April 14, 2023
To: Vocational Rehabilitation community and partners
From: Keith Ozols, VR Director
Subject: Vocational Rehabilitation dispute resolution process
Changes to Vocational Rehabilitation administrative rule related to the dispute resolution process go into effect today, April 14. Clients have 30 days to respond to a written notice that VR plans to end services because staff cannot locate or have had no contact with the client. All other notices of proposed action provide the client with 60 days to respond.
We made this change in consultation with community partners and the State Rehabilitation Council. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the process and participated in public hearings about the change.
Along with the rule change, we updated the language on the VR website to provide clear information about the dispute resolution process and options for resolving problems with VR. We also simplified the process for clients to request mediation, a hearing or both.
VR staff strive to deliver excellent service to every person we serve. Part of providing good customer service is making sure clients have clear information on how to resolve disputes with VR. Likewise, we want to make sure clients understand their rights and the process and options they have when they receive notice that VR is closing their file.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about this rule change or our dispute resolution process. Thank you for supporting employment services for Oregonians with disabilities.
Keith Ozols, Director
Resources
News release announcing rule change
Division 20 Dispute Resolution and Review of Determinations of Rehabilitation Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Service Issues and Complaints web page
Vocational Rehabilitation Policy, Rules, Regulations and Public Hearings web page
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