Title: Leterhead Image Descriptoin: Kansas Department for children and Families Office of the Secretary 915 SW Hrrision ST., cth Floor Tobeka Kansas 66612-1354 Phone:785-296-3271 Fax: 785-296-4685 www.dcf.ks.gov Phyllis Gilmore, Secretary Sam Brownback, Governor

M E M O R A N D U M

TO: EES Program Administrators

FROM: Jaime Rogers

DATE: 6/30/14, Revised 7-24-14

SUBJECT: TANF Suspicion-Based Drug Testing Implementation Instructions

This memo provides implementation instructions and information for the TANF Suspicion-Based Drug Testing policy to be implemented effective July 1, 2014. This policy applies to all applications and reviews processed on or after July 1, 2014.

  1. Overview

    1. Definition

      Drug testing is to be completed when any adult TANF applicant or recipient is suspected of unlawful use of a controlled substance or controlled substance analog. The definition of a controlled substance, and the list of such substances, is defined in K.S.A. 65-4105 and 65-4107. Controlled substance analog (K.S.A 65-4101) (bb)) is defined as one which is intended for human consumption, has a chemical structure of which is substantially similar to the chemical structure of a controlled substance and which has a stimulant, depressant or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system substantially similar to a controlled substance.

      The following persons are not subject to drug testing requirements as they are not eligible for cash assistance:

      1. SSI parents
      2. Caretaker relatives who do not request assistance for themselves
      3. Ineligible aliens non-citizens
      4. RCA individuals

    2. Substances

      DCF will be testing for the following controlled substances and controlled substance analogs
      • Amphetamines/Methamphetamines
      • Cannabinoids (THC- Marijuana)
      • Cocaine
      • Opiates
      • Phencyclidine (PCP)

    Note: Alcohol is not a controlled substance and the information contained in this memo does not pertain to reports of positive alcohol use. Any sign of alcohol abuse will follow current processes in place with screening and referral to SRCC. (See KEESM 3330.1)

  2. Consequences

    Failure to test and positive tests have different ineligibility periods. Only the individual is ineligible for TANF benefits. The remainder of the household, if eligible, can continue to receive benefits.

    1. Failure or Refusal to test

      1. First failure: Minimum Six months of ineligibility for the individual and subsequent drug test prior to regaining eligibility. The following action is to be completed on KAECSES:

        • Code the individual ‘DI’ on SEPA
        • Place a comment on INDA: “Suspicion Based DT”
        • Code PRAP for first refusal/failure to test: R1

      2. Second Failure: Minimum 12 months of ineligibility for the individual and subsequent drug test prior to regaining eligibility. The following action is to be completed on KAECSES:

        • Code the individual ‘DI’ on SEPA
        • Place a comment on INDA: “Suspicion Based DT”
        • Code PRAP for second refusal/failure to test: R2

      3. Third failure: Life time ineligibility for the individual. The following action is to be completed on KAECSES:

        • Code the individual ‘DI’ on SEPA
        • Place a comment on INDA: “Suspicion Based DT”
        • Code PRAP for third refusal/failure to test: R3

    2. Positive Test

      1. First positive test: Individual ineligible for TANF until successful completion of substance abuse treatment and job skills training. The following action is to be completed on KAECSES:

        • Code the individual ‘DI’ on SEPA
        • Place a comment on INDA: “Suspicion Based DT”
        • Code PRAP for first positive test: S1

      2. Second positive test: Individual ineligible for minimum of one year, successful completion of substance abuse treatment and job skills training. The following action is to be completed on KAECSES:

        • Code the individual ‘DI’ on SEPA
        • Place a comment on INDA: “Suspicion Based DT”
        • Code PRAP for second positive test: S2

      3. Third positive test: Individual ineligible for their lifetime for TANF

        • Code the individual ‘DI’ on SEPA
        • Place a comment on INDA: “Suspicion Based DT”
        • Code PRAP for third positive test: S3

  3. Referral Process

    1. Indicators

      Drug testing is only to be completed when a TANF applicant or recipient displays signs of substance abuse. Those signs include, but are not limited to, the following:

      • Arrest records (within the last 12 months)
      • Employment records (loss of job, failing a drug test, etc. within the last 12 months)
      • Self-declaration, Visual observation of drug use
      • Visual observation of drug paraphernalia
      • SASSI (Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory) indicators
      • Prior Refusal to drug test

      Staff are to document thoroughly in the record what indicators were present that warranted a drug test referral. The narrative is to include information needed to take to an appeal. Such information would include the date the suspicion of drug use occurred, the time of the day, and the specific behaviors of the individual which created the suspicion. If the information is based on substantiated third party reports, such as an employment termination, this information will need to be included in the documentation. Arrest records from news articles or court papers are to be copied and placed in the electronic case file.

    2. Applicants

      Prior to cash approval, an applicant may be identified for suspicion-based drug testing. Referral for testing can occur either by the EES worker at a face-to-face interview or other appointments, a SRCC worker, or by a substantiated third-party report.

      • The EES worker will call the local drug testing site, from the list in Appendix A, to schedule a date and time and note it on the ES-4108, Collection Site Passport. If the ES-4108 needs to be mailed, allow for mail delivery when scheduling the drug test.
      • Complete the referral form, ES-4108. Attach the ES-4108 to the Chain of Custody Form. Do NOT make any writings on the Chain of Custody form, including the name of the individual, the testing site, etc. The testing site will complete the Chain of Custody form in its entirety.
      • Give all copies of the Chain of Custody form to the client
          
      • Email a copy of the referral form to the regional drug coordinator
      • Copy to the electronic case file

    3. Recipients

      At any time an individual may be identified for Suspicion-based drug testing.

      The referral process is the same as for applicants except that during orientation when SASSI indicates high probability of drug or alcohol use (past or present) The SRCC worker will call the local drug testing site, from the list in Appendix A, to schedule a date and time and note it on the ES-4108.

    The drug test is to be completed as soon as possible, preferably the same day, but no later than 24 hours after identification of the suspicion arises. This may not be possible if the suspicion arises out of a substantiated third party report (PPS, employer, arrest records, etc.). In these instances, an ES-3105.1 with the ES-4108 is to be mailed, with Chain of Custody form and other mailing items as described above. The individual is required to obtain the drug test as soon as possible, allowing for mailing time (based on your local office mailing procedures). There may also be instances where a reasonable accommodation needs to be made for an individual which would not allow for same day testing. This is to be explored prior to scheduling an appointment. However, the Program Administrator may make an exception for a missed test using the claim of reasonable accommodation.

    The results of the drug test will be returned to the regional drug coordinator. The regional drug coordinator will begin tracking processes, print the results of the drug test into OneNote under the Penalty tab and email the local office directly with the results attached to process the change in eligibility. (Click the link below for local office email addresses: (http://srsnet.srs.ks.gov/commissions/ees/PolicyProc/BPR%20documents/EES%20%20-%20Email%20Addresses%20for%20Partners.pdf) The local office purple team will take appropriate action on the case, set WOAL’s, PRAP coding and send appropriate notices.

    The regional drug coordinator will provide subsequent monitoring of the ineligibility period (if indicated), treatment and skills training.

  4. Treatment

    1. Positive drug test

      1. Substance abuse treatment time frames are contingent upon the type of treatment needed as per the addiction. Treatment times will be determined by the substance abuse treatment center and monitored and reported by SRCC. SRCC will notify the local office and the regional drug coordinator when the individual successfully completes or drops out of treatment.

        Some individuals may be identified by RADAC as not eligible for treatment. These individuals have been identified as an occasional user and not ‘addicted’. The process for these individuals is explained in the section for Regaining Eligibility.

        Once a drug test has returned a positive screen, the EES worker is to refer the individual to SRCC staff for treatment via the ES-4412. The SRCC case manager will track treatment progress and inform the local office and the regional drug coordinator if treatment is successfully completed, or if the client fails to complete the treatment process. The local office will also notify the regional drug coordinator when an individual successfully completes treatment, and when the individual stops treatment. This will assure information is received and tracked by the regional drug coordinator. An individual can attempt treatment multiple times prior to successful completion. Each entry into treatment and each termination of treatment are required to be reported to the regional drug coordinator.

      2. Skills Training:

        Some treatment options may include job skills training as part of the treatment process. Other options may require substance abuse treatment be completed prior to the initiation of a jobs skills training program.

        At some point during or after the treatment process, a job skills program referral is needed. This request may come from the treatment provider or from the individual.

        The local office is responsible to notify the regional drug coordinator when an individual successfully completes skills training, and when the individual stops skills training. An individual can attempt skills training multiple times prior to successful completion. Each entry into skills training and each termination of skills training are required to be reported to the regional drug coordinator.

  5. Eligibility Procedures

    Four positions, one for each region, will coordinate the drug testing results and be responsible to make payment for the drug testing. Once a referral has been completed, the regional drug coordinator will track the results for reporting requirements. Once the results are received from the contractor, the regional drug coordinator will send an email to the purple team at the local office and print the test results to OneNote under the Penalty tab. The email will include the following instructions:

      • ‘Negative Drug Test’. Please send ES-3110 or A719 .
      • ‘Positive Drug Test’ or ‘Failed to Test’ with information on which instance the positive or failure exists, e.g. first, second, etc.
      • Remove access to cash assistance of all adult member of the household from ebtEDGE. Do not adjust access of the adult to food assistance or child care.

The purple team will be responsible to take appropriate case action as per the consequences of the results of the test.

Actions include the following:

    • Remove the individual by coding the individual ‘DI’.
    • Send appropriate notices, ES-3109 or A718.
    • Update ebtEDGE removing access to cash assistance from the household.
    • Request a protective payee using form P-3 (and attachment to P-3) or V018 and V019
    • Refer to RADAC for treatment using form ES-4412.
    • Change JOPR to NA/AG.
    • Change KSCares to JO TR

All communication from RADAC and the regional drug coordinator and skills training is to be sent to the local office for appropriate follow-up. The Work Program case manager is to send updates to the regional drug coordinator.

  1. Negative Drug Test

    Once test results are received back from the vendor, results are entered into the electronic case file by the regional drug coordinator, who also notifies the local office. Payment for the test will be completed by the drug testing coordinator. Appropriate notification (ES-3110/A719) to the client is completed by the purple team.

  2. Failure or Refusal to Test

    Failure or refusal to cooperate with drug testing results in TANF ineligibility for the applicant or recipient. This ineligibility applies only to the individual (code DI on SEPA) who fails/refuses the drug test. The MFU of the family remains eligible for TANF.

    A first refusal or failure to test results in a minimum six months of ineligibility for TANF for that individual. A second refusal or failure to test results in a minimum twelve months of ineligibility for TANF for that individual and a third refusal results in lifetime ineligibility for TANF for the individual.

    Refusal to test and failure to test include the following:

      • Failure to provide a sample for drug testing within the required timeframe;
      • Failure to fully comply with the drug testing process as directed by DCF or its designee;
      • Failure to appear for drug testing at the designated location and time;
      • Failure to contact or cooperate with any medical review process, including but not limited to, providing copies of medical records needed to confirm the result of the drug testing;
      • Failure to provide verification of identity; or
      • Failure to complete any documents or consent forms required by the DCF or its designee, or the drug testing vendor.

Note: Failure to provide a sample for drug testing within the required timeframe may be granted good cause at the program administrative level or their designee. Documentation will be required.

A protective payee is required to be named to receive and manage the TANF funds for the care of the household. (See Protective Payees)

  1. Applicants who fail or refuse to submit to drug testing will be processed as follows:

    1. At interview, applicant is requested to drug test:

      1. Applicant refuses, and verbally or in writing withdraws application

        1. Send the ES-4108 as indicated in III, B. All suspicion-based requests are to be documented and tracked.
        2. Application will be denied based on the client requesting case closure, however we will use “CH” on AFED and not CR or VW.
        3. This is also considered a refusal to test. The EES worker will take action as outlined in Section V by sending appropriate notices and coding PRAP and WOAL. A detailed narration in One Note is required.

      2. Applicant walks out the door with the referral (ES-4108), the Chain of Custody form, and, if necessary, a request for information (ES-3105.1/V000). The individual does not return any information and does not complete the drug testing:

        1. Deny the application for failure to provide using code “CH” on AFED. Using ‘CH’ allows for adequate tracking.
        2. Send the Failure to Provide (A200) and the Drug Testing Notice, ES-3109 or A219.
        3. This is considered a failure to drug test and is considered a first, second or third refusal. The EES worker will take action as outlined Section V.

      3. Applicant walks out the door with the referral (ES-4108), Chain of Custody form, and, if necessary, a request for information (ES-3105.1). The individual provides all information requested on the ES-3105.1 but does not complete the drug test:

        1. If the lab reports the individual failed to drug test, the application can be processed for the other family members. (Code the individual DI).
        2. If the lab reports have not been returned showing a failure to test, the application is to be processed as would normally occur.
        3. If the lab reports have been returned, this is considered a failure to drug test. Send notice A219. The individual is not eligible (coded DI) until completion of drug test

        Note: Applications are not to be delayed while waiting on drug test results. Continue processing applications as per the current BPM process.

      Food Assistance: There is no consequence in the Food Assistance program for failure or refusal to submit to drug testing at application.

  2. Recipients who fail or refuse to submit to drug testing will be treated as explained in Consequences section, II, A, 1 and 2 and Section V. The individual is to be coded DI and ineligibility is applied according to first, second or third failure rules.

Note: A request for withdrawal or case closure at this point in time for on-going cases does not override a drug test request. A case may close as a Voluntary Withdrawal using code CH, however the ineligibility for refusal to test is applied according to first, second or third failure rules.

Note: Once an individual has been identified for Suspicion-based drug testing, an ES-4108 is to be completed, even if the client requests withdrawal or closure. All suspicion-based activity is to be documented and forwarded to the regional drug coordinator.

The comparable penalty/disqualification provisions apply only when the person is a TANF and FA recipient at the time of the refusal to drug test or a positive drug test. See more on page 13

  1. Positive Drug Tests

    A positive drug test will result in ineligibility for the individual failing the drug test. The regional drug testing coordinator will upload the results in One Note under the Penalty tab and notify the local office. The purple team will take the following action:

  1. A first positive drug test for a controlled substance or analog will require the individual to be removed from the TANF benefit. Refer to Section V for instructions.

    There is no specific time period for the individual to remain off assistance.

    Prior to regaining eligibility for TANF, the individual will need to complete substance abuse treatment and attend job skills training. (Explained in complete detail in Regaining Eligibility). Once treatment and job skills training have been successfully completed the individual may be added back to the TANF case the following month. EbtEDGE will be updated to restore individual access to cash assistance benefits. Any information received at the local office regarding treatment or training needs to be forwarded to the regional drug coordinator for tracking purposes.

  2. A second positive drug test for a controlled substance or analog will require the individual to again complete substance abuse treatment and attend job skills training. The individual will remain ineligible for TANF for a period of 12 months and will not be eligible for TANF until such time the 12 months expires and completion of substance abuse treatment and job skills training is complete, whichever is longer. Refer to Section V for instructions. A new P-3 is required.


    Prior to regaining eligibility for TANF, the individual will need to complete substance abuse treatment and attend job skills training. (Explained in complete detail in Regaining Eligibility). Once treatment and job skills training have been successfully completed the individual may be added back to the TANF case the following month. Any information received at the local office regarding treatment or training needs to be forwarded to the regional drug coordinator for tracking purposes.

  3. A third positive drug test for a controlled substance or analog will result in a lifetime ban for TANF assistance. See instruction in Section V. A new P-3 is required.

A protective payee is required to be named to receive and manage the TANF funds for the care of the household. (See Protective Payees)

The comparable disqualification provisions apply only when the person is a TANF and FA recipient at the time of the refusal to drug test or a positive drug test. See more on page 13.

  1. Request for retest

    Individuals who test positive may request a different lab perform a second drug screening on the initial sample at the clients expense. DCF staff are not to authorize a retest of the sample. It is the individual’s responsibility to arrange the retest of the original sample, utilizing an authorized testing site. If the test results again indicate positive usage for a controlled substance, the individual is responsible for this cost. However, if the second lab results do not confirm the initial positive, DCF will reimburse the client for this expense.

    In order to reimburse the client, the client will need to provide EES staff a copy of the invoice showing the payment has been made on this second round of tests. Once the client has provided this information, the EES worker will forward it to the regional coordinator with a copy of the original ES-4108, with a request to reimburse the client for the expense. Reimbursement will be made on the individuals EBT card (if open assistance case). Otherwise a warrant will be issued.

    If the second test indicates the first test was a false positive action is to be taken to add the individual to the TANF case, and any underpayments are to be authorized.

  2. Tracking

    Regional drug coordinators will track referrals, requests for second reading of test results by another drug company, and reimbursements for false positives. These staff will need to have information for each of the following categories in order to fulfill their job duties.

    1. Referrals:

      • Form ES-4108 is to be given to the client, giving the date of the drug test.
      • Provide the Chain of Custody form and all mailing materials to the individual.
      • A copy of the ES-4108 is to be sent to the regional drug coordinator. (see procedures as outlined in Recipient Referrals).

    2. Ineligibility Periods: Each positive test or refusal to test has consequences and are detailed in Section II.

    3. Treatment Completion: Each attempt at treatment, whether successful or not, is to be tracked.

    4. Skills Training: Each attempt at skills training, whether successful or not, is to be tracked.

    5. Second Tests: Individuals who test positive may request a different lab perform a second drug screening on the initial sample at the clients expense. If the test results again indicate positive usage for a controlled substance, the individual is responsible for this cost. However, if the second lab results do not confirm the initial positive, DCF will reimburse the client for this expense.

    6. Re-imbursements: In order to reimburse the client, the client will need to provide EES staff a copy of the invoice showing the payment has been made on this second round of tests. Once the client has provided this information, the EES worker will forward it to the regional coordinator with a copy of the original ES-4108, with a request to reimburse the client for the expense. Reimbursement will be made on the individuals EBT card (if open assistance case). Otherwise a warrant will be issued.

    7. Appeals: Notify the regional drug coordinator of any appeal requests and send a copy of the appeal documents to the regional drug coordinator.

  3. Protective Payees

    Individuals who test positive or refuse a drug test are required to have a protective payee named to administer their cash benefits for the remaining household members. Protective payees are also subject to suspicion-based drug testing at their own expense. If the household cannot identify a suitable protective payee, the agency will assist in identifying one for them. Protective payees who test positive or refuse to drug test are not eligible to receive DCF sponsored substance abuse treatment or skills training.

    The payee form (P-3, located in KEESM Appendix/V018 and V019) is to be signed in the presence of a DCF notary. Once a payee is assigned, the information will be added to EbtEDGE initiated by the local office change team. The local office will determine if this individual is an appropriate payee.

    Once a protective payee has been approved by local DCF staff, and the notarized P-3/V018 is signed, the protective payee needs to be identified as such in EbtEDGE. Individuals who are not qualified to be acceptable payees include, but are not limited to:

    • Another adult that lives in the same residence
    • An individual who lives too far from the household to be able to adequately assure benefits are distributed appropriately (prudent person principle)
    • An individual with a substantiated drug history
    • Documented Prudent Person related decision

In order to set up the protective payee: The local office will go to ebtEDGE and

  1. change the cash access for the primary cardholder to “none” if this has not already been done. Do NOT adjust access for the client for child care or food assistance.
  2. establish the protected payee in the EBT system and grant them access to the cash benefit.

Once the ineligibility period ends and eligibility for recipient is re-established, the purple team with notify the ebtEDGE clerk to update ebtEDGE, releasing the cash benefit to the Primary Individual and remove the protected payee from the EBT case.

  1. Regaining Eligibility

    Positive drug test:

    Regaining eligibility for a first positive test is accomplished by completing substance abuse treatment and job skills training. There is no specified length of ineligibility for the individual for first positive test.

    • Notify the regional drug coordinator of successful completion of substance abuse treatment
    • Notify the regional drug coordinator of successful completion of skills training completion

Regaining eligibility for a second positive: Minimum 12 months of ineligibility before regaining eligibility and successful completion of substance abuse treatment and job skills training.

  1. Positive drug test:

    1. Treatment:

      When RADAC identifies the applicant or recipient as not eligible for treatment, the individual will remain ineligible for TANF and be required to retest in 60 days. Prior to regaining eligibility, the individual must:

      • complete 6 to 12 hour approved substance abuse course
      • complete skills training

      Once these two requirements are met, the regional drug coordinator is to complete the following:

      • Call the local drug testing site, from the list in Appendix A, to schedule a date and time and note (allowing for mailing time) on the ES-4108.
      • Complete the referral form, ES-4108 and attach the Chain of Custody Form (do not make any writings on the Chain of Custody form – this form will be completed by the testing site in its entirety).
      • Mail the ES-4108 and all copies of the Chain of Custody form (with mailing materials) to the client
          
      • Copy of the ES-4108 to the electronic case file, under Penalty tab If the test returns positive, this is then considered a second positive and processes for a second positive is implemented. The regional drug coordinator will copy the results into One Note, under the Penalty tab and notify the local office. The EES purple team will send all appropriate notices and take any necessary case action.

      If this test returns negative, the regional drug coordinator will notify the local office and the purple team will add the individual back to the case the following month.

    2. Skills training:

      For curing a positive drug test, skills training will consist of:

      1. First positive drug test:

        • Current KansasWorks Registration and:

          • KeyTrain (all three courses)

            • Reading for Information
            • Applied Mathematics
            • Locating Information

          • WorkKeys Certificate if appropriate and
          • Intensive case management and job placement.

      2. Second positive drug test: Intensive case management and job placement. This is to be completed by the Work Program Case Manager.

        • Completion of a skills based training with credentials (for example ABE, CDL, CNA, one semester of AO-K or Trac7); or
        • Best Training if the individual is not TANF eligible (Best Training is available through the workforce center).

        Note: Once an adult member has received 48 months TANF assistance, skills training will no longer be allowed. DCF will continue paying for ongoing training program for the semester that was entered before the TANF was closed.

        Only those who successfully complete the skills training and substance abuse treatment will be eligible for reinstatement of the TANF benefit. (Individuals with a second positive drug test must also complete the 12 months of ineligibility period prior to reinstatement).

        Once job skills training (and substance abuse treatment) are complete, DCF staff will notify the regional drug coordinator for tracking purposes. Once notification has been received of successful completion by the individual, the local office purple team will review and authorize the TANF benefit for the following month (following penalty rules, etc.).

  2. Failure or refusal to test:

    After a first refusal to test, and 6 months of ineligibility for the individual has passed, the client may request to be added back to the case. When that occurs, the client is to be referred for a drug test.

    For first failure/refusal, and 6 months of ineligibility:

    • The client agrees, and submits to the drug test.

      • The test is positive:

        • First, second or third positive drug test policies will be implemented.

      • The test is negative:

        • Add the individual back to the TANF case the month following the month of request.

    • The client refuses:

      • This is a second refusal and individual is ineligible for a second disqualification of twelve months.

    For second failure/refusal, and 12 months of ineligibility:

    • The client agrees, and submits to the drug test.

      • The test is positive:

        • First, second or third positive drug test policies will be implemented.

      • The test is negative:

        • Add the individual back to the TANF case the month following the month of request.

        • The client refuses:

          • This is a third refusal and individual is ineligible for TANF in their lifetime.

    A drug test for adding the person back to the case (or re-application) may be completed at any time within the last 30 days of the ineligibility period.
  1. Appeals

    Appeals for any negative actions taken in regard to the drug testing policy are to be handled in accordance with KEESM with three additional requirements:

    • Notification to your regional legal counsel and submit copies of the appeal documents.
    • Notification to the regional drug coordinator and submit copies of the appeal documents.
    • The contractor for the drug testing site is to be advised of their requirement to attend the appeal hearing, as their testimony will be needed on the testing protocols in place at the site and of the certification and training of the person completing the test and reading the results.

  2. TANF Drug Testing Effect on Food Assistance

    The comparable penalty/disqualification provisions of 2550 apply to the same person on food assistance that failed to cooperate/tested positive for TANF. The individual must be receiving food assistance benefits and TANF at the time of the TANF drug testing disqualification to be disqualified from the Food Assistance Program. Thus a disqualification on food assistance will never be done if the food assistance application is pending at the time of the TANF disqualification. If food assistance is approved before TANF and a disqualification for TANF is applied while the TANF application is pending, a comparable disqualification does NOT apply because the person was not receiving TANF at the time of the disqualification. If, however, FA is approved and TANF is approved and then the disqualification is applied to TANF, it shall be applied to the same individual for food assistance since the individual was receiving benefits for both programs at the time of the TANF disqualification. The comparable disqualification will always apply when both the TANF and food assistance case are in ongoing status.

    TANF disqualifications for failure to test, and testing positive will both result in a comparable disqualification for food assistance. Only the person who fails to test or who tests positive is disqualified. SEPA code is DI.

    The TANF benefit will be paid to a protective payee during the period of the disqualification. The TANF benefit will continue to be counted as the income of the PI on the food assistance case.

    Establishing the Disqualification - Disqualification periods vary depending on whether the TANF disqualification is for failure to test, or for testing positive.

    Refusal to test –

    • irst Refusal - 6 months for the first failure or refusal to test
    • Second Refusal –12 months.
    • Third Refusal – Maximum 12 months for food assistance. (TANF is lifetime.)

    Tests Positive –

    • First Positive Test – Individual is ineligible until substance abuse treatment and a skills training course is complete. If completed for food assistance prior to the end of 12 months from the start month, the person shall be added back to the case the month following the month of completion. If not completed by that time, the maximum disqualification period is 12 months for food assistance.

      Note: In some instances the individual is not identified for treatment per the DCF contractor. In those situations, the person must complete 6-12 hour approved substance abuse course and skills training. Ineligibility will be for a minimum of 60 days at which time a new urine test will be required for TANF. If the second test is negative, the individual shall be added to the case the month following the month of the negative test. If a subsequent test is positive, then the below disqualifications apply depending on if it’s a second or third test.

    • Second Positive Test – Individual is ineligible for a minimum of 12 months. For food assistance, 12 months is also the maximum period.
    • Third Positive Test – For TANF the person is permanently ineligible for TANF for their lifetime. For food assistance, a third positive is a minimum and maximum of 12 months.

    Re-establishing Eligibility – The individual shall be added to the food assistance case (DI to IN) as follows:

    • Refusal to Test – after the minimum six-month period has been served for food assistance, the individual shall be added the first month following the end of the six-month period.
    • First Positive Test – If the substance abuse treatment and skills training is completed, the person can be added the month following the month of completion. If not completed by the end of 12 months (from the first disqualification month), then the FA individual shall be added to the food assistance case the first month following the end of the 12 month period.
    • Second/Third Positive Test – The individual is added the first month following the end of the minimum 12 month period.

Attachments:

  1. Collection Site Addresses
  2. Examples for Suspicion-Based Drug Tests
  3. BPM Script for Drug Test Indicators
  4. Drug testing scenarios, questions
  5. MACRO’s for I005
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