A;

 

2)         Does not hold a national accreditation; and

 

3)         Earns $100,000 or more in employment related services from DHS-DRS each year. 

 

e)         Prior to interim certification or initial contract execution, the CRP applicant organization must participate in a review using Section 530 Appendix A:  Standards Survey with DHS-DRS staff.

 

f)         After the end of the three-year interim certification period, the CRP provider under subsection (e) must achieve national accreditation status.  The provider cannot enter into a contractual agreement with DHS-DRS until national accreditation is obtained.

 

g)         DHS-DRS will evaluate all CRPs with onsite reviews specific to contract obligations every three years.  If an agency is not in compliance with requirements set forth in this Part, the interim certification and/or contract will not be renewed.

 

h)         All CRPs must comply with all requirements set forth in:

 

1)         44 Ill. Adm. Code 7040 by the DHS Office of Contract Administration;

 

2)         89 Ill. Adm. Code 525.10 (Non-Discrimination Compliance Requirements);

 

3)         89 Ill. Adm. Code 509.30 (Fiscal Requirements/Management);

 

4)         89 Ill. Adm. Code 509.70 (On-Site Fiscal/Administrative Reviews);

 

5)         89 Ill. Adm. Code 509.80 (Administrative Requirements);

 

6)         89 Ill. Adm. Code 509.90 (Compliance with Life Safety Standards and Requirements); and

 

7)         Appendix A, if they have been incorporated into the CRP's contract.

 

i)          If the CRP meets the criteria in subsection (b), application to become a DHS-DRS Vocational Rehabilitation Provider as a CRP should be made to:

 

Illinois Department of Human Services – Division of Rehabilitation Services

Transition and Community Rehabilitation Services Unit

100 South Grand Avenue East

Springfield, IL  62762

DHS.CommunityResources@illinois.gov

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 3129, effective February 16, 2024)

 

Section 530.10  Evaluation Procedure

 

a)         CRP applicants shall be evaluated by a representative of DHS-DRS.  The CRP applicant must have been operational for one year prior to the application submission.

 

b)         The DHS-DRS representative shall be responsible for applying the standards set forth in Appendix A.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 3129, effective February 16, 2024)

 

Section 530.20  Recommended Procedures In Preparation For And During The On-Site Visit (Repealed)

 

 

(Source:  Repealed at 13 Ill. Reg. 141, effective December 27, 1988)

SUBPART B: PROGRAM STANDARDS

 

Section 530.100  Available Programs of Service (Repealed)

 

 (Source:  Repealed at 13 Ill. Reg. 141, effective December 27, 1988)

 

Section 530.105  Instructions for Completing the Criteria (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 13 Ill. Reg. 141, effective December 27, 1988)

 

Section 530.110  Organization & Administration

 

Criteria for organization and administration are contained in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 530.Appendix A.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 3129, effective February 16, 2024)

 

Section 530.120  Personnel (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 13 Ill. Reg. 141, effective December 27, 1988)

 

Section 530.130  Programs and Services

 

a)         Services provided by CRPs are job placement, supported employment, and customized employment, which will be monitored through the Transition and Community Resource Unit.  Services may be added or modified at the discretion of the DHS-DRS Director, as long as services are within the scope of vocational rehabilitation services as outlined in 34 CFR 361.48 and 361.49, and include the following:

 

1)         Placement services, through a contract, include a variety of techniques and services necessary in obtaining and maintaining community based competitive employment consistent with the employment outcome goal identified on the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) (89 Ill. Adm. Code 572).  Services and training may include, but are not limited to, assessments and evaluations of job readiness, specialized training, career development services, trial work, transferable skills, social and personal characteristics, vocational skills, computer skills, communication skills, interviewing skills, employment preferences, and job seeking skills.  Job retention services, including observation and monitoring as well as direct on-the-job supports including job coaching, are also included and designed as follow-up services to ensure job stability and job performance.

 

2)         Job coaching, under fee for service agreement, when DHS-DRS directly places a customer into a competitive integrated employment setting that is monitored by the customer's counselor.

 

b)         Staffings during the placement process shall be held by the CRP to allow for review and discussion of the customer's progress towards achieving employment goals and objectives.  The customer shall be provided the opportunity to be present at each staffing and participate in the development of the service plan through informed choice, commensurate with 89 Ill. Adm. Code 572 and 89 Ill. Adm. Code 590.40.  Staffings after employment is obtained will be scheduled at the discretion of DHS-DRS, CRP, and the customer.

 

c)         After the customer enters employment, DHS-DRS is responsible for documenting ongoing job stability.  The CRP shall provide a report sufficient to demonstrate the customers continued stability in employment (see 89 Ill. Adm. Code 595.40).

 

d)         Requirements for programs and services, required components of all programs, and individual program standards are addressed in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 530.Appendix A.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 3129, effective February 16, 2024)

 

Section 530.140  Safety

 

Safety standards are in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 530.Appendix A and 89 Ill. Adm. Code 509.90.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 3129, effective February 16, 2024; expedited correction at 48 Ill. Reg. 17664, effective February 16, 2024)

 

Section 530.150  Other (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 13 Ill. Reg. 141, effective December 27, 1988)

SUBPART C: CONTRACTS WITH COMMUNITY REHABILITATION AGENCIES

 

Section 530.200  Disposition of Referrals

 

Procedures for disposition of referrals are covered in the contract with each CRP.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 3129, effective February 16, 2024)

 

Section 530.230  Program Outcomes

 

Employment outcomes are defined in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 595.  Standards for billing, which include but are not limited to monthly billing on a Group Billing Sheet along with progress notes, and staffings as prescribed in the contract, may be found in the contract language.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 3129, effective February 16, 2024)

 

Section 530.240  Designated Program Week

 

Program hours will relate to the customer's needs and activities as outlined in the customer's Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) (89 Ill. Adm. Code 572).

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 3129, effective February 16, 2024)

 

Section 530.250  Types of Contracts

 

Contracts are updated frequently by the Department's Office of Contract Administration (OCA).  The most up-to-date information about the Department's contracts can be found on the OCA's website at https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29741.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 3129, effective February 16, 2024)

 

Section 530.260  Fiscal and Administrative Standards

 

Fiscal and administrative standards, including standards for monitoring and review, are contained in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 509.30, 509.70, and 509.80.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 3129, effective February 16, 2024)







 

Section 530.APPENDIX A   Standards Survey for Community Rehabilitation Programs

 

STANDARDS SURVEY FOR COMMUNITY REHABILITATION PROGRAMS (CRP)

 

CRP Name:		Date
Address:		Phone
CRP Contact		Email
Person:
DHS-DRS Reviewer:		Review Date

 

Corporate Status: (Sole proprietor, LLC, Corporation, etc.)
Requested Contract Type: (Milestone, customized employment, etc.)
Anticipated Number to be Served:

 

Directions:  Initial or check reviewer box whenever the applicant does NOT meet the stated criteria.

 

Reviewer	Applicable Standards
	Applicant has been in operation for at least one year
	Applicant has not previously held a DHS-DRS placement contract
	CRP agrees to meet DHS Contract Administration requirements
	CRP agrees to meet Non-Discrimination Compliance Requirements (89 Ill. Adm. Code 525.10)
	CRP agrees to meet Fiscal Requirements/Management (89 Ill. Adm. Code 509.30)
	CRP agrees to meet On-Site Fiscal/Administrative Reviews (89 Ill. Adm. Code 509.70)
	CRP agrees to meet Administrative Requirements (89 Ill. Adm. Code 509.80)
	CRP agrees to meet Life Safety Standards and Requirements (89 Ill. Adm. Code 509.90)
	CRPs earning more than $100,000 (cumulative) or more from DHS-DRS contracts, agrees to become accredited by a national accrediting organization, pursuant to 89 ILCS 530.5(b), by the expiration of interim approval (three years from date of initial contract)

 

RECOMMENDATIONS (COMMENTS):

 

PROGRAM STANDARDS

 

Directions:  Initial or check reviewer box whenever the applicant does NOT meet the stated criteria.

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION
Reviewer	Applicable Standards
	A. Mission Statement
	[INSERT STATEMENT HERE]
	B. Governing Body
	1.    The governing body's responsibility for establishing the CRP's mission, policies, and necessary financial support must be in writing.
	2.    The governing body shall employ a full-time Director and a designee responsible for the management of the CRP.
	3.    Documentation of regularly scheduled meetings which include leadership and staff representation.
	4.    The governing body shall review and approve the CRP budget annually, including an annual independent audit.
	5.    The governing body shall review income and expense reports at least quarterly.
	6.    The CRP must have insurance to protect assets and to ensure compensation for staff, individuals with disabilities, volunteers, and the public, in the event such compensation would be required for occurrences for which the CRP is liable.  The Insurance documentation must be reviewed and submitted to DHS annually.
	C. Administration
	1.     Annual evaluations of all program and services including:
	a.     review of the quality and appropriateness of the services offered
	b.    review of the effectiveness of services provided, including outcomes
	c.     customer satisfaction
	d.    review of employment outcomes achieved
	2.     CRP staff shall receive in-service training annually.
	3.     The CRP shall provide adequate program supervision and personnel to carry out the program of services.
	4.     The CRP shall have public information materials that identify:
	a.     the programs and services available;
	b.    the population to be served;
	c.     how programs and services can be obtained; and
	d.    its non-discrimination policy.
	D. Federal and State Regulations
	1.     The CRP shall offer programs and services that are accessible to persons with disabilities in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794), the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Illinois Accessibility Code (71 Ill. Adm. Code 400).
	2.     The CRP shall engage in an Affirmative Action Program that provides documentation of its non-discrimination policy and staff characteristics as required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794).
	3.     The CRP shall show evidence of compliance with both federal and State Department of Labor rules and regulations governing wage reimbursement and the Workers' Compensation Act [820 ILCS 305].
	4.     The CRP shall comply with the Department of Human Services rules regarding Fiscal/Administrative Recordkeeping and Requirements (89 Ill. Adm. Code 509).

 

ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDATIONS (COMMENTS):

 

2. PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Reviewer	A. Applicable Standards
	1.    Description of services offered
	2.    Information provided on evaluations, trainings, and placements provided to individuals with disabilities.
	3.    Requirements of all CRPs:
	a.     Maintain confidential case files made available only to authorized personnel.
	b.    Designated staff responsible for administrative decision making.
	c.     Persons on waiting lists shall be contacted monthly, apprised of their status, and given sufficient information to decide whether to remain on the waiting list or seek services elsewhere.
	d.    Clearly defined entrance and exit criteria for each service provided.
	e.     Individuals referred for services shall be notified in writing of their acceptance or nonacceptance into the program.
	f.     Individuals will be informed of rights and remedies, including the right to appeal an agency decision.
	B. 89 Ill. Adm. Code 530.130
	1.     Applicant provides at least one employment service:  job placement, supported employment, customized employment, services and training, and/or job retention.
	2.     Applicant holds regular and appropriate staffings to allow for review and discussion of the individual's progress towards achieving their employment goal and objectives.
	3.     Participants are given the opportunity to be present at each staffing and participate in the development of the service plan through informed choice, commiserate with 89 Ill. Adm. Code 572 and 89 Ill. Adm. Code 590.40.
	4.     Applicant is able to provide reports to demonstrate customers continued stability in employment pursuant to 89 Ill. Adm. Code 595.40.

 

PROGRAM AND SERVICES RECOMMENDATIONS (COMMENTS):

 

3. SAFETY
Reviewer	A. Applicable Standards
	1.    Applicant meets standards as identified in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 509.90: Life Safety Standards and Requirements.
	2.    Applicant has documentation of an accessibility report provided by a certified third party.
	3.    All services are provided in a safe environment.
	4.    Documented safety and emergency plan is updated annually.
	5.    Independent, comprehensive safety reviews are conducted at least every two years by a qualified safety specialist and reports submitted to DHS-DRS.
	6.    Staff will be certified in first aid, CPR, and AED and present in the facility where customers are present.

 

SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS (COMMENTS):

 

4. CONTRACTS
Reviewer	A. Applicable Standards
	1.    Applicant will continue to meet DHS Contract Administration requirements.
	2.    All fiscal and customer files must be maintained for a minimum of five years.
	3.    Contract monitoring information, which includes utilization, will be maintained by DRS.
	4.    CRP's will be reviewed at minimum every three years to ensure compliance with contractual requirements.
	5.    Executed contracts will require review of customer files, at minimum, once every three years and will include the following information:
	a.     Copy of Referral (if applicable) sent to DRS
	b.    Release of Information signed by customer and program staff
	c.     Copies of all forms related to DRS customers, including services paid on a voucher.
	d.    Monthly billing
	e.     Customer Progress notes
	f.     Staffing Notes signed by all parties.
	g.    CRP Service Plan signed by customer and program staff.
	h.    Copies of Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) with customer and DRS signatures.
	i.     Copies of Notification of Services (NOS) signed by DRS, including cancellation NOS if applicable.

 

CONTRACT RECOMMENDATIONS (COMMENTS):

 

SUMMARY:

 

APPLICATION DECISION

 

Reviewer check only one:

	APPROVED
	CONDITIONALLY APPROVED (Contingent on the receipt of additional materials or revisions needed to remedy any minor deficiencies in the proposed program as described below)
	NOT APPROVED

 

CONDITIONS TO REMEDY OR REASONS FOR DENIAL:

 

CRP Representative / Date		DHS-DRS-TCRS Contract Advisor / Date
DHS-DRS-TCRS Manager / Date		DHS-DRS Assistant Bureau Chief / Date
DHS-DRS Bureau Chief / Date		DHS-DRS Director or Designee / Date

 

NOTIFICATION:

 

Final notice will be sent to potential CRP within 30 calendar days of Initial Contract Standards Survey completion.  If there are areas to be corrected, a corrective action plan will be developed by the CRP and submitted to DRS.  The plan shall indicate timeframes in which the areas shall be compliant.  The CRP must notify DRS when corrections have been made and are ready for follow-up review.  Once the potential CRP is compliant, a final determination on a contract will be made and the potential CRP will be notified within 10 calendar days.

 

APPEAL PROCESS:

 

The CRP has the right to appeal the evaluation report under 89 Ill. Adm. Code 510.

 

(Source:  Added at 48 Ill. Reg. 3129, effective February 16, 2024)