(Question from a counselor) A current consumer is asking to be reimbursed for previous mileage as he states DVR Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation counselor never told him this was available. He said he called CAP Client Assistance Program and they said we can go back one year. As part of this question-what is the obligation of DVR counselors to inform consumers of services available such as mileage?

(Opinion of DVR Policy Analyst) First, as to reimbursement for services not provided, counselors do not have the authority to reimburse for services which were not prior authorized.  It is really an appeal issue.

As to your question of counselors' responsibility to inform consumers of all the services they might be eligible for, yes, the Rehabilitation Act does require that we fully inform consumers of the complete scope of services in preparation for development of the IPE individualized plan for employment.