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Page | 26 I. Take precautions to ensure and maintain the confidentiality of information transmitted to other parties through the use of computers, electronic mail, fax machines, phones, voice mails, and other electronic or computer technology. Disclosure of identifying information will be avoided whenever possible. J. Information must be safeguarded, and the custody of this information must be maintained at all times. Each person responsible for information should use reasonable diligence to protect and prevent the disclosure of information provided by the customer. This includes: 1. Keeping information properly put away where visitors might have access to them. 2. Information should be kept in the office or scanned. If information is needed in a different location, the information should be scanned so it can be viewed on File Director. Avoid sending original documentation. 3. Pending information should be either scanned to File Director or kept in a safe and secure location until it can be scanned.

There is zero-tolerance for disclosure of confidential information. Any unauthorized disclosure of confidential information is a violation of policy and may be a violation of South Dakota and United States laws. Employees may be held subject to the penalties for any such unauthorized disclosures. Violations will result in disciplinary action, including termination.

1410 DISCLOSURE RESTRICTIONS

SNAP case record information is restricted to the following: A. Persons directly connected with the administration or enforcement of the provisions or regulations of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. B. Persons directly connected with administration or enforcement of federal assistance programs, or federally assisted state programs which provide assistance on a means tested basis to low income individuals, including releasing information for access to free school lunch meals. C. Employees of the Comptroller General’s Office of the United States for audit examination authorized by any other provision of law. D. Persons directly connected with the administration or enforcement of the programs which are required to participate in the State Income and Eligibility Verification System (IEVS) to the extent the SNAP information is useful in establishing or verifying eligibility or benefit amounts under those programs. E. Persons directly connected with the Division of Child Support (DCS) and the Administration of Children and Families (ACF) (Currently called Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) employees as necessary to assist in establishing or verifying eligibility or benefits under Title II (Old Age Survivors and Disability Benefits) and Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act. F. Information released to local, state, or federal law enforcement officials is restricted. Direct all requests from law enforcement officials to SNAP program staff. SNAP program staff will do the following: 1. Notify the law enforcement official that the request must be submitted in writing. The written request must include the identity of the individual requesting the information and his/her authority to do so, the violation being requested, and the person’s identity the information is being requested for. 2. If the request is for the purpose of investigating an alleged violation of the Food and Nutrition Act or regulations, any information requested will be provided. 3. If the request is to assist in the investigation of a person fleeing to avoid prosecution, custody, or confinement for a felony; violating a condition of parole or probation; or a person who has information necessary for the officer to conduct an official duty related to a felony/parole violation information requested will be provided.