West Virginia WIC Policy & Procedure 2.16 Effective Date: 5/03/2022 2.16 Mid-Certification Follow-Up for Breastfeeding Women, Infants and Children POLICY: The certification period for fully and partially breastfeeding women ends on the day before the infant’s first birthday, unless breastfeeding is discontinued. The certification period for infants enrolled in WIC before six (6) months of age ends on the day before their first birthday. The certification period for children ends one-year after the certification begins. Note: see Policy 2.08 Certification Periods The breastfeeding woman, infant, or child must complete a mid-certification follow-up appointment to assess their nutritional status. PROCEDURE: A. Scheduling the Mid-Certification Follow-Up Appointment 1. The breastfeeding woman, infant, or child must be scheduled for a follow-up appointment six (6) months after the beginning of their certification period. B. Collection of Information 1. The Crossroads Demographics Screen will be reviewed to ensure that all the household information is correct (address, phone number, other contact information etc.). a. Identification of the Parent/Guardian/Caretaker and/or Participant can be verified verbally. b. Residency can be verbally verified while reviewing household information. c. Proof of income will not be reviewed or changed. i. If another family member is found to be over income during the certification period, the breastfeeding woman, infant, or child will also be ineligible for exceeding income guidelines. If the participant is a current Medicaid recipient, they will retain automatic adjunct income eligibility for WIC (see Policy 2.06, Income Eligibility Requirements). 2. The Crossroads Anthro/Lab Screen will be completed with current anthropometric data (see Policy 2.12 Anthropometric Measurements) and hematological data if required by policy (see Policy 2.13 Hematological Testing). Note: All children between the age of 13 and 23 months old must have a hematological test at the mid-certification follow-up visit. a. Current measurements taken by the physician may be used for the mid-certification appointment. 1 of 2

West Virginia WIC Policy & Procedure 2.16 Effective Date: 5/03/2022 2.16 Mid-Certification Follow-Up for Breastfeeding Women, Infants and Children i. Anthropometric measurements must not be older than 60 days (see Policy 2.12 Anthropometric Measurements). ii. Hematological data must not be older than 90 days and must reflect the participant’s current WIC category (see Policy 2.13 Hematological Testing). 3. The Nutritionist/Nutrition Associate (CPA) should add nutrition risk codes to the Crossroads Assigned Risk Factors Screen following completion of a health/nutrition assessment. 4. A Nutrition Care Plan must be completed by the Nutritionist/Nutrition Associate (CPA) (see Policy 5.04 The Nutrition Care Plan). C. Individual Nutrition Education Contact 1. The Nutritionist/Nutrition Associate (CPA) will discuss the participant’s nutritional needs with the participant, parent/guardian or caretaker and document the individual nutrition education contact in the Crossroads Nutrition Education Screen. D. Missed Appointment 1. eWIC benefits will not be denied if the follow-up appointment is missed. a. Staff must attempt to contact the parent/guardian before issuing benefits. 2. The Local Agency should reschedule missed appointments. REFERENCES: 1. WIC Regulations 7 CFR 246.7 Certification of Participants 2 of 2