OAR 582-020-0005: Dispute Resolution, General

(1) It is the intent of the Program to resolve disputes between the Program and its clients quickly and fairly. (2) Clients who are dissatisfied or disagree with a decision by Program personnel that affects the provision of vocational rehabilitation services to them shall have available a range of dispute resolution options, including problem solving, informal resolution, mediation, impartial due process hearing, and formal administrative review. (3) The Program shall inform clients about the range of dispute resolution options available and their right to seek the assistance of the Client Assistance Program. (4) The dispute resolution process is framed by the approved State Plan, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.), federal vocational rehabilitation regulations, relevant state statutes, the Administrative Procedures Act, and the Program’s administrative rules and policies. The Program has not adopted the Model Rules of Procedure for Contested Cases OAR 137 ‐ 003 ‐ 0000 to 137 ‐ 003 ‐ 0700. (5) In the dispute resolution process clients must: (a) Cooperate with scheduled meetings; (b) Attend scheduled meetings and hearing related proceedings; (c) Submit paperwork in a timely manner; and (d) Reasonably provide relevant information as requested.