La. Admin. Code tit. 67 § III-409

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section III-409 - Participation of Approved Prepared-Meal Facilities [Formerly Section 407]

A. Facilities providing prepared meals that are authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service and, in some instances, the agency, to accept food stamp benefits for prepared meals may be authorized redemption points using the EBT card. Participating facilities are subject to all applicable regulations of this provision. If found guilty of abuse, misuse or fraud by using the EBT card or benefits in a manner or intent contrary to the purpose of the Food Stamp Program, a facility may be permanently disqualified from participation and have all equipment provided by the vendor disconnected and removed from the facility after due process.

1. A facility must maintain confidentiality in accordance with Food Stamp Program rules by requiring privacy when accepting payments or payment/contributions from recipients.

2. Settlement of funds to a facility will be made electronically as a direct deposit to the financial institution selected by the facility.

3. A facility must sign a contract with the agency's EBT vendor and be certified to the vendor's system prior to participation.

B. Types of Facilities

1. Duly authorized non-residential facilities such as communal dining facilities or Meals-on-Wheels may accept food stamp benefits for single meals.

2. Duly authorized residential facilities such as homeless shelters or battered women's shelters may accept food stamp benefits for multiple meals or on-going food maintenance. Such establishments may accept food stamp payments or contributions not to exceed the biweekly rate of the facility. This requirement will ensure that recipients have adequate benefits remaining in their accounts upon departure from the establishment.

C. A facility with redemption of food stamp benefits of $100 or more per month will be provided a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal to enable acceptance of the EBT card. A facility with redemption of less than $100 per month will utilize paper voucher authorizations for the acceptance of food stamp benefits.

La. Admin. Code tit. 67, § III-409

Promulgated by the Department of Social Services, Office of Family Support, LR 24:1322 (July 1998), amended LR 33:1879 (September 2007), repromulgated LR 33:2204 (October 2007).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with 7 CFR 282.1(a).