Sec. 13a.11.03.03. Referral and Application

A. An individual may apply for independent living services by contacting the Division directly or upon referral by individuals, organizations, public or private agencies, and other sources. Students with disabilities shall be referred by local education agencies not later than the fall semester of the next to last year before the student's anticipated exit from school.

B. The individual or referral source shall, to the extent possible, make available to the Division medical, social, and vocational information to assist in the determination of eligibility for independent living services under Regulation .04 of this chapter.

C. The Division shall schedule an interview with the individual upon initial contact or referral to:

(1) Explain the Independent Living Program, the individual's rights, including the right to pursue mediation and the right to an appeal hearing under COMAR 13A.11.07, and the availability of the resources within the Client Assistance Program; and

(2) Invite the individual to complete an application for services.

D. The Division shall conduct an assessment of independent living potential for each individual with a significant disability who applies for independent living services. The assessment:

(1) Is limited to that information necessary to determine whether the individual is eligible to be provided independent living services and to determine which independent living services are needed;

(2) Takes into consideration any relevant information available from Division files or from other agencies;

(3) Is sufficient in scope to determine which services will best meet the current and future needs of the individual for functioning more independently in family or community or engaging or continuing in employment.

E. The Division shall conduct an assessment specifically for purposes of determining eligibility for independent living services only if already available information is not complete, relevant, or current.