TEXT OF RULE
SECTION 1: Chapter VA 11 is created to read: VETERANS OUTREACH AND RECOVERY PROGRAM
VA 11.01 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish rules for the implementation and administration of the veterans outreach and recovery program that provides case management, referrals for services, or assistance for all aspects of daily living to eligible veterans who may have a mental health or substance use disorder and reside in this state.
VA 11.02 Definitions. In this chapter, the following terms shall have the designated meanings:
(1) “Case management” means an organized process to ensure appropriate treatment, rehabilitation, and support services are available to a program participant in a planned, coordinated, efficient, and effective manner to promote a high quality and cost-effective intervention and outcome.
(2) “Community provider” means a public or private agency that provides one or more services under s. VA 11.05. (3) “Enrolled” means a veteran who has entered into a written agreement to receive assistance in accordance with s. VA 11.05. (4) “Participant” means a veteran who is enrolled in the veterans outreach and recovery program and meets the eligibility requirements under s. VA 11.03. (5) “Veteran” means an individual who meets the requirements of s. 45.48 (1), Stats. (6) “Veterans outreach and recovery program" means the program authorized under s. 45.48, Stats. Note: The veterans outreach and recovery program is a comprehensive outreach program serving veterans who benefit from connection with community services and who may need support in navigating service systems with a focus on treatment and recovery support.
VA 11.03 Eligibility. (1) Veteran status and residency. To determine eligibility, the department shall verify a veteran’s residency and veteran status during the assessment conducted under s. VA 11.04. (2) Need for assistance. Assistance shall be provided to a participant enrolled in the veterans outreach and recovery program when the veteran’s need for assistance arises because of any of the following circumstances:
(a) Homelessness or conditions that indicate that the veteran is at risk of becoming homeless.
(b) Substance use issues.
(c) Unemployment or underemployment that significantly limits a veteran’s ability to be self-supporting.
(d) Affliction with acute or chronic physical or mental health problems that significantly limits a veteran’s ability to be self-supporting.
(e) Insufficient monthly income and resources, as determined by the department, to pay for emergency assistance such as any of the following:
1. Emergency housing.
2. Rental assistance.
3. Transportation.
4. Food.
5. Treatment.
6. Other assistance as approved by the department.
(3) Ineligibility. Veterans who are incarcerated in prison or whose needs exceed the capabilities of the veterans outreach and recovery program are not eligible for enrollment in the program.
(4) Provision of assistance. (a) Written agreement. A veteran who establishes a need for assistance under this section shall enter into a written agreement with the department identifying the assistance that the veteran shall receive and the veteran’s responsibilities under the veterans outreach and recovery program.
(b) Voluntary participation. Participation is voluntary and may be discontinued at any time without penalty. Refusal to participate will not result in loss of any benefit to which the veteran is otherwise entitled.
(c) Protection of personal information. All data and personal information collected will be secure and protected by state and federal confidentiality and privacy rules and regulations.
(d) Discharge from program. The department may discharge a participant and terminate assistance whenever any of the following occurs:
1. The participant fails to fulfill the required responsibilities as specified in the agreement between the department and the participant.
2. The department finds that the participant willfully made or caused to be made, false statements relating to the participant’s eligibility during the assessment conducted under s. VA 11.04. 3. The department determines that the participant is no longer in need of assistance provided by the program based on a reassessment conducted under s. VA 11.04 (2). 4. A participant voluntarily terminates assistance provided by the veterans outreach and recovery program.
5. A participant is incarcerated in prison.
6. The department determines that the needs of a participant exceed the capabilities of the veterans outreach and recovery program.
7. The department determines that a participant does not meet the eligibility requirements of the veterans outreach and recovery program.
(e) Duplicate benefits. Eligibility for assistance is not offset or limited to benefits or services a veteran is entitled to receive under any other program administered by the department.
VA 11.04 Determination. (1) Assessment. Prior to enrollment in the veterans outreach and recovery program, the veteran shall be assessed to verify residency and veteran status and determine the need for assistance in the following areas:
(a) Medical.
(b) Legal.
(c) Alcohol and other drug abuse.
(d) Mental health.
(e) Vocational.
(f) Housing.
(g) Employment.
