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exemption. Treatment programs are generally limited to no more than 60 or 90 days, but may be shorter or longer based on the individual’s circumstances as documented by the service provider. The individual may be given more than one exemption period to participate in a substance abuse treatment/rehab program, but must make the request at reevaluation, or when a change occurs to the individual’s non-exempt status. However, voluntarily quitting the treatment plan without the doctor’s or Mental Health Office’s approval will cause a drug sanction to be imposed on the adult. Changes in treatment plans require a new MDHS-EA-336A or verification from the PCP or Mental Health Office. Form Maintenance The MDHS-EA-336, MDHS-EA-336A, MDHS-EA-336B and MDHS-EA-332 forms will be retained in the electronic case record with the corresponding MDHS-EA-900. The county will make the exemption determination based on the recommendation for treatment when the individual follows the recommended treatment plan. If a request for work exemption based on incapacity is submitted later for a Medical Review decision, include all prior MDHS-EA-336A, MDHS-EA336B and MDHS-EA-332 forms with the new medical and social reports when the request is submitted to the Division of Field Operations. Initiating a Sanction If recipient receives an exemption for Drug Abuse Treatment (JD) but fails to participate in a treatment program as advised by his/her physician or mental health provider, or voluntarily quits the treatment plan without the doctor’s or Mental Health Office’s approval, a drug sanction will be imposed on the adult. The fair hearing process is the same as any other fair hearing request, if made by the individual. In order to be included in the TANF budget after a drug sanction has been imposed the adult must serve the penalty period and be in compliance with his/her substance abuse treatment plan or qualify for a work exemption Subsequent failure to participate in the TWP due to a substance abuse disorder after being added back in the TANF budget will mean another drug sanction will be imposed on the adult. TANF Approvals/Applications Taken On or After 08-01-14 Effective August 1, 2014, Mississippi law requires all adults included in the TANF assistance unit to take a screening questionnaire to determine the reasonable likelihood of a substance use disorder at the time of a new TANF application. This policy includes adults that are disqualified, but excludes minor heads of household (under age 18.) If the household is eligible for TANF Volume III | Chapter 3

MISSISSIPPI [NON-FINANCIAL CRITERIA: TANF WORK PROGRAM]

Revised 04-01-17

and the results of the questionnaire indicate the adult has a reasonable likelihood of a substance use disorder, MAVERICS notice A101, TANF Approval, will be used to notify the household of the results and that the adult must submit to a drug test. At the time the A101 is sent, the worker will 3911