12 Fair Hearings,2605(b)(13) - Assurance 13

12.1 How many fair hearings did the Grant recipient have in the prior federal Fiscal Year? None 12.2 How many of those fair hearings resulted in the initial decision being reversed? None 12.3 Describe any policy and/or procedural changes made in the last federal Fiscal Year as a result of fair hearings? None 12.4 Describe your fair hearing procedures for households whose applications are denied and/or not acted upon in a timely manner. An applicant or recipient has the right to request a Hearing or Appeal if they are dissatisfied with the denial, delay, cancellation, or any adverse decision related to your application for services. Types of Hearings Appeal (Agency Level) Basis for an Appeal 1. Incorrect bill submitted • Information provided is insufficient to determine eligibility • Requested additional information not returned within ten (10) calendar days • Non-compliance with CSBG Case Management Plan • Threatening behavior toward staff • Your claim for assistance was not acted upon with reasonable promptness • If a client submits a Fair Hearing request for any of the above-mentioned reasons their request will be automatically denied. The client must submit a request for an appeal within thirty (30) calendar days of the denial or adverse action. The request must be submitted on https://virtualroma.mdhs.ms.gov/ and include all of the following: Name of Community Service Agency Full Name and Address Date of Denial or Adverse Action Notice Stated Reason(s) for Denial or Action Reason(s) for Appeal Request The client’s request will be submitted to the Executive Director and Board Chair. The Executive Director and Board Chair will have 15 calendar days to contact the client to schedule an appeal. After scheduling and hearing the grievance, the Executive Director and Board Chair will then have 15 calendar days to make a final determination in regard to the appeal. Fair Hearing (MDHS Level) Basis for a Fair Hearing 1. If the client was denied at the agency level and has met all the criteria for a complete application, but still feels they are eligible for services for the following reasons: Disagreement with the denial itself • Incorrect information or assessment • Procedural error • Discrimination • Failure to make a timely decision • Changes in circumstances • Other _________________ • • The client can request a fair hearing by submitting the required form in several different ways: Complete a MDHS Programmatic Appeal Request form (https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MDHS-OIG-200- Programmatic-Appeal-Request-Form.pdf). Submit the MDHS Programmatic Appeal Request form through any of the following: • Email: admin.hearings@mdhs.ms.gov Fax: 601-359-5047 Mail: Mississippi Department of Human Services Office of the Inspector General Administrative Hearings P.O. Box 352 Jackson, MS 39201 Phone: 601-359-4921. After a client requests a fair hearing, they will receive a notice letting them know a date and time for their fair hearing. Usually, fair hearings are conducted over the phone. During the hearing, the client will be given the opportunity to present their position fully and explain why they believe that the decision made by Agency was wrong. The client may bring any evidence that they believe supports their position. MDHS may also present information about why the agency believes the decision was correct. After hearing from both sides, the hearing officer will make a decision about whether the agency’s decision was wrong and should be changed or the agency’s decision was correct and should not be changed. See Fair Hearing Policy Attachement 12.5 When and how are applicants informed of these rights? Clients are informed of the Fair Hearing Process during intake process at the CAA. Upon intake and denial of services, a copy of the Fair Hearing Process is given or will be mailed with the denial letter to the applicant. The process for fair hearings is clearly posted in county offices. If any of the above questions require further explanation or clarification that could not be made in the fields provided, attach a document with said explanation here.