Page 20

2.11 Confidentiality NRS 422A.342 addresses the “custody, use, preservation and confidentiality of records, files and communications concerning applicants for and recipients of public assistance.” The law mandates the Division establish and enforce reasonable rules and regulations governing restrictions on the use and disclosure of any information concerning applicants for and recipients of public benefits and comply with applicable provisions of the Social Security Act concerning confidentiality. Those rules and regulations are contained in the Nevada State Division of Welfare and Supportive Services Administrative Manual. Per NRS 232.357, the divisions within the Department of Health and Human Services may share confidential information without a formal release to do so. Information will be disseminated to law enforcement representatives as allowed by state/federal law. The Division complies with state and federal laws/regulations as they pertain to confidentiality and with the Division manual policies previously mentioned. 2.12 Applicant/Beneficiaries Rights Adequate written notice of an applicant’s/recipient’s rights to a fair hearing is provided in the Application for Assistance and the Notice of Decision. An administrative hearing before an impartial hearing officer may be requested by a household member or an authorized representative any action to deny, reduce or terminate benefits. Hearing requests must be received within 90 days from the date of the Notice of Decision and requests may be submitted in writing. Continued benefits are provided if a hearing request is received no later than the 10th day after the effective date of the proposed action. Benefits continue unchanged until the hearing decision is made unless a written request by the applicant that benefits not be continued is provided, or the hearing officer makes a preliminary finding that the sole issue is one of state or federal law requiring automatic benefit adjustment. Decisions of the hearing officer are rendered within 90 calendar days after the request for a hearing has been filed. The hearing decision may be appealed to the district court of the State of Nevada within 90 days from the date of decision as outlined in NRS 422A.300. 3. ASSESSMENT AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY PLAN 3.1 Assessments Screening Assessment In accordance with NRS 422A.530, an applicant for TANF cannot receive benefits until a screening assessment is completed. The assessment must include the following: • Prior work experience, including existing skills and the employability of each member of the applicant’s household. • Determination whether the members of the household need job training, assistance with transportation, child care, treatment for substance abuse, mental health services, English as a second language (ESL) training, specialized child care for