Sorta true. Our FOM(FAA approved document) says "the autopilot must be engaged prior to entering RVSM airspace and for cruise and flight level changes while within RVSM airspace".

Guidance 91(appendix 4), the actual FAA guidance on RVSM, "recommends that the level off be accomplished using the altitude capture feature of the automatic altitude-control system, if installed."

So, I guess your FOM blows off the recommendation and lets you hand fly level changes. Ours is more restrictive and requires us to use the autopilot during level changes.

ICAO only requires that the autopilot be used during level cruise.