425-5        OTHER BLINDNESS/DISABILITY PROVISIONS

425-5 A.   PRESCRIBED TREATMENT REQUIREMENT

Blind or disabled individuals who can receive treatment to eliminate their impairments are not eligible for assistance if they fail, without good cause, to follow a prescribed treatment plan.  The Social Security Administration or the DDSDisability Determination Service are the agencies that determine if a blind or disabled individual has not pursued treatment which will eliminate his or her impairment.  If the case worker is informed by the Social Security Administration or the DDSDisability Determination Service that the client has failed, without good cause, to pursue treatment as required, the APAAdult Public Assistance case must be closed.

425-5 B.   REFERRAL FOR VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION OR DRUG OR ALCOHOL TREATMENT

State regulations require the State to refer certain persons for vocational rehabilitation services or to drug or alcohol treatment if it might correct their impairment.  In Alaska, SSISupplemental Security Income does not currently refer any persons for vocational rehabilitation services or to drug or alcohol treatment.  The State may not be more restrictive than SSISupplemental Security Income .  Therefore, the case worker may make a referral to treatment, but not require the client to pursue it.  If SSISupplemental Security Income begins mandatory referrals in the future, the State will adopt a similar policy.