5.5.2  Qualified Assessing Agency

A formal assessment must be completed by one or more qualified assessing agencies or individuals.

A professional qualified to perform a formal assessment may include a:

·        Medical or mental health professional;

·        Social worker;

·        Psychologist;

·        Neuro-psychologist;

·        Division of Vocational Rehabilitation counselor; or

·        Similar qualified assessing agency or individual.

To be considered a qualified assessing professional, the agency or individual must demonstrate:

·        A competency or successful completion of training in the appropriate field and be certified by an appropriate accreditation organization; and

·        An understanding of the objectives of the assessment based on W-2 referral information, the initial interview, and stated purpose of the evaluation.

History: Release 24-11.