Occupational Licenses, Tools, Equipment, and Initial Stocks and Supplies

(1) Occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies may be provided only to the extent necessary to enable an eligible individual to attain a suitable employment outcome and in accordance with requirements for Order of Selection and the IPE. Occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies are subject to the determination of financial participation and to consideration of any comparable benefit available to an individual to meet, in whole or in part, the cost of occupational licenses, tools, equipment and initial stocks and supplies. (2) Occupational licenses and tools may be provided only to enable an eligible individual to derive the full benefit of other vocational rehabilitation services to enter or maintain employment. (3) Equipment may be purchased, leased or rented when necessary to enable an eligible individual to carry out the requirements and efficient operation of a business, trade, or profession. (4) Initial stocks and supplies may be provided only when necessary to establish an individual in self employment. The Commission may provide up to six months of stocks and supplies that are necessary to establish an eligible individual in self-employment but will not provide initial stocks and supplies as post employment services. (5) The Commission shall retain legal title and control of any tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies purchased for an individual by the Commission. Such legal title and control shall be in accordance with all applicable Massachusetts laws, regulations and related requirements governing title, use, replacement, disposition, and transfer and shall not be attached, confiscated, or otherwise encumbered by creditors or other sources. (a) The Commission may require the return of tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies if it is determined that equipment is not being utilized for the purposes for which it was provided. All equipment shall be returned to the Commission in good condition on request. (b) At such time as an individual is performing successfully in employment and considered to have attained his/her vocational rehabilitation goals, title to and control of the equipment may be transferred to the individual. (6) Rates, fees, and expenditures for occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies are subject to all applicable Commonwealth of Massachusetts statutory, regulatory, and related requirements governing purchases of services and goods.