§3022. Powers of Louisiana Rehabilitation Services

Louisiana Rehabilitation Services may:

(1) Make and promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary or desirable for carrying out the provisions of this Subpart and such rules and regulations shall be binding upon parishes or other local units and their agents and upon those private agencies and individuals who participate in the benefits of this Subpart.

(2) Administer and supervise a statewide program for the conservation of sight and the prevention of blindness through lectures, posters, exhibits, and such other methods as is deemed necessary; act in close cooperation with other state departments and private agencies; encourage vision testing in schools and the early correction of eye defects where found; and establish sight-saving classes where needed.

(3) Promote a system of economic security for the blind by administering and supervising a statewide program of vocational training and rehabilitation for the blind by providing the necessary facilities in private and public agencies.

(4) Provide the necessary facilities, equipment, and initial stock, for the operation of vending stands and such other small business enterprises as may be found feasible for operation by individuals who are blind.

(5) Assist other departments, agencies, and institutions of the state and federal government, when so requested, by performing services in conformity with the purposes of this Subpart.

(6) Administer such federal, state, parish, municipal, or private funds as may be available for the prevention of blindness, vocational training, and rehabilitation for individuals who are blind.

(7) Act as agent of the state to cooperate with the federal government in any matter relating to sight conservation and the welfare of individuals who are blind.

(8) Exercise all the duties and responsibilities of the designated state unit as defined by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. §701 et seq., as amended, and 34 CFR Part 361.

(9) Act as the state licensing agency for the administration of the Randolph-Sheppard Act and the Business Enterprise Program.

Acts 2010, No. 939, §2, eff. July 1, 2010; Acts 2014, No. 761, §1, eff. June 19, 2014.