When the medical consultant determines that the client's impairment can be corrected
by treatment to the extent that he may become able to engage in a useful occupation
for which he is otherwise qualified, the effect of treatment upon eligibility is to
be explained. He is to be informed that the possibility of a treatment plan must be
explored, and if one can be arranged, acceptance of treatment may be a condition of
eligibility.
Any proposed treatment plan must be generally acceptable to the medical profession
and must not involve great personal danger to the client. In determining whether the
patient's condition is treatable, the medical consultant is to evaluate the amount
of risk involved in the treatment, whether there might be an actual loss of function
(such as vision) through recommended surgery, whether religious scruples affect his
attitude, whether genuine fear exists, whether refusal to accept treatment would endanger
the lives of others, etc.
If medical evidence indicates that the condition is treatable but that the impairment
cannot be corrected within 12 months, the applicant may be considered permanently
disabled provided he is willing to accept treatment. If he is not willing to accept
treatment, the reasonableness of his refusal must be evaluated by the state review
team before assistance may be denied or cancelled on this issue. In requesting this
review the county office is to forward to the state team all pertinent medical reports
and social summary information upon which it has been determined that treatment will
correct the impairment and that a treatment plan is available. The state review team
will take into consideration any of the factors mentioned above in the second paragraph
of this item which are applicable and these must be covered in the review request.
The memorandum is to describe the efforts made by the county office, including the
local medical consultant, to secure the client's cooperation and the reasons give
for refusing treatment.