SECTION 360.509. Preliminary and Comprehensive Assessment

(a) Preliminary assessment. To determine whether a person is eligible for a voucher, ODHHS conducts a preliminary assessment based on the certification section of the application. A person is eligible if ODHHS determines that the person:

(1) has a disability that impairs the person's ability to effectively access the telephone network; and

(2) can gain access to the telephone network and communicate effectively with basic specialized telecommunications equipment or a service authorized by the specific voucher applied without the assistance of another person.

(b) Comprehensive assessment. An in-depth assessment that contains information necessary to identify the basic needs that enable the person to access telephone networks. If, after the preliminary assessment is completed, and additional information is needed to determine the appropriate basic voucher for an eligible person, ODHHS may conduct a comprehensive assessment of the person's disabilities, abilities, and needs, which may include medical information.

(c) Final determination. ODHHS determines eligibility for a voucher, and the determination is final.

Source Note: The provisions of this §360.509 adopted to be effective March 30, 2021, 46 TexReg 2024