Minimum Standards

PURPOSE: This rule establishes the minimum standards for service providers and vocational rehabilitation counselors for Vocational Rehabilitation, Office of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation Services, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide vocational rehabilitation services for applicants and eligible individuals with disabilities pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, 34 CFR section 361.5(7), and 34 CFR section 361.18(c)(1)(i). PUBLISHER’S NOTE: The secretary of state has determined that publication of the entire text of the material that is incorporated by reference as a portion of this rule would be unduly cumbersome or expensive. This material as incorporated by reference in this rule shall be maintained by the agency at its headquarters and shall be made available to the public for inspection and copying at no more than the actual cost of reproduction. This note applies only to the reference material. The entire text of the rule is printed here. (1) A community rehabilitation program (CRP) is an accredited, non-profit organization, which provides employment-related services to applicants or eligible individuals. (A) A CRP must demonstrate the ability to deliver appropriate employment-related services. (B) A CRP must be accredited by a recognized professional accreditation organization that has developed commonly accepted processes for accreditation of the specific employmentrelated service. (2) A training service provider must meet the following quali fications: (A) Colleges and universities must be accredited by a nation ally recognized accrediting agency or association approved by the U.S. Department of Education; and (B) Career and technical training programs, proprietary training programs, and other training courses must be accred ited or approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Education and Training Section (State Approving Agency) under the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Missouri Higher Education and Work force Development, and in accordance with applicable state law and/or regulations. (3) Individuals who provide vocational rehabilitation (VR) authorized services must be properly accredited, certified, or licensed in accordance with applicable state law and/or regulation. (4) A qualified VR counselor must have these minimum quali fications— (A) A master’s degree from an accredited college or univer sity in rehabilitation counseling, guidance and counseling, psychology, social work, or closely related field; and (B) Fluency in American Sign Language or other appropriate mode of communication if the counselor provides services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. (5) An individual or agency providing benefits planning directly to an individual must maintain current national certification as a certified community work incentive counselor. (6) 34 CFR section 361.5(7) and 34 CFR section 361.18(c) are hereby incorporated by reference and made part of this rule as published by the U.S. Government Publishing Office, 732 N. Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, in December 2026. Copies of these regulations can also be obtained from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation Services, 205 Jefferson Street, PO Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480 and at https://dese.mo.gov/governmental-affairs/dese-administrativerules/incorporated-reference-materials. This rule does not incorporate any subsequent amendments or additions. AUTHORITY: sections 161.092, 178.600, 178.610, and 178.620, RSMo 2016.* This rule previously filed as 5 CSR 90-4.120. Original rule filed Dec. 17, 1999, effective Aug. 30, 2000. Amended: Filed Dec. 7, 2000, effective July 30, 2001. Moved to 5 CSR 20-500.140, effective Aug. 16, 2011. Amended: Filed Jan. 27, 2014, effective Aug. 30, 2014. Amended: Filed Jan. 18, 2024, effective Aug. 30, 2024. Amended: Filed Dec. 15, 2025, effective July 30, 2026. *Original authority: 161.092, RSMo 1963, amended 1973, 2002, 2003, 2013, 2014; 178.600, RSMo 1963; 178.610, RSMo 1963; and 178.620, RSMo 1963.