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The informational leaflet explaining the rules and procedures governing the appeal and hearing process is to be made available by the DFR to each applicant/recipient and to any other interested person. 1420.10.00 MANUALS AND PROGRAM DIRECTIVES

The public shall have access to all program manuals and supplemental instructions used to determine eligibility. These materials are available for examination both on the DFR website and in person at DFR offices via the internet during standard business hours on regular workdays.

1425.00.00 CONFIDENTIALITY

All information obtained by the DFR and maintained in the case record about an applicant/recipient and their circumstances is confidential.

Information obtained by DFR from participants or individuals, whether they are currently participating or not, is also considered confidential.

Workers who access the agency's records pertaining to their family and friends are violating the client's right to confidentiality and the agency's security agreement. Violators will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

A relative, close friend, or co-worker may not perform any process of the interview or eligibility functions needed to complete the case. These types of cases should be transferred as determined appropriate by the regional manager or designee. 1425.05.00 ACCESS AND USE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Access and use of confidential information is to be restricted to DFR staff members with direct responsibility for establishing eligibility, authorizing benefits, administration, or oversight of the program, and providing services for the individual or family for whom the information was obtained.

Under no circumstances may a list of names and addresses of applicants/recipients be released for commercial or political purposes. (f1) 1425.10.00 RELEASE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Sections 1425.10.05 through 1425.10.15 describe circumstances in which confidential information may be released.