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If the applicant or member only has a guardian of the person, and the applicant’s guardian does not have the authority to enroll the person in BadgerCare Plus, Medicaid, or public assistance programs, the applicant or member must appoint the guardian of the person as an authorized representative if the applicant or member would like the guardian of the person to act on their behalf. If the applicant or member has a power of attorney, the applicant or member can still appoint an authorized representative. A valid authorized representative appointment requires all contact information of the authorized representative and the signatures of the applicant or member, the authorized representative, and a witness. If the applicant or member is signing with an “X,” a valid appointment requires two witness signatures. If any of the required signatures are missing, the following three conditions apply: • The authorized representative appointment is not valid. • This authorized representative cannot take action on behalf of the applicant or member. • The agency cannot disclose information about the case to the invalid authorized representative. For other valid signature requirements, refer to SECTION 25.5 VALID SIGNATURE. There can only be one authorized representative at a time on a case. There is no time limit on how long a person or organization can act as authorized representative. The appointment of the authorized representative is valid until the applicant or member notifies the agency of a change or removal in writing. Once appointed, the authorized representative has ability to act for all open programs on the case. Organizations acting as authorized representatives must provide the name and contact information of a person from the organization. Once the organization has been appointed as the authorized representative, anyone from the organization will be able to take action on behalf of the applicant or member (not just the person who signed the form on behalf of the organization). If an organization is only changing the contact person for the organization, the member is not required to complete a new Appoint, Change or Remove Authorized Representative form if the organization is going to remain as the authorized representative. The authorized representative should be familiar with the applicant or member’s household situation and is expected to fulfill their responsibilities to the same extent as the individual being represented. An authorized representative is limited to doing any or all of the following on behalf of the applicant or member: • Apply for or renew benefits • Report changes in the applicant or member’s circumstances or demographic information • Receive copies of the applicant or member’s notices and other communications from the agency • Work with the IM agency on any benefit related matters • File grievances or appeals regarding the applicant or member’s eligibility To change an authorized representative, the member must complete and submit the Appoint, Change, or Remove an Authorized Representative form to their IM agency. To remove an authorized representative, the member needs to let the agency know of the removal in writing, for example completing Section 1 of the Appoint, Change, or Remove an Authorized Representative form or submitting a signed letter indicating the removal. The member does not need to gather additional signatures from the authorized representative or a witness to complete the removal of an authorized representative. Authorized representatives can also request in writing (for example, a signed statement) to be removed if they no longer want to act as the authorized representative. If an authorized