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Page 136 Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Employees’ Manual Cooperation With Investigations Title 13: Social Service Resources Chapter G: Child Care Assistance June 14, 2024 Front-End Investigation Procedures ▪ Assist in reducing the program error rate. ▪ Identify overpayments for recovery. If an interview is needed, the investigator sets up the interview. The interview request notifies the client that the case has been referred to the Economic Fraud Control Unit. Before the interview, the investigator informs the client or provider of: ▪ The purpose of the investigation. ▪ The type of information being reviewed. ▪ The client’s responsibility to cooperate. ▪ The provider’s responsibility to cooperate. ▪ The consequences of refusing to cooperate in an investigation The investigator: ▪ Decides which eligibility items need further verification. ▪ May request and have access to the HHS client file if the investigator deems it is necessary. ▪ Must follow the terms of the contract between the Department and DIAL with respect to confidentiality. ▪ Reports the results of the investigation to the client’s IM worker. Acting on Investigation Findings Legal reference: 481 IAC 72.4(10A) After an investigation has been completed, determine eligibility taking into consideration the findings of the investigator. Consider the evidence in the investigator’s findings as verified information. When the front-end investigation reveals a need for further investigation, no additional referral is required. If you so request, the investigator will attend appeal hearings and testify to the information gathered by the investigator. Application After Failure to Cooperate Legal reference: 441 IAC 170.2(2)“e” When a household reapplies after being denied or canceled for failure to cooperate with a front-end investigation, decide whether the situation is resolved and document this decision in the case record. ▪ If the situation is resolved, notify DIAL of this decision and approve the application if otherwise eligible.