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pg. 13 CONTRACTED AGENCIES The State of Missouri FSD applies for, and then receives LIHEAP funding. The agency contracts with Missouri CAAs, or other agencies, to conduct the eligibility determination for LIHEAP applications. By agreement, agencies will: Adhere to eligibility requirements outlined by FSD Policy and Procedures manuals. Inform all applicants of the opportunity to appeal the LIHEAP decision. Comply with DSS’ Confidentiality Policy. Comply with provisions of HIPAA. Utilize LIHEAP funds only for purposes approved by FSD. Maintain records for five (5) years and make all records available to FSD or its designated representatives. Under no circumstance will the agency add an eligibility requirement or expedite a case where an applicant complies with additional eligibility requirements without prior written permission from the FSD, nor will eligibility requirements be non-compliant with federal regulations. Waiting List If LIHEAP funds are exhausted prior to the end of the program year, the agency will establish a waiting list consisting of the name, address, phone number and date of inquiry of potential applicants for the services. If additional funds are released, these waiting lists can be used for subsequent LIHEAP benefits. Confidentiality All FSD employees, persons, and entities under contract with the State of Missouri will not disclose any information obtained by them in the discharge of their official duties relative to the identity of applicants for, or recipients of, services or the contents of any records, files, papers, communications, except in the administration of the LIHEAP program. Sharing of any information provided by the applicant, or that appears on any screen in the LIHEAP EA System, is strictly prohibited. Staff will not disseminate any information collected through working a LIHEAP case to other programs, which are not LIHEAP. DSS contractors will certify that they have reviewed privacy practices regarding PII by signing a DSS Confidentiality and Information Security Agreement. The information accessed in the EA System is confidential and not shared outside of the requirement to determine a household or individual eligible or ineligible for LIHEAP. Staff will maintain confidentiality when viewing information on the computer screen and printing information for the case record. Listed below are a few ideas to help secure confidential information: