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ESA SNAP Policy Manual 10 1.6 Confidentiality of Customer Information ESA holds all customer information confidential and will not disclose this information to anyone without the prior notification and authorization of the individual or the individual’s authorized representative, except when permitted or required by law. ESA, its staff and official agents must disclose the following information, with or without prior authorization or notification of the individual:  Information necessary to assist the DC Child Support Services Division (CSSD) or the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in establishing or verifying eligibility or benefits concerning parental child support  Information to the US Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS, formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service, or INS) and District, state and federal law enforcement officials; all such requests are to be directed to the Office of the Administrator; no information from USCIS or a law enforcement entity may be released without approval from the administrator  Information for audit examinations authorized by provisions of law to the US Office of the Comptroller General, DHHS Office of the Inspector General, DC Office of the Inspector General and other appropriate Inspectors General  Some individual employment, income and benefits information to the IRS, SSA, DHHS, USDA and other state and federal authorities as authorized or required by law ESA staff are not considered mandatory reporters required to make reports of suspected abuse or neglect. Nonetheless, ESA staff are not prohibited from reporting such suspected or known information to the appropriate authorities. Although all information and records about an applicant or recipient are privileged and confidential, suspected or known instances of abuse may be disclosed without the applicant’s or recipient’s consent. ESA’s confidentiality law permits the agency to take the following actions:  Report to the DC Metropolitan Police Department any information on known or suspected instances of physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation.  Report to the DC Child and Family Services Agency any information on known or suspected instances of negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child receiving aid under circumstances that indicate the child’s health or welfare is threatened.  Report to the DC Department of Aging and Community Living, Adult Protective Services Division any information on known or suspected instances of negligent treatment or maltreatment of a vulnerable adult receiving aid under circumstances that indicate the adult’s health or welfare is threatened. 1.6.1 Customer Information for Official Use Only All customer information must only be used for official ESA functions. The use of customer information for any purpose not directly related to ESA business is strictly prohibited. Supervisory staff must make reasonable efforts to limit access to and use of protected health information by staff to the minimum necessary to perform their duties. Return