| What’s New for Vocational Counselors |  | |
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- Performance Reports have been revised.
- Updated Accountability Agreements are now available.
- New Performance Reports are available.
- L&I 2008 Fall Vocational Conference.
- Vocational providers can schedule interpretive services without obtaining prior authorization.
- Mileage rate changes.
- L&I is recruiting for VSS positions in Tumwater.
- The new percent useful outcomes measure.
- L&I will now reimburse for services prior to ADMA referral closure.
- Vocational Training Benefits Increase July 1, 2008.
- Plans to replace CACO with new performance measures.
- Retraining plans that exceed statutory benefit.
Performance reports have been revised
October 10, 2008.
The performance reports are republished with corrected data.
Updated Accountability Agreements are now available
October 6, 2008.
An Accountability Agreement signed by the worker and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) must be attached to a vocational plan being submitted to L&I for review.
The forms were updated to more clearly describe responsibilities and also to ensure that the worker has participated in a discussion about Option 2.
Please destroy any hard copies of the previous versions and begin using the new forms immediately.
- Accountability Agreement (F280‑016‑000).
- On the Job Training Accountability Agreement (F280‑029‑000).
New Performance Reports are available
October 1, 2008.
A new Performance Measurement of "percent useful outcomes" replaces Complexity-Adjusted Cost Outcome (CACO) on the October 2008 Vocational Provider Performance Reports.
L&I 2008 Fall Vocational Conference
September 22, 2008.
On Friday, December 5, 2008, L&I will host the 2008 Fall Vocational Conference at the L&I's Tumwater building. We have an exciting agenda with focus on professional development and best practices in return-to-work. Watch for the conference brochure which will be posted in mid October.
Vocational providers can schedule interpretive services without obtaining prior authorization
September 2, 2008.
To find an approved interpreter please use the Interpreter Lookup Service. Some interpreters are listed more than once because they work for several language agencies. If you can't locate an interpreter in your area, broaden your search as some interpreters are willing to work in other areas occasionally.
Mileage rate changes
July 8, 2008.
As of July 1, 2008, the personal vehicle mileage rate increases to .585 per mile from .505. Travel fees identified as "State Rate" in the fee schedule will be paid at the higher mileage rate for travel starting on or after July 1, 2008. Please don't submit a plan modification for increased worker mileage reimbursement expenses until the currently approved amount is approaching exhaustion.
L&I is recruiting for VSS positions in Tumwater
July 8, 2008.
See the L&I Employment Center for opportunities in Claims Administration and also in the Self-Insurance Section.
The new percent useful outcomes measure
June 30, 2008.
Information about the new measure Percent Useful Outcomes was shared with the Vocational Technical Stakeholder Group (VTSG) and at the L&I Spring Vocational Conference.
The new measure will be implemented October 1, 2008.
L&I will now reimburse for services prior to ADMA referral closure
June 16, 2008.
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRCs) can use the ADMA, "VRC Declines Referral", closure when it is determined that the referral isn't appropriate. This applies to all referral types. Examples include:
- Conflict of interest.
- VRC not available.
- Not ready for a referral due to medical issues.
VRCs may use this outcome for up to 14 days after the referral assignment. A maximum of 3 professional hours may be billed for reviewing the file and preparing a brief rationale. The standard VCLOS routing sheet has been updated to accommodate this information.
Vocational Training Benefits Increase July 1, 2008
June 13, 2008.
The maximum vocational training benefit will increase from $12,000 to $12,240 effective July 1, 2008. The new benefit will apply to any plan approved on or after July 1, 2008. The increased benefit applies regardless of whether a worker chooses Option 1 or Option 2 after plan approval. This increase is the result of an annual adjustment that is required under the statute governing vocational rehabilitation services.
If you have any questions please use the Voc Improvement Feedback Form or e-mail us at VocRehabProgram@LNI.wa.gov.
Plans to replace CACO with new performance measures
June 9, 2008.
Starting October 1, 2008, a new measure of "percent useful outcomes" will replace Cost Adjusted Complexity Outcome (CACO) on the vocational referral screen (VOCC screen). This measure will show percent useful outcomes for vocational providers with 10 or more referrals closed between June 15, 2008 and August 31, 2008.
This measure is expected to help the system obtain better referral results and reduce "repeat referrals" which are two goals associated with the Vocational Improvement Project (VIP). Designations of referral outcomes as "useful, not useful or neutral" form the basis of the measure and L&I proposed changing some designations. Feedback via the internet, listserv, and stakeholder meetings was used to create new designations of referral closing codes (29 KB PDF).
Replacing CACO with "percent useful outcomes" is the first phase in plans to build a system that supports good referral decisions by providing L&I staff with information about the quality and effectiveness of vocational services.
This new measure serves as a solid first step, but it is only a first step. Phase 2 is expected in early 2009 when other key information will be added to provide a more complete representation of the quality and effectiveness of vocational providers. As part of the effort to develop a new vocational provider measure, the Methods for Assessing Quality (MAQ) team recommended this phased implementation plan.
For additional information please contact Janice Orcutt, Vocational Performance Measure Administrator, at orcj235@LNI.wa.gov or 360‑902‑4854.
Get Help Downloading Files (files open in a new window).Retraining plans that exceed statutory benefit
May 14, 2008.
L&I Vocational Service Specialists (VSS) will only approve vocational retraining plans that have total costs and time that are within the statutory retraining benefit limit (currently $12,000 and a maximum of 2 years).
The VSS won't approve a plan with costs that exceed the statutory retraining benefit limit even if the worker has access to other funding sources.
Example 1: A plan proposes an 18 month training program with total costs of $16,000. The worker has access to financial aid to cover the costs above $12,000. This plan will not be approved because it has costs that are in excess of the statutory retraining benefit limit.
Example 2: A plan proposes a 26 month training program with total costs of $11,000. This plan will not be approved because it is in excess of the 2 year limit of the statutory retraining benefit.
Please contact the unit VSS if you have any questions.
