Okla. Admin. Code § 340:1-11-20

Current through Vol. 42, No. 7, December 16, 2024

Section 340:1-11-20 - Purpose and scope

(a) The purpose of this Section is to establish a uniform system for processing discrimination complaints from clients who participate in, or apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

(b) This policy is applicable to Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) employees and to any person who may require OKDHS assistance or services.

(1) A copy of the United States Department of Agriculture's "And Justice for All" poster AD-475B, is posted in a conspicuous place in the lobby of each OKDHS office where applications for SNAP may be received.

(2) Copies of Form 14CR001E, Discrimination Complaint Form-Client or Vendor, are available in each OKDHS office and facility for use by any person upon request.

(c) The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is the delegated authority to accept, investigate, and seek resolution of complaints of discrimination to SNAP applicants or participants. All written or verbal complaints alleging discrimination are forwarded to OCR within five-business days by the OKDHS employee who received the complaint.

(d) Discrimination is prohibited in all aspects of the delivery of SNAP benefits. Prohibited actions include, but are not limited to:

(1) denial or unreasonable delay of a household's application for any services or benefits based on protected class membership;

(2) distinction in the quality, quantity, or manner in which the benefits are provided;

(3) segregation or separate treatment of persons in any manner related to the receipt of program benefits; and

(4) selection of the site for certification and issuance offices that have the effect of excluding persons.

(e) OKDHS does not condone rudeness or disrespectful behavior toward program applicants, recipients, or the general public.

(f) OKDHS conducts continuing civil rights training for employees involved with SNAP, including workers, hearing officials, performance reporting system reviewers, and receptionists. Training topics include (1) through (6) of this subsection.

(1) Nondiscrimination requirements relating to eligibility criteria.

(2) Certification procedures.

(3) Household rights and responsibilities.

(4) Complaint procedures.

(5) Protected classes.

(6) Theories of discrimination.

Okla. Admin. Code § 340:1-11-20

Added at 15 Ok Reg 860, eff 2-1-98 (emergency); Added at 15 Ok Reg 1587, eff 5-11-98; Amended at 15 Ok Reg 3535, eff 6-4-98 (emergency); Amended at 16 Ok Reg 1006, eff 4-26-99

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 33, Issue 24, September 1, 2016, eff. 9/15/2016

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 40, Issue 22, August 1, 2023, eff. 9/15/2023