Chapter 12: Case Closure

When the client has met his or her goal and training objectives, the case must be closed as rehabilitated.

CLOSED REHABILITATED; GOAL MET is the closure status for individuals who have completed a significant portion of the instruction indicated in the plan of services in a satisfactory manner and have attained increased independence in the goal(s) stated on the service plan. Closure means that this phase of the IL program has been completed. When services have been completed, it should be made clear to the client that he or she may initiate a new IL application if his or her situation changes greatly in the future. Such changes as the death of a spouse or deterioration of vision often necessitate further work with the client.

Rehabilitation Service Administration agreed to broaden their interpretation of successful outcomes to include IL-OIB clients who pass away after substantially completing their planned services/programs. Therefore, if you’ve completed training with the client, and are simply waiting for someone or something else to happen, state that fact in a case note. Some examples are:

• Waiting for a report from a department service provider
• Waiting for a bill
• Waiting for an item to arrive when training has already been provided to the client

Note: There are sure to be situations that don’t fit these examples, so you must consult with the IL Program Administrator if that happens.

If the client passes away before you close the case, and he or she met the majority of their objectives; you may close their case as “Rehabilitated;” that is, a Status 26.

There must be a case note explaining any delays in training (i.e., unable to reach individual to complete training, client cancelled due to illness prior to passing away, etc.) documenting any successful outcomes on those objectives met.

A case is closed in this status when it is determined that the client has completed the program insofar as possible and:

• A major change (or changes) has occurred in the client’s ability to perform daily tasks formerly not possible due to visual loss or other disabilities.
• The rehabilitation teaching/Independent Living services have assisted the client in accomplishing as much as possible under present circumstances.

Clients must be closed in status 28 when planned services have already been initiated. Reasons for this closure include:

• the client no longer has potential for completing training due to a decline in health,
• the client has left Iowa and did not complete the plan, or
• the client refuses further services.

Note the reason in the CMS.

Closing in Status 30

Clients are closed in Status 30 when eligibility has been determined , ((status 10) but ) before an IL plan has begun (status 12).

Right to Appeal Closure Decision

If there is dissatisfaction with the decision, refer the client to the Client Assistance Program (ICAP) and inform them of their appeal options. For further information regarding appeal procedures, refer to Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) Section 11.9)

Evaluation of Closed Cases or Visiting Clients Whose Case is Closed

Clients who have previously received the Department’s services may request follow-up services. The need for additional follow-up disability related skills training and instructional services can usually be determined either via phone call or with one personal visit. Individuals requesting follow-up services that require more than one visit should be re-opened for active services. Typically, multiple visits to clients in closed status are not appropriate and those situations should be discussed with the IL Program Administrator.