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Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services Energy Assistance Program Manual C. Exchange of Information between the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services and Other Energy Assistance Providers

The EAP may exchange information with other energy assistance providers in the state. The Division of Welfare and Supportive Services will, at any time, provide needed information to other energy providers, e.g., verifying if a household has received benefits and in what amount. Conversely, EAP will solicit necessary information from the energy assistance providers on an as needed basis to ensure funds are expended on those meeting eligibility criteria. All information received from a public utility regarding energy usage at a specific address shall remain confidential. D. Preventing Disclosure of Information If staff receive a request for disclosure of information which cannot be released, inform the person requesting the information about the confidentiality of case records based on federal and state laws. If staff receive a subpoena to appear in court with a household’s record, notify the program manager who will notify the deputy attorney general (DAG). Staff must receive instructions on court protocol, appearance and disclosure laws, etc. See Administrative Manual – Chapter 600 for more information on confidentiality and disclosure of information. 1008 REPORTING OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT Reporting abuse and neglect is not prohibited by confidentiality policies. Staff must report instances of suspected physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, exploitation, or neglect. Refer to Division of Welfare and Supportive Services Administrative Manual, Chapter 2500, for specific policies and procedures on reporting neglect and abuse. The NRS lists the persons/professionals who must make a report to a child protective services agency or law enforcement agency immediately, but in no event later than 24-hours after there is reason to believe a child has been abused or neglected. DWSS employees that are not mandatory reporters per Nevada law, all must report abuse/neglect situations made known to them to the proper authorities immediately. 1009 NON-DISCRIMINATION The Division of Welfare and Supportive Services does not discriminate against any applicant or participant in any aspect of program administration. Benefits are extended to all eligible households without regard to age, race, color, gender, handicap, religion, disability (including AIDS and AIDS-related conditions), national origin, political beliefs, or sexual orientation according to federal laws and regulations. The Division of Welfare and Supportive Services must inform the public of non-discrimination policy and the applicable complaint procedures, and must provide access to nondiscrimination information within ten (10) days of request. All Division of Welfare and Supportive Services offices must post nondiscrimination and civil rights policy in lobby areas. MTL 01/24 June 25, 2024 - 9 - Section 1000 - Case Management