ACIN I-73-11: CalFresh Trafficking Violations (12/15/11)

Information on how to “strengthen federal-state-local collaboration to pre-empt, detect and terminate the trafficking” of SNAP benefits, and a review of referral and investigation requirements, including that fraud requires intent.  Of note: “CWDs should be aware of, and take into consideration, issues such as limited English proficiency, domestic violence, advanced age, and learning and mental health related disabilities that may prevent or limit a recipient from understanding the rules or questions of investigators or being able to participate in the investigation (as might be the case of a domestic violence victim). These considerations should be weighed prior to concluding that there is reasonable suspicion that an intentional act may have occurred. Free translation services must be made available during all fraud investigations when the recipient has indicated to the county a preference for a language other than English. The rights of recipients should be paramount during all investigations.” [Download]

 

ACIN I-74-11: Revised IHSS Health Care Certification Form And Related Notices; Clarification On Inter-County Transfers of Health Care Certification Requirements (12/6/11)

Some wording changes, clarification of a Licensed Health Care Provider (LHCP) and one significant improvement. To remove barriers to verification for those living near the state borders, counties are now given the flexibility to make case-by-case exceptions basis and accept an SOC 873 (or alternative documentation) completed by an LHCP  licensed in another state but if they are an approved Medi-Cal provider, and the applicant/recipient has been receiving treatment from them.  The Notice also instructs what counties should do if the LHCP fills out the first two questions (need for IHSS) but fail to fill out the details requested in the subsequent questions. The new forms attached to this notice are effective immediately.  [Download]

 

ACL 11-83: Discontinuance Of The Statewide Fingerprint Imaging System (SFIS) Requirement For The CalFresh Program (12/6/11)

As of 1/1/12, no more finger-imaging for CalFresh applicants and recipients.  This letter discusses the implementation of the changes, in particular the joint CalWORKs/CalFresh applications (CalWORKs will still require a finger-image, but it cannot be a basis for denying or delaying food benefits.)  [Download]