Sec. 07.02.15.04. Application Process

A. The adult or the adult's representative shall make a referral for service to the local department in writing, by telephone, or in person.

B. The local department based upon availability if staff, shall send a representative to take the application and establish the eligibility of an adult wishing to apply when the adult or the adult's representative is unable to come to the local department.

(1) The Department’s representative shall complete an initial assessment of the client’s risk, needs, resources, and eligibility within 10 days of receipt of referral.

(2) If the local department finds that it is faced with limited staff resources or experiences a delay in the completion of an application to establish eligibility, the client’s name shall be placed on a Client Waitlist without an assessment.

(3) After the adult is placed on the Client Waitlist without an assessment, the local department shall notify the adult or the adult’s representative in writing of the action. The written notice shall include the following:

(a) An explanation that, due to a lack of funding or staff, an assessment of the client’s eligibility for the program cannot be conducted by the Department at this time, and that the adult’s name will be placed on a Client Waitlist without an assessment;

(b) Information that explains that the adult will be contacted by the Department when staff is available to meet with them and discuss their eligibility and application for services;

(c) Information that directs the adult or the adult’s representative to contact the agency should the adult’s circumstances, need, risk level, or contact information changes so that their referral information can be updated;

(d) Information that specifies the regulation supporting the reason for any necessary intended agency action; and

(e) Information informing the adult that the local department shall contact the adult at least annually to ensure continued accuracy of the referral information, and that services are still needed.

C. The adult or the adult's representative shall complete and sign an application, on a form provided by the Administration. When the request is for information and referral only, a signed application is not required. A request for information and referral service may be made in writing, by telephone, or in person by the adult or the adult's representative.

D. The date of application is the date on which the local department receives the signed application.