W. Va. Code R. § 150-29-2

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 150-29-2 - Definitions

2.1. This rule adopts, and incorporates herein, the definitions of terms set forth in Section 1.7 of the Commission's Rules and Regulations for the Government of Telephone Utilities, C.S.R. § 150-6-1.7.

2.2. "AIRS" - Alliance for Information and Referral Systems. A national accrediting and professional oversight organization regulating the provision of I & R services and the training and operational requirements applicable to I & R providers.

2.3. "I & R" - Information and referral.

2.4. "I & R provider" - An individual or entity that furnishes, upon request and without charge to the caller, I & R services to individuals regarding community-based resources, such as social services and charities that provide housing, medical care, human services, financial assistance, and other social services that are available in the area served by the I & R provider. I & R providers furnish a comprehensive informational link between individuals seeking the afore-enumerated services and appropriate providers of such services.

2.5. "I & R specialist" - An individual employed by an I & R provider that provides I & R services directly to callers.

2.6. "Statewide 211 system" - The system for providing access, via the 211 dialing arrangement, to a single call center, or functional equivalent, that provides callers with centralized I & R services, including, as appropriate, links to regionalized I & R services statewide. The statewide 211 system shall be implemented by utilizing a single, toll-free 8XX number, with all telecommunications carriers translating and routing 211 calls to the 8XX number assigned to the statewide 211 call center.

2.7. "211" - The three digit, abbreviated dialing arrangement designated by the Federal Communications Commission for use as the universal access number for contacting local, regional, or statewide I & R service providers.

2.8. "211 Collaborative" - A private, non-governmental West Virginia incorporated association whose members are drawn from local I & R providers, including call centers, and other stakeholders (e.g., social services and charitable organizations, governmental agencies and educational institutions) in the state.

2.9. "211 Provider" - A private, non-governmental entity, either stand-alone or part of a larger organization, selected by the 211 Collaborative and having responsibility for the operation and management of the statewide 211 system. The 211 Provider shall provide I & R services to members of the public who dial 211. Any I & R provider may petition the 211 Collaborative to be considered to be chosen the 211 Provider in West Virginia.

W. Va. Code R. § 150-29-2