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MISSISSIPPI [GENERAL: THE CASE RECORD]

Revised 12-01-10

Volume III | Chapter 1

CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OF CASE RECORD To assure the right of the individual to a confidential relationship with the agency, the worker must know and observe the safeguard regulations concerning the release of information about an individual, whether from the case records or forms. For a detailed discussion of these regulations see Chapter 1, Regulations Safeguarding Confidential Information. In addition to observing the regulations concerning the release of information, case records need to be protected from use by persons not connected with the MDHS county office. The county director will be responsible for the assignment of cases and the management of the case files within the county office. PURPOSE OF CASE RECORD FORMS The worker is responsible for the completion of case forms and for entering data in MAVERICS. Case record forms have been designed for: 1. Economy of time, space, material, and uniform organization to facilitate location of specific materials. 2. Inclusion of a written explanation when needed to clarify or to explain without repetition. Case record forms and MAVERICS screens also provide the mechanics necessary for the worker to determine eligibility and provide services. In this capacity, forms and screens provide for: 1. Authorization of action, whether approving, denying, increasing, reducing or terminating TANF. 2. A clear and usable record. 3. Date and signature or initials of the worker responsible for the accuracy and validity of information and decisions. 4. Maintaining the case record in the county where the client resides. THE CASE NUMBER