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MISSISSIPPI 3. Secure the signature of the person for whom medical information is being requested on the MDHS-EA-903, HIPAA Authorization for Release of Information by the Mississippi Department of Human Services. Preparing the Social Information Report Once the client has provided the required HIPAA releases, the case worker should continue the process of gathering the information to determine incapacity. The case worker will complete the MDHS-EA-332, Report of Social Information based on statements made by the applicant or recipient about his/her physical or mental condition, together with the observed facts about the effect of this condition on the individual’s ability to perform his usual work. The form may be supplemented with an additional narrative if necessary. This report begins with the application interview or change request and continues with each redetermination or other contact with the individual, as scheduled by the Medical Review Unit. The Report of Social Information, MDHSEA-332, is of major importance in reaching a decision as to incapacitating conditions which will qualify an individual for public assistance through TANF. While two people may have about the same illness, defect, or impairment, the effect of the condition on each one may differ greatly in its effect on each one’s ability to carry on his work activities. The social report consists of facts about the effect of the physical or mental condition on the individual’s capacity for carrying on the activities in his work, whether a job for wages, self-employment, or homemaking activities. Since the State Medical Review Unit does not have the advantage of seeing the applicant, the county worker’s summary should aim at presenting the individual‘s situation with clarity, and with a conscious effort being made to keep out personal biases and prejudices. Therefore, the worker must distinguish between what he sees the applicant do or fail to do and what the applicant says he can or cannot do. While the information obtained from the relatives or friends can be helpful, it does not take the place of the worker’s direct observation of the individual during the interview. The worker who observes the incapacitated parent in TANF is in a position to complete the social information report, having seen the extent to which his condition handicaps his movements, the help which other individuals may have to give him, and other important factors

Volume III | Chapter 3