Introduction to the Standards Manual for Consumer Services Contract Providers
NOTICE:
Posted November 2012
The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services – Division for Blind Services (DBS) has authorized changes to the Standards Manual for Consumer Service Providers. These changes will become effective December 3, 2012.
- Chapter 1: Basic Standards, 1.5.5 Enrollment Process for All New Providers
- Chapter 3: Rates, 3.2 Service Rates
- Chapter 5: Services
The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services – Division for Blind Services (DBS) has authorized changes to the Assistive Technology Trainer Guidelines and Procedures manual. These changes will become effective December 3, 2012.
NOTICE:
Posted August 2012
The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services – Division for Blind Services (DBS) has authorized changes to the Standards Manual for Consumer Service Providers. These changes will become effective September 4, 2012.
NOTICE:
Posted July 2012
The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services – Division for Blind Services (DBS) has authorized changes to the Standards Manual for Consumer Service Providers. These changes will become effective August 1, 2012.
NOTICE:
Posted June 2012
The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services – Division for Blind Services (DBS) has authorized changes to the Standards Manual for Consumer Service Providers. These changes will become effective July 2, 2012.
NOTICE:
Posted March 2012
The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services – Division for Blind Services (DBS) has authorized changes to the Standards Manual for Consumer Service Providers. These changes will become effective April 2, 2012.
NOTICE:
Posted February 2012
The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services – Division for Blind Services (DBS) has authorized changes to the Standards Manual for Consumer Service Providers. These changes will become effective March 1, 2012.
- Chapter 5.9 Diabetes Self-Management Education Services
- Chapter 5.11.2 Qualifications and Requirements of O&M Providers
NOTICE:
Posted December 2011
The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services – Division for Blind Services (DBS) has authorized changes to the Standards Manual for Consumer Service Providers. These changes will become effective January 9, 2012.
- Chapter 1.6.4 Additional Requirements
- Chapter 3.3.1 Travel Reimbursement
- Chapter 5.1.5 Performance Measures
NOTICE:
Posted October 2011
The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services – Division for Blind Services (DBS) has authorized changes to the Standards Manual for Consumer Service Providers. These changes will become effective November 1, 2011.
The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services - Division for Blind Services (DBS) Standards Manual for Consumer Services Contract Providers and Assistive Technology Trainer Guidelines and Procedures Manual are important parts of our system for managing consumer contract purchases.
All providers required by contract to do so must comply with these standards.
The manual and the purchasing system are intended to streamline the purchasing processes, improve accountability, and strengthen services to our consumers. This manual and purchasing system:
- Reduces confusion among providers and staff by standardizing all contracts, specifications, terms, performance standards, and reporting requirements.
- Improves services to our consumers by establishing and/or updating performance standards for purchased services.
- Increases agency accountability to state and federal funding sources, consumers, and the taxpaying public by standardizing reporting requirements and requiring all providers to submit uniform reports.
- Satisfies state statutory requirements by including performance, accounting, reporting, and auditing requirements.
- Makes it easier for DBS staff to ensure we are getting the service and the quality we are paying for.
- Improves provider and staff access to contract requirements and forms by placing the Standards Manual and related information on the DARS website.
The DBS Standards Manual for Consumer Services Contract Providers is part of each consumer services contract by specific reference and all providers will be required to adhere to these standards.
For additional information or questions, please contact:
Melody Conner
Manager - Consumer Procurement and Client Services Contracting
4900 N. Lamar, Suite 1100
Austin, TX 78751
E-mail: Melody.Conner@dars.state.tx.us
Provider Forms
Provider forms associated with this manual are now offered in both PDF and Microsoft Word formats. In addition, instruction sheets are available for some forms, with more instruction sheets to be added later.