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Chapter: 2200 Standard Filing Unit Program: FS 9 2210.0317.03 Residents of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facilities (FS) Drug and alcohol treatment facilities applying for food stamps for residents will be required to provide verification they are authorized by FNS as a retailer or are licensed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program, or if unlicensed meet the licensing criteria. They may either provide a copy of their license granted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program, or a letter from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program (on ADM letterhead) stating the facility meets the criteria to obtain a license and funding, even though they choose not to be licensed or receive funding.

The eligibility specialist must verify the treatment program is a publicly operated or a private non- profit program. If the nonprofit status was established during the licensing process, the statement of the licensing agency can be considered proof of nonprofit status. If the licensing agency has not made a nonprofit determination for the treatment program, IRS proof of nonprofit status will be required unless the treatment program is operated by a religious group or organization. Since religious groups and organizations are assumed to be nonprofit, a statement from the minister or a member of the board of the organization is sufficient proof of nonprofit status.

By the seventh of each calendar month each treatment and rehabilitation center shall provide DCF with a copy of the residential treatment facility food stamp certification form (CF-ES 2318), listing current residents who are receiving substance abuse services. When a resident leaves the facility, each treatment and rehabilitation center must notify DCF within 5 days by sending a completed change report form informing the agency of the resident’s change in address, new address if available, and that the facility is no longer the authorized representative. In addition, the facility must provide the resident with a change report form to be returned to DCF within 10 days noting any changes the resident is required to report. The certification form must be signed by the facility director. To ensure the accuracy of the reporting, each Region or Circuit will conduct an on-site review annually. If any discrepancies are discovered, a follow-up review must be conducted within three months.

For simplified reporting AGs, consider information from the facility as verified upon receipt when the Department is notified that a resident no longer resides there. Close the AG if the new address is not known. If the address is known, change the address, remove the authorized representative and keep the case open. 2210.0318.01 Blind and Disabled Group Living Arrangements (FS) Certain blind or disabled individuals who reside in small, freestanding, community based living units licensed for 16 residents or less are eligible to participate in the Food Stamp Program. These facilities are not considered institutions. Group living arrangements do not include residents of facilities on the grounds adjacent to institutions as this is considered an institutional setting. The individual and the group living arrangement must meet the following provisions:

1. The group living arrangement must be a public or private nonprofit facility, licensed for 16 residents or less and be certified by DCF or other state agency as a group home for the blind or disabled. Organizations/facilities that may be licensed under regulations issued under 1616(e) of the Social Security Act under this provision include assisted living facilities (ALFs), group homes or residential rehabilitation centers. ALFs are licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).

2. When DCF or AHCA has licensed the facility as nonprofit, the Department statement is proof of nonprofit status. If the state licensing agency has not determined nonprofit status, then proof of the IRS determination of nonprofit status is required. All facilities operated by a religious organization are nonprofit. A letter from a responsible member of the clergy stating the facility is part of a religious organization is all that is required.