Section 801.6.8. Notice to suppliers of information.

When the agency requests a person to supply information about that person, the agency shall notify the person of the use that will be made of the information, which persons outside the agency might routinely be provided this information, which parts of the requested information are required and which are optional, and the consequences of a failure to provide the information requested. This notice may be given in these rules, on the written form used to collect the information, on a separate fact sheet or letter, in brochures, in formal agreements, in contracts, in handbooks, in manuals, verbally, or by other appropriate means.

The notice shall generally be given at the first contact with the agency and need not be repeated at every following contact. Where appropriate, the notice may be given to a person’s legal representative. Notice may be withheld in an emergency.

In general, the agency requests information to determine eligibility, to determine changes for services, to provide appropriate services or treatment, and to perform administrative functions. Information is routinely shared outside the agency when required by rules or law. Consequences of failure to provide information include ineligibility for services, denial of services, or provision of inadequate services.