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Subject: SNAP General Administrative Procedures

Policy 24.01 Date of Last Review: 11/30/2023 Effective Date: 12/31/2019 Date of Next Review: 11/30/2026 RDA: SW22 Page 2 of 6 a. Developing a relationship of confidence between all TDHS staff and the Applicant/Recipient (A/R). b. Defining and protecting the rights of applicants through safeguards against: i. Identification of such individuals as a special group. ii. Exploitation of this group for commercial, personal or political purposes. iii. Making information available solely as a basis for prosecution and other proceedings at the direction of the Department’s Office of General Counsel. c. Providing a basis for recognition by the court of the right of TDHS to protect its records. d. Developing a relationship of confidence between TDHS and the public at large, by protecting information made available to TDHS by representatives of the public and utilizing such information only for the purpose of the proper functioning of TDHS programs. C. Information Considered Confidential In general, all personally identifiable information is confidential, including, but not limited to the following: 1. Case records; 2. Reports of investigations and medical investigations; 3. Names and addresses of Family Assistance participants; 4. All other information known to the agency in connection with Family Assistance and other services; and/or 5. Personal information contained on applications and on various forms. D. Exceptions to Confidential Information Subject to the approval of the Office of General Counsel, confidential information may be disclosed under the following circumstances: 1. Information released to law enforcement officials to assist in prosecuting fraud against TDHS or child abuse, where otherwise required by federal or state law; 2. Information released to appropriate agencies assisting in collection of child support in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program; 3. Information released to service providers, such as mental health professionals, providing services to abusive or neglectful parents or non-parental caretakers; 4. Information released to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) for work registration and other employment and training requirements; 5. Information released to the child’s guardian ad litem in child custody and guardianship cases; 6. Total expenditure of funds across the agency or by program;