US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

OKLAHOMA STATUTES

TITLE 56

POOR PERSONS

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§56-26.1.  Repealed by Laws 1957, p. 455, § 7.

§56-26.2.  Repealed by Laws 1957, p. 455, § 7.

§5626.3.  Purpose of act.

It shall be the purpose of this act to:

1.  Provide aid and assistance for indigent or unemployable citizens of the state who meet the minimum requirements hereinafter described;

2.  Provide temporary emergency assistance to those victims of emergencies resulting from fire, flood, tornado and other acts of God; and

3.  Provide for the receipt, warehousing, transporting and distributing of any item of value donated to the State of Oklahoma by the United States Department of Agriculture, or any other agency of the federal government, or any agency or subdivisions of state, county or city government, with whom the Oklahoma Emergency Relief Board enters into a contract.

Added by Laws 1951, p. 151, § 3, emerg. eff. April 5, 1951.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56-26.4.  Repealed by Laws 1957, p. 455, § 7.

§5626.5.  Definitions.

A.  The word "unemployable", as used in this act, is hereby defined as meaning those persons who are unable to:

1.  Secure employment due to physical or mental disability, infirmity, temporary illness, or other disability which prevents such person from securing employment; or

2.  Secure employment due to Federal Relief Administration rules regarding age requirements or work relief programs; or

3.  Secure employment due to ineligibility for workmen's compensation insurance; and

4.  Leave their homes to procure employment because of illness of persons who are in their care and who require constant supervision and attention.

B.  "Indigent" means a person who does not have sufficient property or means to support members of his or her family who are lawfully dependent upon him or her for support, and who has no one legally liable to support and maintain him or her.

Added by Laws 1951, p. 151, § 5, emerg. eff. April 5, 1951.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5626.6.  Eligibility for assistance.

(A) Any person in order to be eligible to receive assistance under the provisions of this act must have been a bona fide citizen and actual resident of this state for a period of one (1) year immediately prior to the date of application for assistance provided by this act.

(B) Other minimum requirements will be established by rules and regulations promulgated by the Board and adopted by said Board in official meeting.

(C) Repealed by Laws 1957, p. 455, § 7, emerg. eff. Jan. 22, 1957.

Added by Laws 1951, p. 152, § 6, emerg. eff. April 5, 1951.  Amended by Laws 1957, p. 455, § 7, emerg. eff. Jan. 22, 1957.

§5626.7.  Temporary relief employment of destitute but ablebodied persons.

The Oklahoma Emergency Relief Board may provide temporary relief employment to destitute but ablebodied persons not otherwise cared for by the federal government, state or county agencies, public or private charity organizations or institutions; provided, that the maximum amount paid for such employment does not exceed the maximum amount paid to a destitute and unemployable person, and such employment shall be granted in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by said Board.

Added by Laws 1951, p. 152, § 7, emerg. eff. April 5, 1951.

§5626.8.  Victims of disasters.

Emergency assistance may be extended to victims of disasters as a result of fire, flood, tornado and other acts of God, but such assistance shall be for a period of not to exceed ninety (90) days, unless the applicant meets all requirements for general relief assistance.

Added by Laws 1951, p. 152, § 8, emerg. eff. April 5, 1951.

§5626.9.  Equipment of governmental agencies, use of.

Any department or institution of the state, or of any county, city, town or school district, is hereby authorized to permit any of its equipment to be used by the Oklahoma Emergency Relief Board; provided, that the cost of utilizing any equipment of such agencies of government shall be paid for by the Oklahoma Emergency Relief Board out of funds appropriated to carry out the purposes of this act.

Added by Laws 1951, p. 152, § 9, emerg. eff. April 5, 1951.

§5626.10.  Direct relief.

(A) The Oklahoma Department of Institutions, Social and Rehabilative Services is authorized to maintain a general relief fund account for direct relief purposes, and monies allocated to said fund shall be made, upon order of the Oklahoma Department of Institutions, Social and Rehabilitative Services, direct to the State Budget Director; the State Treasurer shall thereupon issue his warrant to credit said funds to the General Relief Account, as provided herein.

(B) Payments made to eligible clients for direct relief shall be disbursed to said clients from or through the state office of the Oklahoma Department of Institutions, Social and Rehabilitative Services.

(C) No grant made to a client under the provisions of this act shall be subject to assignment for discount, garnishment, or other means of final process.

(D) Where a voucher is issued by the Oklahoma Department of Institutions, Social and Rehabilative Services a copy of the voucher register shall be furnished the State Treasurer for the purpose of paying out any money subject to disbursement under direction of the Oklahoma Department of Institutions, Social and Rehabilitative Service; any right to payment on such voucher, or to recover thereon, shall cease after six (6) months from the date of registration, which registration shall then be cancelled, and any obligation represented thereby against the funds, or otherwise, shall then expire.

Added by Laws 1951, p. 152, § 10, emerg. eff. April 5, 1951.  Amended by Laws 1979, c. 47, § 27, emerg. eff. April 9, 1979.

§56-26.11.  Repealed by Laws 1957, p. 455, § 7.

§56-26.12.  Repealed by Laws 1957, p. 455, § 7.

§5626.13.  Abolition of Oklahoma Emergency Relief Board.

The Oklahoma Emergency Relief Board is hereby abolished.

Added by Laws 1957, p. 454, § 1, emerg. eff. Jan. 22, 1957.

§5626.14.  Transfer of properties, records and funds to Department of Public Welfare.

(A) All properties, records, equipment and supplies now owned and in use by the Oklahoma Emergency Relief Board shall be transferred to and become the property of the State Department of Public Welfare.

(B) All contracts, leases, and such other agreements as may have been entered into by the Oklahoma Emergency Relief Board, and such responsibilities as are in effect on the effective date of this act, shall be assumed by and become binding upon the State Department of Public Welfare and the Oklahoma Public Welfare Commission.

(C) All unexpended funds to the credit of the Oklahoma Emergency Relief Board shall be transferred by the State Treasurer to the State Department of Public Welfare and placed in a separate account with said State Treasurer.  The account to be known as "Oklahoma Emergency and General Assistance Account."

Added by Laws 1957, p. 454, § 2, emerg. eff. Jan. 22, 1957.

§5626.15.  Contracts.

The Oklahoma Public Welfare Commission is authorized to enter into contracts with the various agencies of the United States Government, or any agency or subdivision of state, county or city government, for the purpose of receiving for the State of Oklahoma, items of food, clothing or other things of value which may be donated and used by schools, penal or eleemosynary institutions, or by any citizen, public or private charitable organization that may be designated as an eligible recipient of the item by the donating agency with which the Commission has entered into contractual agreement.

Added by Laws 1957, p. 455, § 3, emerg. eff. Jan. 22, 1957.

§5626.16.  Rules and regulations  Payments.

The Director of Human Services, subject to the approval of the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services, is hereby authorized and directed to promulgate rules and regulations establishing policies with reference to eligibility of applicants for general assistance and emergency relief and the maximum sums that may be allocated to those persons having met the minimum requirements and declared as eligible for participation in accordance with the provisions of this act, subject to the availability of funds.  Provided that the minimum payment shall not be less than Ten Dollars ($10.00) and the maximum payment shall not be more than the standard for aid to families with dependent children.

Added by Laws 1957, p. 455, § 4, emerg. eff. Jan. 22, 1957.  Amended by Laws 1984, c. 263, § 13, operative July 1, 1984.

§56-26.17.  Department of Human Services - Classification of employees.

A.  The Director of Human Services, subject to the approval of the Commission for Human Services, shall have the power to employ and fix the qualifications, duties and compensation of employees necessary to the fulfillment of the provisions of this act, and shall have the power to approve any legal claim for payment.

B.  The Department of Human Services shall be a Merit System agency.  The provisions of this section shall supersede and revoke any and all Executive Orders placing the Department of Human Services or its predecessors under the provisions of the Merit System of Personnel Administration.

C.  In addition to offices, positions, and personnel in the unclassified service pursuant to Sections 840-5.3 and 840-5.5 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the following offices, positions, and personnel shall be in the unclassified service:

1.  Campus police appointed pursuant to Section 162.2 of this title;

2.  The legal division or unit established pursuant to Section 236 of this title;

3.  The Construction Unit and the Architectural and Engineering Unit or their successor units; and

4.  A maximum of five percent (5%) of the maximum number of full-time-equivalent positions authorized by law to the Department of Human Services and selected at the discretion of the Director of the Department of Human Services.  Employees retained in the unclassified service under the provisions of this section shall be employees at will.  Any classified employee occupying a position selected by the Director pursuant to this paragraph to become an unclassified position may elect to retain classified status.  All future appointees to such position shall be in the unclassified service.  The Director shall submit a list of such positions to the Office of Personnel Management by September 1, 2004, and annually thereafter.

D.  All other offices, positions and personnel of the Department of Human Services shall be classified and subject to the provisions of the Merit System of Personnel Administration, as provided in the Oklahoma Personnel Act and rules promulgated thereunder.

Added by Laws 1957, p. 455, § 5, emerg. eff. Jan. 22, 1957.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 242, § 42; Laws 2001, c. 278, § 1, emerg. eff. May 31, 2001; Laws 2004, c. 541, § 1, emerg. eff. June 9, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 409, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.

§56-26.18.  Application for relief - Allowance of false claims - Penalty.

Every applicant for emergency relief or general assistance shall make a written application, containing a written certification, under penalty of perjury, alleging that all facts set out in such application are true and correct.  And said application shall be forthwith acted upon, with dispatch and without delay.

Any person, whose duty it is to pass upon the eligibility of persons to participate in any benefits provided in this act, who shall knowingly, willfully or intentionally allow, or cause to be allowed, any claim to any person known to be ineligible for such relief, or, who aids, or abets, or persuades any person to sign an application to obtain by means of a willfully false statement or representation or other fraudulent device, assistance to which an applicant is not entitled or assistance greater than that to which an applicant is justly entitled shall be guilty of a felony, and upon conviction thereof shall be imprisoned not less than one (1) year or more than five (5) years or be fined not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or be both so fined and imprisoned in the discretion of the court.

Added by Laws 1957, p. 455, § 6, emerg. eff. Jan. 22, 1957.  Amended by Laws 1984, c. 263, § 12, operative July 1, 1984; Laws 1997, c. 133, § 497, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 362, eff. July 1, 1999.

NOTE:  Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 497 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.

§5627.1.  Community work and training program.

The term community work and training program shall be defined as follows:  A plan jointly entered into between the Department of Public Welfare and an agency, department, board or commission of the state or federal government, county, city or municipal corporation which is subject to approval of the Department of Public Welfare under which the state or federal government, county, city or municipal corporation undertakes to provide work in and about public works or improvements, utilizing labor and services required to be performed by applicants or recipients of public assistance.

Added by Laws 1967, c. 236, § 1, emerg. eff. May 4, 1967.

§5627.2.  Rules and regulations.

The Department of Public Welfare is empowered and directed to adopt such rules and regulations as will make a community work and training program fair, efficient and workable.

Added by Laws 1967, c. 236, § 2, emerg. eff. May 4, 1967.

§5627.3.  Work assignments  Duration of work  Earnings.

When the state or federal government or any agencies thereof, a county, city or municipal corporation has undertaken, or is about to undertake, a program which is for the benefit of the general public or any segment thereof, said state agency, county, city or municipal corporation may enter into an agreement with the Department of Public Welfare wherein and whereby the Department of Public Welfare may assign unemployed employable persons who have attained the age of sixteen (16) and who are eligible for assistance to do and perform work and labor on behalf of said state, or federal government, county, city or municipal corporation and such person shall perform, if available, work and labor for such state, or federal government, county, city or municipal corporation for the length of time necessary to earn at the legal minimum wage or the going hourly rate prevailing in the area for labor of like kind, whichever is higher, an amount of money equal to the amount of assistance granted to such person and the assistance unit of which he or his dependents is a part.

Added by Laws 1967, c. 236, § 3, emerg. eff. May 4, 1967.

§5627.4.  Suspension or denial of assistance for failure to work or misconduct.

Any person assigned to a community work and training program may be denied assistance or may be suspended for such time as may be fixed by the rules and regulations of the Department of Public Welfare if such person without good cause:

(1) Fails or refuses to satisfactorily perform the labor or services as may be assigned to him;

(2) Fails or refuses to report to work under such a program when and as directed by the state, or federal government, county, city or municipal corporation or by his foreman, overseer or other supervisor therein;

(3) Abandons or repeatedly absents himself from work;

(4) Is insubordinate to his foreman, overseer or other supervisor therein;

(5) Fails or refuses to take due precaution for the safety of himself or others or to use safety clothing or equipment made available to him; or

(6) Is guilty of misconduct connected with such work.

Added by Laws 1967, c. 236, § 4, emerg. eff. May 4, 1967.

§5627.5.  Approval of projects.

All community work and training programs, before an applicant or recipient of public assistance shall be assigned, shall have met the approval of the Department of Public Welfare; provided, that the state, or federal government, county, city or municipal corporation utilizing assistance applicants or recipients for work and labor shall insure that such employment is covered by workmen's compensation, or a similar plan approved by the Department of Public Welfare, and all fees and charges for such coverage shall be paid by such state, or federal government, county, city or municipal corporation except that portion which is paid for medical aid and is properly chargeable to such applicant or recipient of assistance.

Added by Laws 1967, c. 236, § 5, emerg. eff. May 4, 1967.

§5627.6.  Furnishing transportation, tools, equipment and supervision.

The state, or federal government, county, city or municipal corporation utilizing assistance applicants or recipients for work and labor shall furnish, where necessary, transportation, protective clothing and necessary tools and equipment for individuals performing such work or labor and shall take such measures as are necessary to insure that adequate supervision is provided on all such programs.

Added by Laws 1967, c. 236, § 6, emerg. eff. May 4, 1967.

§5627.7.  Nature of work  Effect on regular workers.

The work performed on a community work and training program by a recipient of public assistance must serve a useful public purpose, must not displace regular workers or result in the performance by such persons of work that would otherwise be performed by employees of public or private agencies, institutions or organizations except in case of projects which are of emergency or are nonrecurring.

Added by Laws 1967, c. 236, § 7, emerg. eff. May 4, 1967.

§5627.8.  Effect of work on right to assistance.

Work and labor performed by an applicant or recipient of public assistance on a community work and training program shall not be deemed such employment as shall deprive such person of any rights or benefits available under the provisions of law granting public assistance.

Added by Laws 1967, c. 236, § 8, emerg. eff. May 4, 1967.

§5627.9.  Termination of agreement.

The Department of Public Welfare shall have the right to terminate unilaterally any agreement entered into pursuant to this act with the state or federal government or any agency thereof, a county, city or municipal corporation whenever the community work and training program contemplated by such agreement fails, for any reason, to meet any of the provisions of law relating to community work and training or the purposes thereof, or any rule or regulation promulgated by the Department hereunder.

Added by Laws 1967, c. 236, § 9, emerg. eff. May 4, 1967.

§5627.10.  Department of Public Welfare  Scope of participation.

The State Department of Public Welfare may participate in community work and training programs financed in whole or in part with federal funds, and may submit a new or amended state plan for such purposes to any appropriate federal agency and enter into agreements with any federal agency for such purpose, and comply with requirements necessary to obtain federal funds for such work and training programs; and may provide either for the establishment and operation of such programs, or for cooperation with a federal administrative agency in the operation of such programs, as may be required under federal legislation now or hereafter enacted, providing federal funds for such programs.

Added by Laws 1967, c. 236, § 10, emerg. eff. May 4, 1967.

§5627.11.  Conflicts with federal law.

If any of the provisions of this act shall be in conflict with any applicable federal statutes, rules and regulations, such federal statutes, rules and regulations shall prevail and be controlling, until such time as the federal statute, rules and regulations shall be revised to conform to this act.

Added by Laws 1967, c. 236, § 11, emerg. eff. May 4, 1967.

§5628.1.  Planned parenthood  Educational materials and information.

Whenever a person receiving public assistance makes a request therefor, the Department of Public Welfare shall furnish to such person educational materials and information with respect to achieving a planned parenthood; or refer such person to a Family Planning Center, organization or agency where the same may be obtained.  Every such person shall be advised that he or she is a free agent to accept or not to accept advice and counsel thus furnished or obtained; and that his or her refusal or failure to avail himself or herself of such materials, information or advice will in no way affect the person's right to receive assistance, or his or her right to take advantage of any other public program.

Added by Laws 1967, p. 723, H.J.R. No. 522, § 1.

§5628.2.  Medical services.

The Department of Public Welfare is hereby authorized to pay, within the scope of its medical programs, for medical services rendered by licensed medical and osteopathic physicians in furtherance of such planned parenthood.

Added by Laws 1967, p. 723, H.J.R. No. 522, § 2.

§56-28.3.  Repealed by Laws 1980, c. 68, § 1, emerg. eff. April 10, 1980.

§56-29.1.  Repealed by Laws 1993, H.J.R. No. 1018, § 5, eff. July 1, 1995.

§56-29.2.  Repealed by Laws 1993, H.J.R. No. 1018, § 5, eff. July 1, 1995.

§56-29.3.  Repealed by Laws 1993, H.J.R. No. 1018, § 5, eff. July 1, 1995.

§5631.  Overseers of the indigent.

The county commissioners of the counties of this state shall be overseers of the indigent for their respective counties, and shall perform all the duties with reference to the indigent of their counties that may be prescribed by law and under such restrictions as the county commissioners shall consider most advantageous for the interests of their respective counties and the welfare of the people therein.

R.L. 1910, § 4525.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5632.  Duties of overseers.

The overseers of the indigent in each county shall have the oversight and care of all the indigent persons in their county so long as such persons remain a county charge.  Such overseers shall see that the indigent are taken care of in the manner provided by law, and under such restrictions as the county commissioners shall consider most advantageous for the interests of their respective counties and the welfare of the people therein.

R.L. 1910, § 4526.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56-32.1.  Authority to establish county department.

In all counties of this state having a population in excess of two hundred thousand (200,000), as shown by the last Federal Decennial Census, the boards of county commissioners are hereby given authority in their respective counties to establish a department which shall be known as the "Human Services Center" or "Social Services Center," wherein may be housed the "Indigent Care Facility" and any other services for the care of the indigent which the board of county commissioners may deem to be in the best interests of their respective counties and the welfare of the people therein.

Added by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56-32.2.  Director of Human Services - Social Services.

A.  Whenever, under the provisions of Section 5 of this act, a Human Services Center or Social Services Center for the indigent has been established in a county by the board of county commissioners, the board shall employ a person who is a resident of the county in which the center is established to take charge of such center upon such terms and under such restrictions as the board shall consider most advantageous for the interests of their respective counties and the welfare of the people therein.  Such person shall also serve as overseer of the indigent.

B.  The person so employed shall be called the Director of Human Services/Social Services of said center and shall be appointed wholly on the basis of ability and experience qualifying him or her for the position of director.  The director shall serve at the pleasure of the board and the salary of the director shall be fixed by the board of county commissioners.  The salary of the director shall be exempt from the provisions of the comprehensive salary code as provided in Section 180.67 of Title 19 of the Oklahoma Statutes, but shall not exceed ninety percent (90%) of the salary of the county commissioner.

Added by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56-32.3.  Employment of pharmacists and doctors - Compensation - Blanket bond.

A.  A person employed as a pharmacist by a board of county commissioners to distribute medical prescriptions and medical supplies to indigents in any county of this state having a population greater than three hundred fifty thousand (350,000) persons according to the last federal decennial census, shall receive as compensation a salary to be fixed by the board of county commissioners for his or her services.  Such compensation shall be paid out of the general operating fund of the county.  The compensation of the pharmacist shall be exempt from the provisions of the Comprehensive Salary Code as provided in Section 180.67 of Title 19 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

B.  The board of county commissioners of any county of this state having a population greater than five hundred thousand (500,000) persons according to the last Federal Decennial Census, may employ an Oklahoma licensed allopathic or osteopathic doctor to provide professional medical services, as directed by the commissioners, for indigent patient care and care for adult and juvenile offenders.  The allopathic or osteopathic doctor shall also provide education, training, and other necessary services, as directed by the commissioners, to enhance the health and well-being of county employees and county citizens.  Compensation for an allopathic or osteopathic doctor who is employed by the county shall be set by the board of county commissioners and paid out of the general operating fund of the county.  The compensation of an allopathic or osteopathic doctor employed by the commissioners shall be exempt from the provisions of the Comprehensive Salary Code pursuant to Section 180.67 of Title 19 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

C.  The pharmacist or allopathic or osteopathic doctor shall be covered by the blanket bond of the county.

Added by Laws 2002, c. 40, § 1, emerg. eff. April 11, 2002.  Amended by Laws 2003, c. 45, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.

§5633.  County to support indigent persons  Power to provide indigent care facility.

Every county of this state shall relieve and support all indigent persons lawfully residing therein, whenever they shall actually need assistance, and shall allow such temporary relief to persons not residing therein as shall be actually necessary pending the ascertainment of his or her legal residence.  The boards of county commissioners of the respective counties of this state may, if they deem it to be in the best interests of the county, purchase land for a county indigent care facility and erect such buildings and make such other improvements thereon as shall be necessary to establish a county indigent care facility for such indigent of the county.  The board of county commissioners is hereby given authority in their respective counties to place all indigent persons who are desirous of, needing and entitled to support from the county in such facility; and to receive into such facility all indigent and homeless persons who are in need of shelter or a place to convalesce; provided, however, that the boards of county commissioners shall not establish any county indigent care facility in any county of this state, having a valuation of less than Seven Million Dollars ($7,000,000.00), at a greater expense to the county, for lands and improvements thereon, than the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00); in counties having a valuation of more than Seven Million Dollars ($7,000,000.00), and less than Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00), at a greater expense to the county, for lands and improvements thereon, than the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00); in counties having a valuation of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00), and up to Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00), at a greater expense to the county, for lands and improvements thereon, than the sum of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00); and in counties having Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00), valuation or more, at a greater expense to the county, for lands and improvements thereon, than the sum of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00), without having submitted the proposition for the establishment of such facility to a vote of the people of the county at some general election, at which it shall take a majority of all votes cast to carry the proposition.

R.L. 1910, § 4527.  Amended by Laws 191011, c. 13, p. 30, § 1; Laws 1994, c. 87, § 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5634.  County may rent indigent care facility.

Such counties of the State of Oklahoma as are not ready or able to purchase or erect an indigent care facility, but which desire a place to keep the indigent of the county together, are authorized to rent a suitable place and establish an indigent care facility in all other respects the same as though such county or counties had purchased an indigent care facility, and thus obtained a facility for the indigent, except that instead of levying a tax to pay for such facility, the overseers shall levy a tax annually to pay the rental of such facilities.

R.L. 1910, § 4528.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5635.  Where county has no indigent care facility.

It shall be the duty of the overseers of the indigent in counties where no common indigent care facility is established, two (2) weeks next preceding the first Monday of April, in each year, to give public notice by having published in the newspaper or newspapers in their respective counties, or in case no such newspaper is published in the county, by posting upon three public places in the county, an advertisement certifying the indigent that are to be provided for and asking for sealed proposals for their maintenance during the coming year.  The sealed proposals shall be opened and acted upon by the overseers of the indigent at their regular meeting, beginning on the said first Monday in April; but nothing herein contained shall prohibit any overseers of the indigent from receiving and accepting propositions at any time for the keeping of such indigent persons as may in the interim become a county charge, or of rejecting the propositions of such persons as they know to be unable to fulfill their obligations to the indigent.

R.L. 1910, § 4529.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5636.  Form of relief.

The overseers of the indigent shall examine any application made to them by or on behalf of any indigent person for relief, and if such applicant has a residence in the county, they shall determine whether such relief is temporary and such as may be supplied by said overseers, or the applicant, if desired, shall be removed to the county indigent care facility.  If, in such case, the relief sought is temporary, or the person seeking relief cannot be removed, the relief shall be furnished by said overseers; if otherwise, and such indigent person can be removed, he or she shall be placed in the county indigent care facility.

R.L. 1910, § 4530.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 10, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5637.  Overseers to receive person removed  Appeal.

If any person be removed by process under this article, from any county in the state to any other county therein, as hereinbefore provided, the overseers of the poor of the county to which such poor person is removed, shall receive such person: Provided, that if the overseers of any county to which a poor person has been removed, shall feel aggrieved over said removal, they may appeal from said order of removal to the district court of the county whence the removal was made within twenty (20) days after notice of said removal, which appeal shall in other respects be taken as other appeals are taken from the probate court to the district court, and there be tried as other appeals are by law tried.

R.L. 1910, § 4531.

§5638.  Time of hearing appeal.

Such appeal shall be heard at the term of the court next after the same is filed therein, if in the opinion of the court reasonable notice of the appeal has been given the opposite party; but if not thus given, the cause shall stand continued until the next term of court, and notice of the appeal be then given, if not before done.

R.L. 1910, § 4532.

§5639.  Court may amend order of removal.

If the order of removal is defective, the court shall permit the same to be amended without costs, and after such amendment is made the appeal shall be heard and determined as if such order had not been defective.

R.L. 1910, § 4533.

§56-40.  Repealed by Laws 1976, c. 149, § 1.

§5641.  Commissioners to bring suits.

All suits and proceedings under this article, for the purpose of determining residence for obtaining relief, or resisting the same shall be in the name of the board of county commissioners of the county or counties concerned.

R.L. 1910, § 4535.

§5642.  Administrator of indigent care facility.

Whenever, under the provisions of this title, an indigent care facility for the indigent has been established by the overseers of the indigent of any county in this state, the overseers shall employ a resident of the county wherein the indigent care facility is erected to take charge of the same upon such terms and under such restrictions as such overseers shall consider most advantageous for the interests of the county and the welfare of the indigent persons residing in said facility.  The party so employed shall be called administrator of the county indigent care facility, and shall protect the property of the county in his or her charge and under his or her control, and shall faithfully discharge his or her duties as guardian of the indigent.  He or she shall be appointed by the Director of Human Services/Social Services and shall serve at his or her discretion.  At the end of each fiscal year, he or she shall make and transmit to the Director who shall file with the county clerk, to be considered by the board of county commissioners, a complete report of all business transacted by him or her as such administrator, and shall attach to such report an invoice of all the personal property in his or her possession as such administrator.  The administrator shall have authority to solicit as volunteers the indigent persons residing in such indigent care facility, who are able to do so, to labor in and about such facility, under his or her direction.  Said administrator shall have such salary as the said overseers shall fix, and in accordance with such laws regulating the salaries of county employees.

R.L. 1910, § 4536.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 11, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5643.  Repealed by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 31, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5644.  Tax levy for indigent care facility.

The board of county commissioners may provide for a special tax each year, not to exceed onehalf (1/2) mill on the dollar, of the assessed valuation of said county, to be applied to the payment for an indigent care facility and improvements, thereon, until said facility is fully paid for.

R.L. 1910, § 4538.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 12, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5645.  Repealed by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 31, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5646.  Duties when complaint is made.

In any county in this state where the indigent are cared for pursuant to the provisions of Section 33 of this title, it shall be the duty of the overseers of the indigent, on any complaint made to them in behalf of the indigent, to examine the grounds of such complaint, and if, in their judgment, the indigent have not been sufficiently provided with the common necessities of life, or have in any respect been illtreated by the person or persons under whose charge they shall have been placed, the overseers have the authority to withhold any part of the compensation allowed to such person or persons for keeping them, as such overseers may deem reasonable and proper, and remove said indigent and place them in the care of some other person.

R.L. 1910, § 4540.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 13, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5647.  Overseers to maintain documentation concerning indigent.

The overseers of the indigent shall compile and maintain documentation concerning the indigent of their respective counties who are unable to care for themselves, and who shall, in their judgment, be entitled to the benefits of the provisions of this title, together with the date of such entry.

R.L. 1910, § 4541.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 14, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5648.  Poor person may apply to district court.

If any poor person shall suppose that he is entitled to the benefit of the laws for the relief of the poor, and the overseers of the poor of the county in which he resides, shall refuse to give such person the benefit thereof, upon applicant of such person, the judge of the district court of the county, may, if he shall think proper, direct the said overseers of the poor to receive such person on the poor list, on his application therefor.

R.L. 1910, § 4542.

§5649.  Proceedings when legal residence not known.

If anyone within the description of indigent persons specified in this title, shall be found in any county, and the overseers of the indigent of such county shall be unable to ascertain and establish the last place of legal residence of such person, they shall proceed in their discretion to provide for such indigent person, in the same manner as other persons are hereby directed to be provided for by law and under such restrictions as the county commissioners shall consider most advantageous for the interests of their respective counties and the welfare of the people therein.

R.L. 1910, § 4543.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 15, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5650.  Temporary relief.

Whenever any person entitled to temporary relief as an indigent person shall be in any county in this state in which he or she is not a legal resident, the overseers of the indigent thereof may, if the same is deemed advisable, grant such relief by placing him or her temporarily in the indigent care facility of such county, if there be one; but if there be no indigent care facility then they shall provide the same relief as is customary in cases where a legal residence has been obtained.

R.L. 1910, § 4544.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 16, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5651.  Overseers' account.

In any county in this state where the indigent are cared for pursuant to Section 33 of this title, the overseers of the indigent shall make an account to the clerk of the board of county commissioners of the sums of money required by the indigent of their respective counties, within fifteen (15) days after such contract hereinbefore provided for shall have been made, which sums shall be paid quarterly out of the county treasury, upon the order of the board of county commissioners in the same manner as other claims against the county are paid.

R.L. 1910, § 4545.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 17, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5652.  Compensation of overseers.

In any county in this state where the indigent are cared for pursuant to the provisions of Section 33 of this title, the overseers of the indigent in such county shall be entitled to receive the prevailing rate of pay per day for each and every day during which they shall be necessarily employed in the discharge of their several duties as such.

R.L. 1910, § 4546.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 18, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5653.  Submission of accounts and sworn statements of overseers.

In any county in this state where the indigent are cared for pursuant to the provisions of Section 33 of this title, the overseers of the indigent shall annually, at the first session of the board of county commissioners in the year, submit their accounts and make a sworn statement of their proceedings for the past year, which report shall be presented to the clerk of the board of county commissioners at least one (1) day prior to the meeting of said board.  The board may then credit and allow the accounts so presented, and may draw on the county treasurer therefor, whose duty it shall be to pay the same out of any money in the county treasury not otherwise appropriated.

R.L. 1910, § 4547.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 19, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5654.  Sickness or death of poor stranger.

A.  It shall be the duty of the overseers of the poor, on complaint made to them that any person not an inhabitant of their county is lying sick therein or in distress, without friends or money, so that he will likely suffer, to examine into the case of such person and grant such temporary relief as the nature of the same may require; and if any person shall die within any county, who shall not have money or means necessary to defray his funeral expenses, it shall be the duty of the overseers of the poor of such county to employ some person to provide for and superintend the burial of such deceased person.  Public cemeteries shall provide a burial plot at no cost at the request of the overseers of the poor or the person employed by the overseers of the poor to provide for and superintend the burial.  Public cemeteries shall also provide the service of opening and closing the grave for the purpose of interring the remains of the poor or indigent person.  The overseers of the poor of each county shall establish the necessary and reasonable expenses of the opening and closing services which shall be paid by the county treasurer upon the order of such overseers.

B.  As used in this section, "public cemeteries" means cemeteries located in any county with a population of three hundred thousand (300,000) or more, according to the latest Federal Decennial Census, which sell burial plots to the general public and which are exempt from taxation under the laws of this state.  "Public cemeteries" shall not include any municipal, fraternal, religious, rural, community, township, state, county or nonprofit cooperative cemeteries, or free community burial grounds.

R.L. 1910, § 4548.  Amended by Laws 1993, c. 2, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.

§56-55.  Repealed by Laws 1977, c. 256, § 1-106, eff. July 1, 1978.

§56-56.  Repealed by Laws 1977, c. 256, § 1-106, eff. July 1, 1978.

§5657.  Short title.

Sections 2 through 10 of this act shall be known and may be cited as the "Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act".

Added by Laws 1984, c. 294, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1984.  Amended by Laws 1987, c. 192, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1987.

§5657.1.  Intent of Legislature.

Adequate health care is a basic human right which should be available to all Oklahomans.  Rapidly increasing health care costs threaten to make such care unaffordable to many citizens.  Unreimbursed health care services provided to indigent persons cause the cost of services to paying patients to increase in a manner unrelated to the actual cost of services delivered.  It is therefore the intent of the Oklahoma Legislature to develop a system of health care delivery that ensures fair and adequate access for all Oklahomans.  Further, it is the intent of the Legislature that this system promote the utilization of the most costeffective health care services including, but not limited to, health care education and prevention and seek to utilize the most costeffective administrative policies and procedures.

Added by Laws 1987, c. 192, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1987.

§5658.  Definitions.

As used in the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act:

1.  "Department" means the Department of Human Services;

2.  "Indigent" or "medically indigent" means a person or head of household:

a. (1) with an income less than or equal to the poverty level as designated by the latest decennial census and insufficient personal resources to provide for needed medical care for himself or his dependents, and

(2) who requires medically necessary hospital or primary health care services for himself or his dependents for which no public or private thirdparty coverage is available, and

(3) who has made no assignment, transfer, or encumbrance of property for the purpose of establishing eligibility for services pursuant to a state or federal medical program or the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act at any time within the last twentyfour (24) months, or

b. with an occurrence of a catastrophic injury or illness to himself or a dependent resulting in noncovered incurred medical debt for hospital services or for physician and drug costs related to a hospital stay which exceed fifty percent (50%) of the gross annual income of a person or head of household.  Insurance benefits for the medical debt shall be first exhausted;

3.  "Hospital" means "hospital" as that term is defined in Section 1701 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes;

4.  "Clinic" means a health care facility separate from a hospital which provides outpatient medical services to patients and has a patient mix of at least fiftyone percent (51%) indigent persons;

5.  "Patient mix" means the composition of the patient population based on information regarding the payor source.

Added by Laws 1984, c. 294, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1984.  Amended by Laws 1985, c. 255, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1985; Laws 1987, c. 192, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1987.

§56-59.  Repealed by Laws 1987, c. 192, § 12, eff. Nov. 1, 1987.

§5659.1.  Income tax check-off for indigent health care  Indigent Health Care Revolving Fund.

A.  The Oklahoma Tax Commission shall include on each state individual income tax return form for tax years beginning after December 31, 2001, an opportunity for the taxpayer to donate from a tax refund for the benefit of the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Fund.

B.  There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Department of Human Services, to be designated the "Indigent Health Care Revolving Fund".  The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall consist of all monies received by the Department of Human Services from:

1.  Any state monies appropriated for the purpose of implementing the provisions of the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act; and

2.  Any monies collected pursuant to this section or any other monies available to the Department of Human Services to implement the provisions of the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act.

C.  All monies accruing to the credit of the fund are hereby appropriated and shall be budgeted and expended directly to eligible clinics by the Department for the purpose of implementing the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act.  Expenditures from the fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director of State Finance for approval and payment.

Added by Laws 1985, c. 255, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1985.  Amended by Laws 1987, c. 192, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 1987; Laws 2001, c. 358, § 25, eff. July 1, 2001.

§56-60.  Repealed by Laws 1987, c. 192, § 12, eff. Nov. 1, 1987.

§56-61.  Repealed by Laws 1985, c. 255, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1985.

§56-62.  Repealed by Laws 1987, c. 192, § 12, eff. Nov. 1, 1987.

§5663.  Department of Human Services  Responsibilities and duties.

A.  The Department of Human Services shall have the following responsibilities:

1.  Establish and review the eligibility standards and criteria for:

a. participation by hospitals and clinics pursuant to the Indigent Health Care Act, and

b. reimbursement to clinics for services through the Indigent Health Care Fund;

2.  Establish and review the screening criteria and procedures for persons receiving services through participating hospitals and clinics in order to determine which persons are eligible for reimbursement pursuant to existing state and federal medical programs and which persons are eligible for reimbursement pursuant to the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act;

3.  Review the documentation provided by participating hospitals and clinics;

4.  Determine the types of services offered by participating hospitals and clinics that shall be eligible for reimbursement or the allocation of funds pursuant to state or federal medical programs and the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act and that such services have been approved by the proper regulatory agencies; and

5.  Disburse state monies to hospitals and clinics meeting requirements of the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act as provided by Section 66 of this title.

B.  The Commission for Human Services shall promulgate rules and regulations, as necessary and appropriate, to implement the provisions of the Indigent Health Care Act.

Added by Laws 1984, c. 294, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 1984.  Amended by Laws 1987, c. 192, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1987.

§5664.  Exemptions from act  Duties of hospitals and clinics  Reports and documentation.

A.  The Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act shall not apply to state or federally operated medical institutions except the State of Oklahoma Medical Center and the George Nigh Rehabilitation Institute of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.

Hospitals and clinics participating in the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act shall have the following responsibilities:

1.  Implement the screening criteria and procedures and comply with such other eligibility criteria for participation in the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act established pursuant to the provisions of Section 63 of this title.

2.  In addition to or as part of other reports required by law or by the rules and regulations of the State Board of Health, annually submit to the State Department of Health reports and data documenting:

a. the total amount of health care costs incurred by the hospital or clinic for medical indigents,

b. total patient charges by the hospital or clinic for medical indigents,

c. the patient mix including, but not limited to, the number of indigent persons served as measured by hospital patient days or clinic encounters as appropriate, and

d. such other information and in such form as may be required by the State Department of Health pursuant to the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act.

Such documentation shall indicate that the person served or the party responsible for such person meets the criteria established by the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act.  Such documentation shall also be specific as to the county of residence of the person served.  These records shall be available to the public upon request.

B.  Clinics shall submit to the Department of Human Services necessary information to certify eligible clinic status pursuant to Section 58 of this title.

C.  The State Department of Health shall forward copies of such documentation to the Department of Human Services as necessary for use by the Department in determining the eligibility of a hospital or a clinic for reimbursement pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act.  The State Department of Health and the Department of Human Services shall cooperate for the purpose of coordinating the reports and documentation required by the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act, and ensuring the timely transmission of said reports and documentation between, said agencies.

D.  The State Department of Health may expand or modify the reporting requirements of hospitals and establish reporting requirements for clinics as necessary to complete the study required by Section 66.2 of this title.

Added by Laws 1984, c. 294, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 1984.  Amended by Laws 1987, c. 192, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 1987; Laws 1988, c. 15, § 1, emerg. eff. March 15, 1988; Laws 1988, c. 326, § 7, emerg. eff. July 13, 1988; Laws 1989, c. 227, § 4; Laws 1992, c. 312, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1992.

§5665.  Screening of persons requesting assistance.

Any person requesting assistance pursuant to the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act and who meets the criteria specified in paragraph 2 of Section 58 of this title shall be required to go through a screening process established by the Department of Human Services as follows:

1.  A determination shall be made as to whether the person is eligible for any existing state or federal health care program; and

2.  If the person is ineligible for existing state or federal programs, said person's account shall be placed in the indigent health care account of the hospital or clinic's records.

Added by Laws 1984, c. 294, § 9, eff. Nov. 1, 1984.  Amended by Laws 1987, c. 192, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 1987.

§5666.  Reimbursements and payments to hospitals and clinics  Disbursement of state monies.

A.  The Department of Human Services, from all monies deposited into the Indigent Health Care Revolving Fund for the purpose of implementing the provisions of the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act, shall reimburse clinics which meet the requirements of Section 64 of this title and elect to participate in the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act.

B.  Disbursements of state monies from the Indigent Health Care Revolving Fund to eligible clinics shall be as follows:

1.  Following certification and approval by the Department of Human Services of the accuracy of reports submitted pursuant to Section 64 of this title the Department shall determine the amount of state monies available to the clinics; and

2.  The Department shall make payments from state monies available to all participating clinics in the state pursuant to provisions of the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act.  Payment rates shall be determined by the Department of Human Services following consultation with provider groups.  The Department of Human Services shall determine the amount due each clinic according to available monies.  The rate of clinic reimbursement shall not exceed the individual clinic's reimbursement rate established by the Department of Human Services for Medicaid patients.

C.  The Department, from sources other than the Indigent Health Care Revolving Fund, shall make payments from available state and federal monies to all participating hospitals and clinics in the state pursuant to provisions of the Oklahoma Indigent Health Care Act.  Payment rates shall be determined by the Department of Human Services following consultation with provider groups.  The Department of Human Services shall determine the amount due each hospital and clinic according to available monies.  The per diem payments to participating hospitals shall not exceed the individual hospital's per diem rate established by the Department of Human Services for Medicaid patients.  The rate of clinic reimbursement shall not exceed the individual clinic's reimbursement rate established by the Department of Human Services for Medicaid patients.

Added by Laws 1984, c. 294, § 10, eff. Nov. 1, 1984.  Amended by Laws 1987, c. 192, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 1987; Laws 1988, c. 15, § 2, emerg. eff. March 15, 1988.

§56-66.2.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 155, § 4, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-67.  Repealed by Laws 1985, c. 255, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1985.

§5681.  Repealed by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 31, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5682.  Repealed by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 31, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5691.  Issue of bonds authorized.

All counties in the State of Oklahoma are hereby authorized to issue bonds for the purpose of purchasing lands and making improvements thereon for the benefit of the poor in said counties.

Added by Laws 1923, c. 138, p. 233, § 1.

§5692.  Election authorized  Manner of calling election.

The board of county commissioners in each county in the State of Oklahoma is hereby authorized and empowered to call any election for the purpose of issuing bonds to purchase lands, make improvement thereon, or to make improvements upon lands already owned by such counties, for the use and benefit of the poor people of such counties.  Said commissioners shall call said election by issuing a proclamation therefor and giving notice thereof in four consecutive issues of a weekly newspaper published in and of general circulation in such county proposing to issue said bonds.  Provided, that no election shall be held until the expiration of thirty (30) days following the date of the first publication of said notice.

Added by Laws 1923, c. 138, p. 233, § 2.

§5693.  Contents of proclamation.

The proclamation calling for said election shall name the amount of bonds to be issued, the time said bonds shall run, the interest said bonds shall bear, and the time for holding the election.

Added by Laws 1923, c. 138, p. 233, § 3.

§5694.  Conduct of election.

Said election shall be conducted by the duly qualified election officials of such county and the returns thereof made to the secretary of the county election board, in all things and respects as now provided by law for holding county elections.

Added by Laws 1923, c. 138, p. 234, § 4.

§5695.  Bonds  Sale.

If at said election the voters, voting thereon, shall vote in favor of the issuance of the bonds, the board of county commissioners shall at once proceed to issue the same and shall deposit the bonds in the treasury of the county, the treasurer being responsible and chargeable therefor on his official bond.  The board of county commissioners shall proceed to sell said bonds and deposit the proceeds from the sale thereof in the county treasury, to be paid out by the treasurer upon orders of the board from time to time as the same shall be needed.  Provided, said bonds shall not be sold for less than par and accrued interest.

Added by Laws 1923, c. 138, p. 234, § 5.

§5696.  Rate of interest  Payment  Signatures  Recording.

Bonds issued as herein provided shall bear interest at a rate not to exceed the maximum rate provided by Section 498.1 of Title 62 of the Oklahoma Statutes, payable semiannually, and of denominations of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) each.  The entire amount shall be payable within twentyfive (25) years.  They shall be signed by the chairman of the board of county commissioners, and countersigned by the county clerk.  They shall be recorded by the county clerk and by the State Auditor and Inspector, both of whom shall endorse the same on the back thereof.  Facsimile signatures may be used as provided by the Registered Public Obligations Act of Oklahoma.

Added by Laws 1923, c. 138, p. 234, § 6.  Amended by Laws 1979, c. 30, § 15, emerg. eff. April 6, 1979; Laws 1983, c. 170, § 39, eff. July 1, 1983.

§5697.  Taxes  Levy.

It shall be the duty of the officers charged by law with levying taxes for county purposes to levy annually an amount sufficient to pay the interest due each year on the bonds issued hereunder, and in addition thereto levy an amount sufficient to pay the principal as the same comes due.

Added by Laws 1923, c. 138, p. 234, § 7.

§5698.  Purchase of lands and buildings.

Out of the proceeds of the sale of bonds the board of county commissioners shall purchase lands or grounds for indigent care facility purposes, or erect buildings and make improvements thereon as the case may be.  The board of county commissioners shall have the right to purchase the lands at private or public sale.

Added by Laws 1923, c. 138, p. 234, § 8.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 20, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§5699.  Persons admitted  Authority and supervision.

The board of county commissioners shall admit all indigent persons, who are legal residents of such county, to the indigent care facility, under such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by said commissioners.  The board of county commissioners shall have complete authority and supervision over the facility and shall provide for managing and controlling the facility.

Added by Laws 1923, c. 138, p. 234, § 9.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 21, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56111.  Erection of buildings  Care of patients.

The board of county commissioners of the counties throughout the state shall have power to erect buildings upon land occupied by county indigent care facilities for the isolation and treatment of all indigent persons who are afflicted with an illness or disease which makes it necessary that these measures be taken, and that the patients may, if the building is erected, be cared for out of the indigent care budget of the county of which the patients are residents.

Added by Laws 1923, c. 39, p. 52, § 1.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 22, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56112.  Supervision of treatment of patients.

The board of county commissioners shall provide for and supervise the treatment of said patients residing in the indigent care facility in a manner provided by law and under such restrictions as the board of county commissioners shall consider most advantageous for the interests of their respective counties and the welfare of the people therein.

Added by Laws 1923, c. 39, p. 52, § 2.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 23, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56113.  Public donations.

Said board of county commissioners shall be permitted to accept public donations in aid of the construction, upkeep and maintenance of said buildings and support of patients therein.

Added by Laws 1923, c. 39, p. 52, § 3.

§56114.  Employment of nurses, etc.

The board of county commissioners shall be authorized to employ a suitable person or persons to care for such patients and quarters, upon such terms and conditions as provided by law, and under such restrictions as the board of county commissioners shall consider most advantageous for the interests of their respective counties and the welfare of the people therein.

Added by Laws 1923, c. 39, p. 52, § 4.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 24, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56121.  When commissioners may sell.

The board of county commissioners of any county of this state is hereby authorized and empowered to sell and convey any real estate deeded to or held by such county for the purpose of indigent care facilities, when in the opinion of the board of commissioners such real estate is not needed, is unsuitable or inconvenient for such purposes.  Such sale shall be in the manner hereinafter provided.

Added by Laws 191011, c. 75, p. 172, § 1.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 25, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56122.  Resolution of county commissioners  Appraisement.

Before any such sale or conveyance shall be made, the board of county commissioners, in regular or special session, shall adopt a resolution declaring that said real estate is not needed for indigent care facility purposes, or is unsuitable or inconvenient for such purpose, or that other or more suitable or convenient real property within the county is obtainable at a fair and reasonable value.  The resolution shall be published with other proceedings of the board, and a copy of the resolution shall be certified by the county clerk to the judge of the district court of such county.  The judge shall determine whether such sale is in the best interest of the county.  The judge shall order and direct the board to sell the real estate, as hereinafter provided, and he or she shall appoint three disinterested freeholders of the county to appraise the real estate.  The appraisal is to be returned by the appraisers to the board of county commissioners.

Added by Laws 191011, c. 75, p. 172, § 2.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 26, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56123.  Publication of notice.

Upon the return of the appraisement as provided for in Section 2 of this act, the board of county commissioners shall give notice of such sale by publication in some newspaper of general circulation in the county for a period of thirty (30) days.

Added by Laws 191011, c. 75, p. 172, § 3.

§56124.  Procedure  Bids  Report to district judge.

Bids for said real estate shall be in writing, sealed and delivered to the county clerk of such county and by him preserved unopened, until the next regular meeting of the board of county commissioners, at which time said board shall open such bids and award the said real estate to the highest and best bidder for the same and file a report of such sale with the judge of the district court for approval and confirmation; provided that such real estate shall not be sold for less than ninety percent (90%) of its appraised value, and the board of county commissioners shall have the power to reject any and all bids.

Added by Laws 191011, c. 75, p. 173, § 4.

§56125.  Deeds  Order for execution  Signing, acknowledging and attesting  Prima facie evidence.

If such sale be by the judge of the district court approved and confirmed, he shall direct and order the chairman of the board of county commissioners to execute a deed to the purchaser thereof, which shall be signed and acknowledged by the chairman of said board, and attested by the county clerk, which deed shall recite the several steps and proceeding had in such sale, and such recitals shall be prima facie evidence of the truth of the same.

Added by Laws 191011, c. 75, p. 173, § 5.

§56126.  Proceeds  Disposition.

Proceeds derived by a county from any sale of real estate deeded to it or held by it for use as indigent care facilities shall be credited to the county's building fund.

Added by Laws 191011, c. 75, p. 173, § 6.  Amended by Laws 1969, c. 25, § 1, eff. Feb. 17, 1969; Laws 1994, c. 87, § 27, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56127.  Authorization to use or lease realty held for indigent care facilities  Sales not restricted.

The board of county commissioners of any county in this state is hereby authorized and empowered to hold, own, or use for any other lawful county purpose, or lease for any other lawful purpose, any real estate deeded to or held by such county for the purpose of county indigent care facilities, when, in the opinion of the board of county commissioners, such real estate is not needed, is unsuitable, or inconvenient for the purpose of an indigent care facility; provided that nothing contained in this section shall prevent the said county from selling the said property as provided by law, and the power to hold, own, or use said property for any lawful county purpose, or lease said property for any lawful purpose, shall be in addition to the power to sell said property as provided in Sections 121 through 126 of this title.

Added by Laws 1959, p. 92, § 1.  Amended by Laws 1971, c. 235, § 1, emerg. eff. June 12, 1971; Laws 1994, c. 87, § 28, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56128.  Resolution.

Before any real estate deeded to or held by any such county for the purpose of county indigent care facilities shall be held, owned, or used for any other lawful county purpose, or leased for any other lawful purpose, the board of county commissioners in regular or special session shall adopt a resolution declaring that said real estate is not needed for county indigent care facility purposes, or is unsuitable or inconvenient for such purposes, or that other or more suitable or convenient real property within the county is obtainable at a fair and reasonable value, such resolution to be published with other proceedings of the county commissioners.

Added by Laws 1959, p. 92, § 2.  Amended by Laws 1971, c. 235, § 2, emerg. eff. June 12, 1971; Laws 1994, c. 87, § 29, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56-131.  Repealed by Laws 1986, c. 69, § 1, emerg. eff. April 1, 1986.

§56141.  Repealed by Laws 1994, c. 87, § 31, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56142.  Amount of allowance.

The allowance to each of such women shall not exceed Ten Dollars ($10.00) a month when she has but one child under the age of fourteen (14) years, and if she has more than one child under the age of fourteen (14) years, it shall not exceed the sum of Ten Dollars ($10.00) a month for the first child and Five Dollars ($5.00) a month for each of the other children under the age of fourteen (14) years.

Added by Laws 1915, c. 183, § 2.

§56143.  Conditions of allowance.

Such allowance shall be made by the county court and only upon the following conditions:

(1) The child or children for whose benefit the allowance is made must be living with the mother of such child or children; (2) The allowance shall be made only when in the absence of such allowance the mother would be required to work regularly away from her home and children, and when by means of such allowance she will be able to remain at home with her children; (3) The mother must, in the judgment of the county court, be a proper person, morally, physically and mentally, for the bringing up of her children; (4) Such allowance shall, in the judgment of the court, be necessary to save the child or children from neglect; (5) No person shall receive the benefit of this act who shall not have been a resident of the county in which such application is made for at least one (1) year next before the making of such application for such allowance.

Added by Laws 1915, c. 183, § 3.  Amended by Laws 1921, c. 19, p. 26, § 1.

§56144.  Termination or modification of allowance.

Whenever any child shall reach the age of fourteen (14) years any allowance made to the mother of such child for the benefit of such child shall cease.  The county court may, at its discretion, at any time before such child reaches the age of fourteen (14) years, discontinue or modify the allowance to any mother and for any child.

Added by Laws 1915, c. 183, § 4.

§56145.  Provisions when fund is insufficient.

Should the fund herein authorized be sufficient to permit an allowance to only a part of the persons coming within the provisions of this law, the county court shall select those cases in most urgent need of such allowance.

Added by Laws 1915, c. 183, § 5.

§56146.  Class of widows entitled.

The provisions of this law shall not apply to any woman whose husband is not dead or who is not confined in the Oklahoma State Penitentiary or other prison in this state, or is in a state institution for the insane in this state, and in the two latter cases it shall not apply unless such prisoner is the lawful husband of the woman seeking such allowance.

Added by Laws 1915, c. 183, § 6.

§56147.  Unlawful procurement  Penalty for attempt.

Any person procuring or attempting to procure any allowance for a person not entitled thereto shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not more than one (1) year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Added by Laws 1915, c. 183, § 7.

§56148.  Judgments for allowance  Citizens may petition rehearing.

In each case where an allowance is made to any woman under the provisions of this act, a judgment entry to that effect shall be entered upon the records of the county court making such allowance, and it shall be the right of any taxpaying citizen at any time to file a motion to set aside such judgment; and on such motion the county court, or the court to whom such motion may be taken on a change of venue, shall hear evidence, either with or without a jury, as either side may demand, and may make a new order granting or refusing such allowance, and from such order so made an appeal shall lie as in ordinary civil cases.  If the judgment making such allowance is not appealed from, or is affirmed on appeal, the person filing such motion shall pay all the costs of such motion and the proceedings subsequent thereto.  Such motion may be renewed from time to time, but not oftener than once in any calendar year.

Added by Laws 1915, c. 183, § 8.

§56161.  Definitions.

(a) When used herein, the term "State Department" shall mean the State Department of Public Welfare;

(b) The term "Commission" shall mean the Oklahoma Public Welfare Commission;

(c) The term "county board" shall mean the county board of public welfare;

(d) The term "Director" shall mean the Director of Public Welfare;

(e) The term "applicant" shall mean a person who has applied for assistance under this act;

(f) The term "recipient" shall mean any person who is receiving assistance under the terms of this act;

(g) The term "assistance" shall mean money payments to, medical care in behalf of, or any other kind of benefit to or for recipients who receive aid under the provisions of this act.

(h) The singular shall include the plural and the masculine shall include the feminine;

(i) The term "county department" shall mean the county board of public welfare, a county director of public welfare and such other personnel as may be necessary for the efficient performance of the duties of the county department;

(j) The term "Department" shall mean the State Department of Public Welfare and the county department of public welfare.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 1, adopted July 7, 1936.  Amended by Laws 1939, p. 85, § 1, emerg. eff. May 9, 1939; Laws 1951, p. 156, § 1, emerg. eff. June 1, 1951.

§56162.  Duties and powers of Commission.

The Commission shall have the power and it shall be its duty to:

(a) Select a Director of Public Welfare who shall not be a member of the Commission and who shall serve as executive and administrative officer of the Department.  The Director shall be appointed wholly on the basis of ability, training and experience qualifying him or her for public welfare administration.  The Director shall serve at the pleasure of the Commission.  The salary of the Director shall be fixed by the Commission;

(b) Formulate the policies and adopt rules and regulations for the effective administration of the duties of the Department;

(c) Require and set the amount of the bond for employees within its discretion;

(d)

(e) Cooperate with the Federal Social Security Board, created under Title 7 of the Social Security Act, enacted by the SeventyFourth Congress and approved August 14, 1935, or other like agency created by Congress, in any reasonable manner as may be necessary to qualify for federal aid to states in providing assistance to needy persons in conformity with the provisions of this act, including the making of such reports in such form and containing such information as the Social Security Board or other similar federal agency may from time to time require, and comply with such provisions as the Social Security Board, or other similar federal agency may find necessary to insure the correctness and verification of such reports; and

(f) Publish an annual report, not later than four (4) months after the close of each fiscal year, showing for such year the total amount paid to needy persons in this state under the provisions of this act, and the total number of such needy persons given assistance, classified by age, sex, race, residence of persons assisted, and such other particulars as may be deemed advisable.  Such report shall be presented to the Governor.

(g) Present to the Federal Social Security Board a new or modified plan for oldage assistance, aid to dependent children and aid to needy blind.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 2, adopted July 7, 1936.  Amended by Laws 1939, p. 86, § 2, emerg. eff. May 9, 1939.

§56162.1.  Additional names for Department of Public Welfare, Welfare Commission and Director.

(a) The Department of Public Welfare shall also be known as, and may perform official acts and transact official business in the name of, Department of Human Services.

(b) The Oklahoma Public Welfare Commission shall also be known as, and may perform official acts and transact official business in the name of, the Commission for Human Services.

(c) The Director of Public Welfare shall also be known as, and may perform official acts and transact official business in the name of, the Director of Human Services.

Added by Laws 1968, p. 816, H.J.R. No. 561, § 1, emerg. eff. April 15, 1968.  Amended by Laws 1980, S.J.R. No. 46, § 1, emerg. eff. Feb. 6, 1980.

§56162.1a.  Additional names for Department of Welfare, Public Welfare Commission and Director of Public Welfare.

Whenever the name of Department of Institutions, Social and Rehabilitative Services, or Commission for Institutions, Social and Rehabilitative Services, or Director of Institutions, Social and Rehabilitative Services appears in any law, contract or other document, it shall be deemed to refer to Department of Human Services, Commission for Human Services, or Director of Human Services, respectively.

Added by Laws 1980, S.J.R. No. 46, § 2, emerg. eff. Feb. 6, 1980.

§56162.2.  Campus police and juvenile officers  Appointment  Powers.

The Department of Human Services shall have the authority to appoint campus police for institutions, county office buildings and any other buildings and their adjacent grounds under the jurisdiction of the Department, in the same manner and with the same powers as campus police appointed by governing boards of state institutions for higher education under the provisions of Sections 360.11 through 360.14 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes.  The Department may also appoint and commission juvenile officers to assist it in maintaining custody of children committed to the Department, and in making investigations and in prosecuting court proceedings under the provisions of Sections 233 through 236 of this title, relating to child support enforcement.  Such officers shall have the powers of peace officers, including the authority to serve and execute process, bench warrants and other court orders in cases in which the Department is a party or a participant.  Each juvenile officer shall be required to execute a bond in such form and amount as may be approved by the Department, the cost thereof to be paid by the Department.

Added by Laws 1971, c. 124, § 1, emerg. eff. May 4, 1971.  Amended by Laws 1985, c. 68, § 1, emerg. eff. May 16, 1985; Laws 1988, c. 326, § 9, emerg. eff. July 13, 1988; Laws 1993, c. 330, § 23, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56162.3.  Police officers  Certification.

Employees of the Department of Human Services serving as police officers shall obtain a certificate as provided for in Section 3311 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

Added by Laws 1985, c. 68, § 2, emerg. eff. May 16, 1985.

§56-162.4.  Peace officers for Commission.

The Director of the Department of Human Services shall have the authority to commission certified employees within the Office of the Inspector General of the Department as peace officers.  The authority of employees so commissioned shall include the authority to investigate crimes committed against the Department or crimes committed in the course of any program administered by the Department.  Employees so commissioned shall also have the authority to serve and execute process, bench warrants and other court orders in any judicial or administrative proceeding in which the Department is a party or participant.  Use and possession of firearms shall be at the discretion of the Director of the Department of Human Services, for the fraud unit only.  To become qualified as peace officers for the commission, employees shall first obtain a certificate as provided for in Section 3311 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

Added by Laws 1993, c. 272, § 1, emerg. eff. May 27, 1993.

§56-162.5.  Institutional Maintenance and Construction Unit and Architecture and Engineering Planning Unit - Authority to contract with Oklahoma Medical Center.

The Institutional Maintenance and Construction Unit and the Architecture and Engineering Planning Unit of the Department of Human Services, or its successors, shall have authority to submit bids and enter into contracts with and to perform services for the Oklahoma Medical Center for construction and remodeling projects that fall within the scope of services of the Unit or its successors.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 174, § 7, emerg. eff. May 8, 1997.

§56-162.6.  Renumbered as § 4122 of Title 74 by Laws 2001, c. 348, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2001.

§56163.  County boards  Appointment  Duties.

The Commission may appoint in each county a county board consisting of either three, five, or seven members, the majority of whom shall constitute a quorum.  These members shall serve without salary at the pleasure of the Commission.  No candidate for office nor any elective officer shall serve as a member of the county board.  Members of the Legislature and any elective official of the State of Oklahoma shall be disqualified to recommend for appointment any member of the county board.

It shall be the duty of the county departments to:

(a) Administer the provision of this act within their respective counties, subject to the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission pursuant to the provisions of this act;

(b) Report to the Commission at such times and in such manner and form as the Commission may from time to time direct.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 3, adopted July 7, 1936.  Amended by Laws 1939, p. 87, § 3, emerg. eff. May 9, 1939; Laws 1947, p. 342, § 1, emerg. eff. May 23, 1947.

§56-163.1.  Satellite meal sites.

The Department of Human Services shall authorize the establishment of local satellite meal sites for the purpose of encouraging older Oklahomans to congregate in order to eat meals prepared at another location and delivered to the local satellite meal site.

The Department of Human Services with the cooperation of the State Fire Marshal and the Oklahoma State Department of Health shall adopt and promulgate standards for the establishment of such satellite meal sites so as to comply with any applicable fire and health code based on occupancy and use of the site.  It is the intention of the Legislature that such standards shall be adequate to protect the health and safety of the persons congregating at satellite meal sites but also which will authorize and allow the establishment of the satellite meal sites by the Department, and which will encourage the use of the satellite meal sites for meal delivery services to older Oklahomans.

Added by Laws 1992, c. 277, § 10, eff. July 1, 1992.

§56164.  Eligibility for assistance.

A.  Assistance shall be given under this act:

1.  To any needy person who has attained the age of sixtyfive (65) years; provided, however, that when authorized by federal law or regulations, and in conformity therewith, the age requirement for needy persons under this act shall be sixtytwo (62) years.  In addition to the above age requirements, said needy person shall possess the following qualifications:

a. shall be residing in this state with intent to remain in the state at the time assistance is received,

b. has not sufficient income or other resources to provide for himself or herself,

c. is not an inmate of a public institution as defined by the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services, and

d. has not made an assignment, transfer or encumbrance of property for the purpose of rendering himself or herself eligible for assistance under this act, at any time within five (5) years immediately preceding the filing of an application for assistance;

2.  To any needy person who is blind and who possesses the following qualifications:

a. shall be residing in this state with intent to remain in this state at the time assistance is received,

b. has not sufficient income or other resources to provide for himself or herself,

c. is not an inmate of a public institution as defined by the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services,

d. has not made an assignment, transfer or encumbrance of property so as to render himself or herself eligible for assistance under this act at any time within five (5) years immediately preceding the filing of an application for assistance, and

e. shall not, during the period of receiving assistance, solicit alms;

3.  To any child possessing the following qualifications:

a. is crippled or is suffering from conditions which may lead to crippling,

b. is in need of medical, surgical, corrective or other services and care,

c. has not sufficient income or other resources to provide such medical, surgical, corrective or other services and care,

d. has no relatives who are financially able and who are required by law to provide such services and care,

e. shall be residing in this state with intent to remain in the state at the time assistance is received, and

f. who is not receiving adequate aid under other provisions of law;

4.  To or on behalf of any dependent child who is under the age of eighteen (18) years of age or will graduate from high school prior to reaching nineteen (19) years of age and who possesses the following qualifications:

a. shall be residing in this state with intent to remain in the state at the time assistance is received,

b. has been deprived of parental support or care by reason of the death, continued absence from the home, or physical or mental incapacity of a parent, and who is living with a relative of the proper degree as designated by the Commission for Human Services in a place of residence maintained by one or more of such relatives as his or their own home,

c. has not sufficient income or other resources to provide for himself, and

d. is a resident of the state at the time of receiving assistance.

As an incentive to accept employment, an amount as established by the Commission for Human Services may be disregarded in the determination of the amount of earned income to be considered against the grant of aid to families with dependent children.

Incapacitated parents of dependent children and all other disabled persons receiving public assistance from the Department of Human Services, who, considering age, degree of incapacity, and ability to work, appear to be able to return to a status of selfsupport through surgery, medical treatment, vocational training, and selective placement, or any one or any combination of these services, shall be referred to the State Department of Rehabilitation Services, and encouraged to accept such rehabilitation services as may be available to them.  The Department of Human Services and the State Department of Rehabilitation Services are directed to jointly formulate an agreement for the orderly referral of such cases, and the prevention of duplication of effort and expense, and the full implementation of this policy, such agreement to become effective when approved by the Oklahoma Public Welfare Commission and the Commission for Rehabilitation Services; provided that, in cases where either parent would be required to support such child or children except for his or her physical incapacity, it is the duty of the Director of the Department of Human Services to furnish the name of such parent to the State Department of Rehabilitation Services.  The State Department of Rehabilitation Services shall review the available medical and social information and shall contact such parent, if it can be ascertained that he or she can be rehabilitated.  If such parent refuses to allow an examination by the State Department of Rehabilitation Services, the State Department of Rehabilitation Services shall so notify the Director of the Department of Human Services and the children of such parent may be immediately removed from the welfare rolls.  If said parent submits to examination and it is found that he or she can be rehabilitated, the State Department of Rehabilitation Services shall proceed to rehabilitate him or her.  If said parent refuses to submit himself or herself for rehabilitation, whether by medical treatment or otherwise, said service shall so certify to the Director of the Department of Human Services who may immediately order the children of said parent removed from the welfare rolls; and

5.  To any needy person who is permanently and totally disabled and who possesses the following qualifications:

a. shall be residing in this state with intent to remain in the state at the time assistance is received,

b. has not sufficient income or other resources to provide for himself or herself; provided, that the resources or income of a person's parents shall be considered in determining his or her eligibility for assistance for persons under eighteen (18) years of age; provided further, that no person shall be eligible to receive assistance under this subsection for any period of time with respect to which he or she receives assistance under any other provision of the section of which this subsection is a part,

c. is not an inmate of a public institution as defined by the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services, and

d. has not made an assignment, transfer or encumbrance of property so as to render himself or herself eligible for assistance under this act, at any time within five (5) years immediately preceding the filing of an application for assistance.

B.  Eligibility for assistance under provisions of this subsection shall be determined under rules promulgated, from time to time, by the Department of Human Services as provided by law.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 4, adopted July 7, 1936.  Amended by Laws 1939, p. 89, § 4, emerg. eff. May 9, 1939; Laws 1945, p. 182, § 1, emerg. eff. April 17, 1945; Laws 1949, p. 380, § 1, emerg. eff. April 21, 1949; Laws 1951, p. 156, § 2, emerg. eff. June 1, 1951; Laws 1953, p. 230, §§ 1, 2, emerg. eff. June 9, 1953; Laws 1957, p. 456, § 1, emerg. eff. June 6, 1957; Laws 1957, p. 458, § 1, emerg. eff. May 31, 1957; Laws 1961, p. 437, § 1, emerg. eff. July 12, 1961; Laws 1961, p. 434, § 1, emerg. eff. July 11, 1961; Laws 1973, c. 38, § 1, emerg. eff. April 24, 1973; Laws 1985, c. 29, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1985; Laws 1993, c. 364, § 11, emerg. eff. June 11, 1993.

§56165.  Amount of assistance.

A.  1.  The amount of assistance which any person shall receive under the provisions of this act shall be determined with due regard to the resources, to income and need of the individual and other conditions existing in each case and in accordance with funds available and rules of the Commission for Human Services, but in no case shall it be an amount which, when added to the income of the applicant from all other sources, is more than necessary to provide such person with reasonable subsistence compatible with decency and health.

2.  The cash or loan value of all life insurance policies, and all revocable and irrevocable contracts for prepaid funeral benefits, as defined by Sections 6121 through 6135 of Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes, and all monies set aside in a separate account and specifically designated for funeral expenses of an applicant for and recipient of public assistance shall be considered as a resource available to meet the needs of the applicant.  However, the following accruals by the applicant for and recipient of public assistance shall not be considered:

a. One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) cash value of the policies or revocable contracts or designated accounts or any combination thereof, provided the cash value does not exceed One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00), or

b. Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($7,500.00) plus accrued interest in an irrevocable contract, designated account or cash value in insurance policies, or Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($7,500.00) plus accrued interest in any combination of irrevocable account, designated account, or cash value in insurance policies.

3.  If the recipient receives any money from the policies or revocable contracts or designated accounts before the recipient's death, the amount received shall be considered as a resource available to meet the recipient's needs, provided, that an amount not to exceed One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) from all policies may be used for prepaid burial expenses of the recipient.

B.  It shall be the duty of the Commission for Human Services, in conformity with the Federal Social Security Laws and in regard to funds available, to revise and liberalize the budget as now used in ascertaining the need of any person eligible to receive assistance, and, in so doing, the increased cost of living and condition of health of such person shall be given due consideration.

C.  1.  Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the limitations specified pursuant to paragraph 2 of subsection A of this section shall apply to the cash or loan value of all life insurance policies and all revocable and irrevocable contracts for prepaid funeral benefits and all monies set aside in a separate account and specifically designated for funeral expenses of an applicant for or recipient of public assistance which were entered into or created prior to July 1, 1986, and on and after July 1, 1985.

2.  Any person who entered into an irrevocable life insurance policy or irrevocable contract for prepaid funeral expenses prior to July 1, 1986, which exceeds the maximum limitation specified by paragraph 2 of subsection A of this section, and who is receiving assistance on July 1, 1986, is eligible to continue to receive such assistance provided such recipient does not add to or otherwise increase such irrevocable policy or contract.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 5, adopted July 7, 1936.  Amended by Laws 1939, p. 89, § 5, emerg. eff. May 9, 1939; Laws 1945, p. 180, § 1, emerg. eff. May 7, 1945; Laws 1951, p. 158, § 3, emerg. eff. June 1, 1951; Laws 1957, p. 456, § 1, emerg. eff. April 9, 1957; Laws 1971, c. 178, § 1, emerg. eff. May 28, 1971; Laws 1976, c. 290, § 1, emerg. eff. June 17, 1976; Laws 1986, c. 139, § 1, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 1998, c. 231, § 1, emerg. eff. May 20, 1998.

§56166.  Application for assistance.

Application for assistance under this act shall be made to the county department of the county in which the applicant resides.  The application shall be in writing, signed by the applicant or legal guardian and shall be in a manner and upon the form prescribed by the State Department.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 6, adopted July 7, 1936.  Amended by Laws 1939, p. 89, § 6, emerg. eff. May 9, 1939.

§56-166.1.  Application for assistance resulting from birth of child.

Any person who makes application with the Department of Human Services for medical assistance resulting from the birth of any child shall provide the name of the person or persons legally responsible for the support of such child prior to receipt of any such medical assistance.

Added by Laws 1994, c. 356, § 18, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56167.  Investigation of applications.

The Department shall promptly investigate all applications for assistance, and shall determine whether the applicant is eligible for assistance under the provisions of this act, the amount of assistance, if any, and the date such assistance shall begin.  The applicant shall be notified in writing of the decision.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 7, adopted July 7, 1936.  Amended by Laws 1939, p. 90, § 7, emerg. eff. May 9, 1939.

§56167.1.  Request for financial records  Consent.

The Department of Human Services, with the written consent of the client, may request a copy of the financial records or any other records specified in said written consent from a financial institution or other agency regulated by federal or state law.  The request shall be for the purpose of investigating the eligibility of the client for assistance or service from the Department.  Said financial institution or agency shall furnish said records at no cost to the client or the Department.  If the client refuses to sign said written consent, then the Department shall refuse the client assistance or service.

Added by Laws 1984, c. 84, § 1, emerg. eff. April 4, 1984.

§56168.  Appeal by applicant  Procedure  Review.

A.  Any applicant or recipient adversely affected by a decision of the Department of Human Services on benefits or services provided pursuant to the provisions of this title, shall be afforded an opportunity for a hearing pursuant to the provisions of subsection B of this section after such applicant or recipient has been notified of the adverse decision of the Department.

B.  1.  Upon timely receipt of a request for a hearing as specified in the notice of adverse decision, the Department shall hold a hearing pursuant to the provisions of Section 310 of Title 75 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

2.  The record of the hearing shall include but shall not be limited to:

a. all pleadings, motions, and intermediate rulings,

b. evidence received or considered,

c. any decision, opinion, or report by the officer presiding at the hearing, and

d. all staff memoranda or data submitted to the hearing officer or members of the agency in connection with their consideration of the case.

3.  Oral proceedings shall be electronically recorded by the Department.  Any party may request a copy of the tape recording of their administrative hearing or may request a transcription of the tape recording to comply with any federal or state law.

4.  The decision issued pursuant to this subsection shall be the final decision of the Department unless appealed pursuant to subsection C of this section.

C.  Any decision of the Department after such a hearing pursuant to subsection B of this section shall be subject to review by the Director of Human Services upon a timely request for review by the applicant, recipient or Department staff.  The Director shall issue a decision after review or may refer review of the hearing decision to the Commission for Human Services.  The referral shall be based on criteria established by the Commission.  The Director's decision shall be final unless appealed as provided by the provisions of subsection D of this section.

D.  Any applicant or recipient under this title aggrieved by a decision of the Director rendered pursuant to this section may petition the district court in which the applicant or recipient resides for a judicial review of the decision pursuant to the provisions of Sections 318 through 323 of Title 75 of the Oklahoma Statutes.  A copy of the petition shall be served by mail upon the General Counsel of the Department.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 8, adopted July 7, 1936.  Amended by Laws 1939, p. 90, § 8, emerg. eff. May 9, 1939; Laws 1985, c. 11, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1985; Laws 1993, c. 7, § 1, eff. July 1, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 233, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 1995, c. 170, § 1, emerg. eff. May 8, 1995; Laws 2001, c. 415, § 17, emerg. eff. June 5, 2001.

§56169.  Reinvestigation of assistance grants.

All assistance grants made under this act shall be reinvestigated by the Department as frequently as may be required by the Commission. In all cases, the Department shall have the power to modify or revoke its former grant.  The same right of hearing shall be accorded an aggrieved recipient as provided in Section 8 thereof.  Provided, that on and after June 1st, 1957, it shall be the duty of the Oklahoma Public Welfare Commission in conformity with the Federal Social Security Laws and in regard to funds available to revise and liberalize the budget as now used in ascertaining the need of any person eligible to receive old age assistance, and in so doing the increased cost of living and condition of health shall be given due consideration (and excepting earned and/or inconsequential resources and casual irregular or unpredictable wages or salary in an amount of an average of $50.00 or a greater amount per month). Provided further, that the Commission shall immediately direct the reinvestigation and revision of the budget of each and every recipient and the payment of assistance thereafter shall be made on such basis.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 9, adopted July 7, 1936.  Amended by Laws 1939, p. 90, § 9, emerg. eff. May 9, 1939; Laws 1945, p. 181, § 2, emerg. eff. May 7, 1945; Laws 1957, p. 457, § 2, emerg. eff. April 9, 1957.

§56-170.  Repealed by Laws 1939, p. 93, § 19, emerg. eff. May 9, 1939.

§56-171.  Disclosure of property and income - Overpayments or payments resulting from misrepresentation or concealment - Notice of sale or encumbrance.

Any applicant for assistance under this act shall set forth upon the form prescribed by the Department of Human Services all his real and personal property and income from whatever sources.  If the recipient of assistance under this act thereafter becomes possessed of real property, or if such recipient comes into possession of personal property or money in excess of that given in the application for assistance and in such amount as would materially affect his right to assistance, it shall be the duty of the recipient immediately to notify the Department of the receipt and possession of such property, real or personal, or money.  Provided, however, when assistance grants available are insufficient to meet the needs of a recipient as determined by the Department, such recipient may earn or receive the difference between such assistance grant and the budgetary needs of the recipient subject to availability of funds appropriated for this purpose.  If any recipient receives overpayment of assistance under this act, or receives assistance while ineligible therefor under this act, through misrepresentation or concealment of material facts, either in his original application or thereafter, materially affecting the amount of assistance, the Department may, upon investigation, either cancel the assistance or reduce the amount thereof in accordance with the circumstances.

If any recipient conceals any resource, either in his original application or thereafter, which would render the recipient ineligible for public assistance, such recipient shall be liable for the entire amount of assistance paid during the period of ineligibility.  If, during the continuance of assistance, a recipient comes into possession of any money or resource which does not render him completely ineligible for assistance but which, if reported, would have reduced the amount of his assistance grant, such recipient shall be liable for the excess paid by the Department over the amount which the Department would have paid had the money or resources been reported.  The Department may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction for the amount paid an ineligible recipient or the amount of the overpayment, as the case may be, unless the recipient voluntarily acknowledges the indebtedness, voluntarily gives a lien upon his property or voluntarily makes repayment.  Providing, however, that the Department of Human Services shall credit any recipient who has received assistance while ineligible by reason of such fraud, misrepresentation and concealment of facts for the time he has been held off the rolls according to the budgetary requirements in effect during the time he has remained off the rolls and such amount shall be deducted from the amount found to have been received ineligibly, by means of such fraud and misrepresentation.  After the fact and amount of indebtedness has been established by a court of competent jurisdiction, the Department shall proceed to collect said judgment as other judgments for money are collected and all sums recovered under such judgments shall be paid into the State Treasury to the credit of the Human Services Medical and Assistance Fund; provided, however, that an action to establish the fact and amount of overpayment under the provisions of this act must be brought within one (1) year from the date of the discovery of the overpayment, misrepresentation or concealment of material facts by the recipient. Such judgment shall be a lien upon all assets, except the homestead and exempt personal property of such recipient, while the same are exempt from execution under the laws of the State of Oklahoma.  Any funds received through the voluntary action of the recipient shall be paid into the State Treasury to the credit of the Human Services Medical and Assistance Fund.

Any recipient hereunder who sells, conveys or encumbers any real property belonging to him, or any interest therein, shall immediately notify the Department of same, giving the legal description of said property and nature and amount of consideration.  Failure to make the report shall be cause for forfeiture of a recipient's right to assistance, in the discretion of the Department.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 11, adopted July 7, 1936.  Amended by Laws 1939, p. 90, § 10, emerg. eff. May 9, 1939; Laws 1951, p. 158, § 4, emerg. eff. June 1, 1951; Laws 1953, p. 228, § 1, emerg. eff. May 27, 1953; Laws 1988, c. 326, § 10, emerg. eff. July 13, 1988; Laws 1992, c. 277, § 9, eff. July 1, 1992.

§56172.  Assistance to incompetent to be paid to guardian.

A grant of assistance to any recipient of OldAge Assistance or Aid to the Blind, found to be incompetent, may be paid to a guardian appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 12, adopted July 7, 1936.  Amended by Laws 1939, p. 91, § 11, emerg. eff. May 9, 1939.

§56173.  Assistance inalienable.

All rights to assistance under this act shall be inalienable by any assignment, sale or transfer; and said assistance shall not be subject to execution, attachment, garnishment or other process, and in the case of bankruptcy, the assistance shall not pass to or through any trustee or any other person acting on behalf of creditors.  Any contract or transfer or assignment or sale made contrary to the provisions of this act shall be void.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 13, adopted July 7, 1936.

§56174.  Change of residence.

Any recipient who moves to another county in this state shall be entitled to receive assistance in the county in which he has moved and the county department of the county from which he has moved shall transfer with due dispatch all necessary records relating to the recipient to the county department of the county to which he has moved.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 14, adopted July 7, 1936.  Amended by Laws 1939, p. 91, § 12, emerg. eff. May 9, 1939.

§56175.  Assistance to crippled children.

It shall be the duty of the county department in the several respective counties in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission to take the initiative in ascertaining the need for assistance of persons eligible for assistance under the provisions of subsection (c) of Section 164 of this title and report in writing on forms furnished by the Department its recommendations showing the nature of the need for assistance, the kind and amount of assistance needed in each case.  The Department shall have authority to enter into agreements with physicians, nurses, hospitals, agencies and individuals for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of subsection (c) of Section 164 of this title.  All claims approved for payment under this section shall be drawn against the Human Services Medical and Assistance Fund and paid in the same manner as other expenditures.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 15, adopted July 7, 1936.  Amended by Laws 1939, p. 91, § 13, emerg. eff. May 9, 1939; Laws 1943, p. 129, § 1, emerg. eff. April 12, 1943; Laws 1988, c. 326, § 11, emerg. eff. July 13, 1988.

§56176.  Homeless and neglected children.

The Commission is authorized to set up a division for the protection and care of homeless, dependent and neglected children, and children in danger of becoming delinquent and to provide an adequate child welfare service to accomplish the purposes herein set forth.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 16, adopted July 7, 1936.  Amended by Laws 1939, p. 92, § 14, emerg. eff. May 9, 1939; Laws 1988, c. 326, § 12, emerg. eff. July 13, 1988.

§56176.1.  Investigation or study involving custody, placement or adoption of children  Fee.

If the district court requests or orders the Department of Human Services to perform any investigation or study involving the custody, placement, adoption, or other pertinent matter, with regard to a child or children with whom the Department is not otherwise involved, the Department may charge a reasonable sliding scale fee, subject to standards promulgated by the Commission for Human Services.  The court shall specify the party or parties responsible for payment of such a fee.  Failure to obey the order to pay the fee may be punished as contempt.  The Department may also recover the fee as is provided by law for the recovery of a debt.  The investigation, or study filed with the court, is subject to the sovereign immunity of the state and its employees.

Added by Laws 1986, c. 247, § 25, operative July 1, 1986.

§56-176a.  Repealed by Laws 1982, c. 80, § 13, emerg. eff. April 1, 1982.

§56-176b.  Repealed by Laws 1982, c. 80, § 13, emerg. eff. April 1, 1982.

§56-176c.  Repealed by Laws 1982, c. 80, § 13, emerg. eff. April 1, 1982.

§56177.  Assent to provisions of federal law.

The Commission shall have the authority to accept grants from the federal government of money or services for the purpose of augmenting assistance granted hereunder or to reimburse the state for assistance granted hereunder and to conform to the requirements of any federal agency or agencies governing said federal grants in any manner not inconsistent with the constitution and laws of the State of Oklahoma.

The Commission shall have the authority to make apportionments in advance of funds under its control in accordance with the requirements of the federal government where such funds are to be matched in whole or in part by federal funds.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 17, adopted July 7, 1936.

§56-178.  Repealed by Laws 1988, c. 326, § 45, emerg. eff. July 13, 1988.

§56-179.  Repealed by Laws 1986, c. 247, § 34, emerg. eff. June 13, 1986.

§56-180.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-181.  Repealed by Laws 1941, p. 467, § 17.

§56-181a.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56182.  Charging fees for representing applicant prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person to charge or receive any fee for representing an applicant for or recipient of assistance under the provisions of this act, except as to criminal proceedings brought against an applicant or recipient under the penal provisions of this act, with respect to any application or proceedings before the Department or the Commission, whether such fee or charge be paid by the applicant or recipient or any other person.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 23, adopted July 7, 1936.  Amended by Laws 1939, p. 92, § 15, emerg. eff. May 9, 1939.

§56-183.  Confidentiality of applications, information and records.

A.  All applications, information and records concerning any applicant or recipient obtained pursuant to law or as authorized by law by the Department of Human Services or any other public or private entity shall be confidential and shall be open to inspection only:

1.  To persons duly authorized by the Department of Human Services pursuant to rule promulgated in compliance with Article I of the Administrative Procedures Act or by the United States in connection with the performance of their official duties; or

2.  As otherwise authorized by law.

Provided, however, the Department of Human Services shall maintain a process to allow an authorized representative of a client of the Department of Human Services to have access to confidential information when necessary for eligibility determination and the appeals process.  For purposes of this section, "authorized representative" shall mean any person designated by a client of the Department of Human Services to review confidential information about the client pertinent to eligibility determination and the appeals process.

B.  It shall be unlawful and a misdemeanor for any public officer or employee, to furnish or permit to be taken off of the records any information therein contained for commercial or political purposes.

C.  It shall also be a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for not to exceed two (2) years, for any person, firm or corporation to publish, or to use for commercial or political purposes, any list or names obtained through access to such information or records.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 24, adopted July 7, 1936.  Amended by Laws 1939, p. 92, § 16, emerg. eff. May 9, 1939; Laws 1951, p. 159, § 6, emerg. eff. June 1, 1951; Laws 1953, p. 504, § 1, emerg. eff. May 27, 1953; Laws 1967, c. 85, § 1, emerg. eff. April 18, 1967; Laws 1979, c. 30, § 16, emerg. eff. April 6, 1979; Laws 1994, c. 16, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 1995, c. 170, § 2, emerg. eff. May 8, 1995; Laws 1997, c. 133, § 498, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 363, eff. July 1, 1999.

NOTE:  Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 498 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.

§56-183.1.  Repealed by Laws 1967, c. 85, § 2, eff. April 18, 1967.

§56-184.  Repealed by Laws 1980, c. 159, § 40, emerg. eff. April 2, 1980.

§56-185.  Fraud in obtaining assistance - Penalties.

Any person who:

1.  Obtains or attempts to obtain, or aids, abets or assists any person to obtain, by means of a false statement or representation,  by false impersonation, by a fictitious transfer, conveyance or encumbrance of property or income, by a knowing and willful failure to report to the Department of Human Services income, personal property, real property, household members, or other material eligibility factors at the time of application or during the receipt of assistance, or by other fraudulent device, assistance to which an applicant is not entitled or assistance greater than that to which an applicant is justly entitled; or

2.  By sale, barter, purchase, theft, acquisition, possession or use of any electronic benefits or debit card or any other device authorizing participation in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or other program of the Department, knowingly obtains, aids, abets or assists any person to obtain or attempt to obtain assistance to which a person is not entitled,

shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, if the aggregate amount of assistance received as a result thereof is Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or less.  Upon conviction thereof, such person shall be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or be imprisoned for not more than three (3) months or be both so fined and imprisoned in the discretion of the court; provided, however, if the aggregate amount of assistance received as a result thereof is in excess of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), such person shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not  more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) or be imprisoned in the State Penitentiary for a term of not more than two (2) years, or be subject to both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 26, adopted July 7, 1936.  Amended by Laws 1973, c. 60, § 1, emerg. eff. April 27, 1973; Laws 1985, c. 58, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1985; Laws 1997, c. 133, § 499, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, c. 17, § 2, emerg. eff. April 5, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 364, eff. July 1, 1999.

NOTE:  Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 499 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.

§56186.  Violations of the provisions of this act a misdemeanor.

Any person who violates any provision of this act for which no penalty is specifically provided shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 27, adopted July 7, 1936.

§56-187.  Repealed by Laws 1978, c. 244, § 42, eff. July 1, 1978.

§56-187.1.  Renumbered as § 5009.2 of Title 63 by Laws 1996, c. 213, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.

§56188.  Provisions severable.

The provisions of this act are severable, and if any section, paragraph, sentence or provision hereof be held to be void by any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision of the court shall not affect the validity of this act as a whole, or any part thereof, other than the portion so held to be invalid.

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 29, adopted July 7, 1936.

§56189.  Short title.

This act may be cited as the "Oklahoma Social Security Act."

Added by State Question No. 226, Initiative Petition No. 155, § 30, adopted July 7, 1936.

§56-189a.  Board of county commissioners to furnish adequate quarters - Construction or rental agreements - Lease or lease-purchase of private space and facilities.

A.  1.  The board of county commissioners in each county shall furnish quarters for the local units of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.  Such quarters shall be located in the county courthouse or other suitable building in the county seat and shall be furnished with light, heat and water and adequate toilet facilities.  The county excise board shall provide adequate appropriations to enable the county commissioners to comply with the provisions of this subsection.

2.  If no suitable quarters or adequate facilities are available in the county courthouse or in the county seat, facilities shall be furnished and supplied in the city or town in the county, but not the county seat thereof, having the greatest population.

3.  The Department may enter into an agreement with the board of county commissioners for financial participation, by the Department, in the payment of rent on space leased for use by the Department, or in the cost of repairs of buildings or space used by the Department, or the cost of janitorial services and utility services, if the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services determines that such payment is necessary for adequate space for units of the Department and that monies for such purpose are available without detriment to programs administered by the Department.

B.  1.  If the Commission for Human Services determines that adequate or suitable quarters, office space or facilities for the local units of the Department are not obtainable, the Department may enter into an agreement with the board of county commissioners of the county, or with any state agency or public trust, for the construction or renovation of a building or buildings where local units of the Department may have quarters, office space or facilities; or may enter into a lease agreement for the rental of space and facilities in a building or buildings constructed or renovated by the county, or a state agency, public trust or building authority, for the purpose of providing office space to the Department or any other public agency or agencies.

2.  The Department shall not enter into any agreement under the provisions of this subsection unless federal financial participation is obtainable.  All such agreements shall contain provisions as to financial participation therein by the parties to the agreement, payments to be made for the use or occupancy of the office space and facilities, and ownership of the building or buildings after payment of the cost of construction or renovation thereof has been completed, consistent with the requirements necessary for the Department to obtain or receive federal funds for such purpose.

C.  If the Commission for Human Services determines that adequate or suitable quarters, office space or facilities for local units of the Department are not obtainable from the board of county commissioners of the county, or from any state agency or public trust or building authority pursuant to the provisions of subsection B of this section, the Commission may enter into a lease agreement for the rental of space and facilities in a building or buildings owned or operated by a private vendor for the purpose of providing such quarters, office space or facilities.

D.  The Commission for Human Services is authorized to enter into agreements necessary to establish and determine the location of a North Tulsa field office if the Commission determines that state office space available through the Department of Central Services in Tulsa County is not appropriate and adequate to offer accessible and comprehensive services to clients of the Department of Human Services from North Tulsa County and Southern Osage County communities.

E.  If the Commission for Human Services determines that adequate or suitable quarters, office space or facilities for local units of the Department are not obtainable by lease agreement from the board of county commissioners of the county, from any state agency or public trust or building authority, or from a private vendor, the Commission for Human Services may acquire real property for such local units by lease-purchase agreement.  The Department is further authorized to enter into lease-purchase agreements to construct or renovate adequate or suitable quarters, office space or facilities needed by the Department.  Local units of the Department shall be exempt from the provisions of the Oklahoma Art in Public Places Act.

Added by Laws 1939, p. 93, § 17, emerg. eff. May 9, 1939.  Amended by Laws 1953, p. 230, § 1; Laws 1967, c. 202, § 1, emerg. eff. May 1, 1967; Laws 1976, c. 290, § 2, emerg. eff. June 17, 1976; Laws 1980, c. 24, § 1, eff. July 1, 1980; Laws 1988, c. 326, § 13, emerg. eff. July 13, 1988; Laws 1989, c. 373, § 19, operative July 1, 1989; Laws 1993, c. 177, § 2, emerg. eff. May 13, 1993; Laws 2001, c. 278, § 2, emerg. eff. May 31, 2001; Laws 2005, c. 440, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.

§56189b.  Partial invalidity.

The provisions of this act are severable, and if any section, paragraph, sentence or provision hereof be held to be void by any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision of the court shall not effect the validity of this act as a whole, or any part thereof, other than the portion so held to be invalid.

Added by Laws 1939, p. 93, § 18, emerg. eff. May 9, 1939.

§56190.  Payment of checks or vouchers to recipients of assistance, relief or welfare, upon death of the beneficiary after issuance.

Whenever any qualified recipient or beneficiary of oldage assistance, aid to the blind, or aid to the permanently and totally disabled, or of other relief or welfare, under the laws of the State of Oklahoma, shall have died after the issuance of assistance checks or vouchers to him, or on or after the due date of said checks or vouchers and before the same is endorsed or presented for payment by the recipient or beneficiary, the judge of the district court of the county in which said recipient resided at the time of his death shall by the filing of an affidavit by one of the next of kin or next friend of said deceased recipient make an order authorizing and directing such next of kin or next friend, or some other reputable person, to endorse said checks or vouchers which shall be paid upon presentation, and it shall not be necessary that an administrator be appointed for the estate of said decedent in order to collect said checks or vouchers. No costs shall be charged in said proceedings.  This act shall apply to checks and vouchers heretofore issued as well as to those hereafter issued.

Added by Laws 1937, p. 7, § 1.  Amended by Laws 1953, p. 231, § 1; Laws 1957, p. 457, § 1; Laws 1961, p. 438, § 1.

§56191.  Contents of affidavit.

Such affidavit filed by one of the next of kin or next friend shall state the name of the recipient, the date of his death, and the amount and number of such assistance checks or vouchers.

Added by Laws 1937, p. 8, § 2, emerg. eff. May 22, 1937.  Amended by Laws 1961, p. 438, § 2.

§56192.  Exemption from costs in guardianship cases.

No costs shall be charged whatsoever either by the court clerk or by the county judge of the district court in cases involving the guardianship of persons who are applicants for, or who are receiving oldage or other assistance under the Social Security Laws of this state.

Added by Laws 1937, p. 7, § 1, emerg. eff. May 22, 1937.

§56193.  Release of liens  Filing.

The Director of the State Department of Public Welfare is hereby authorized to execute a written release, in such form as may be required to meet the recording laws of the State of Oklahoma, of any liens now held or which may be obtained, as provided by law, when such liens have been paid or otherwise satisfied, as provided by law and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Oklahoma Public Welfare Commission.  Any such releases shall be filed and indexed in the Mechanic's Lien Docket, where such lien is required to be filed, in the office of the court clerk in the county where the property involved is located.

Added by Laws 1959, p. 221, § 1, emerg. eff. April 15, 1959.

§56-194.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56195.  Increase of grants.

The Oklahoma Department of Public Welfare is hereby authorized and directed, subject to the approval of the Oklahoma Public Welfare Commission, to increase grants in the oldage assistance category, aid to blind category, and aid to permanently and totally disabled category when, in its judgment, sufficient funds are accumulated to maintain a one month's surplus in each of the accounts of the department and when sufficient funds are available to maintain the increase for a biennium, in order to guarantee a continuity of dependable payments to the recipients of public assistance.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 728, § 2, emerg. eff. March 22, 1961.

§56-196.  Repealed by Laws 1985, c. 178, § 81, operative July 1, 1985.

§56-197.1.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-197.2.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-197.3.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-198.1.  Repealed by Laws 1980, c. 68, § 1, emerg. eff. April 10, 1980.

§56-198.2.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-198.3.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-198.4.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-198.5.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-198.6.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-198.7.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-198.8.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56198.9.  Increase in assistance payments.

The Oklahoma Public Welfare Commission shall cause, at as early a date as practicable and not later than April 1, 1975, the Schedule of Standard Money Payments for Assistance Plans in the categories of needy aged persons, aid to families with dependent children, needy blind persons and needy totally and permanently disabled persons, to be raised Seven Dollars ($7.00) per person per month subject to a finding by the Commission that the increase will not cause a reduction in services or benefits under any program administered by the Department of Institutions, Social and Rehabilitative Services.

Added by Laws 1975, p. 738, H.J.R. No. 1012, § 1, emerg. eff. March 14, 1975.

§56198.10.  Increase in assistance payments.

The Oklahoma Public Welfare Commission shall cause, at as early a date as practicable and not later than April 1, 1976, the Schedule of Standard Money Payments for Assistance Plans in the categories of needy aged persons, aid to families with dependent children, needy blind persons and needy totally and permanently disabled persons to be raised Five Dollars ($5.00) per person per month subject to a finding by the Commission that the increase will not cause a reduction in services or benefits under any program administered by the Department of Institutions, Social and Rehabilitative Services.

Added by Laws 1976, p. 598, H.J.R. No. 1043, § 1, emerg. eff. March 4, 1976.

§56-198.11.  Oklahoma Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance and Support Services (Oklahoma CD-PASS) Act - Purposes - Legislative findings.

A.  Sections 1 and 2 of this act shall be known and may be cited as the "Oklahoma Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance and Support Services (Oklahoma CD-PASS) Act".

B.  The purposes of the Oklahoma Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance and Support Services Act are to:

1.  Provide assistance, on a voluntary basis, to families with a Medicaid-eligible member who requires long-term support services, or to provide assistance to Medicaid-eligible individuals who require long-term support services, so that such persons may remain in their family residence or in their own home; and

2.  Afford, on a voluntary basis, frail elderly individuals and adults with disabilities who are Medicaid-eligible and who need basic assistance with mobility, self-care and health maintenance, the ability to have maximum control over the selection of persons working on their behalf and over the manner in which personal assistance services are to be provided to them.

C.  The Oklahoma Legislature finds that:

1.  Providing services to individuals needing in-home and community-based care, as well as providing assistance to their family members, should be supported;

2.  Giving recipients of in-home and community-based services and their family members a choice in the selection of services needed and providers to be utilized enhances a sense of dignity and autonomy for those individuals receiving care; and

3.  Providing consumers and their families with choice and control over their lives is a goal that should be supported.

D.  The Oklahoma Legislature further recognizes the importance of providing options and alternatives to persons receiving in-home and community-based services, and as such, supports demonstration programs that result in positive outcomes.

Added by Laws 2004, c. 285, § 1, eff. July 1, 2004.

§56-198.11a.  Oklahoma Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance and Support Services (Oklahoma CD-PASS) Act - Oklahoma Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance and Support Services Demonstration Program - Services included - Duties of Aging Services Division.

A.  The Aging Services Division within the Department of Human Services, upon the approval of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, shall establish the Oklahoma Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance and Support Services (Oklahoma CD-PASS) Demonstration Program.  The purpose of the Oklahoma Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance and Support Services Demonstration Program shall be to enhance the range of choices and options for Medicaid-eligible consumers, on a voluntary basis, who require long-term care support services, and to assist families with a Medicaid-eligible member who requires long-term care support services to arrange and purchase their own personal care and related services.

B.  The Oklahoma Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance and Support Services Demonstration Program includes, but is not limited to, the following types of services:

1.   a. Basic services, such as getting a recipient in and out of a bed or in or out of a wheelchair or motorized chair, or both,

b. Assisting with certain bodily functions, such as bathing and personal hygiene, dressing and grooming, and feeding including preparation and cleanup;

2.  Ancillary services such as shopping and cleaning;

3.  Companion-type services such as transportation, letter writing and reading; and

4.  Any other service requested by the eligible recipient needing care and services.

C.  1.  In developing the Oklahoma Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance and Support Services Demonstration Program, the Aging Services Division shall develop guidelines, eligibility criteria, program performance standards, and techniques to evaluate the outcomes of the Oklahoma Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance and Support Services Demonstration Program.

2.  The Demonstration Program, at a minimum, shall have the following requirements:

a. the cost in the aggregate of the services offered through the CD-PASS Program care plan shall be equal to or less than the average cost of the Advantage Waiver Program service or personal care plan as applicable,

b. the baseline level of consumer satisfaction shall be measured by an independent third party prior to initiation of the Demonstration Program,

c. the scope of services offered within the CD-PASS Program shall comply with current state statutes and rules, and federal regulations, and

d. program evaluation which shall include an indication of whether:

(1) consumer satisfaction for CD-PASS Program participants is higher than or equal to consumer satisfaction for Advantage Waiver Program clients, as measured by an independent third party, and

(2) the percentage of delivered hours of the CD-PASS Program client care plan are greater than or equal to the percentage of delivered hours of the Advantage Waiver Program service or personal care plan.

D.  The Aging Services Division may:

1.  Consult with various federal, state and local entities in order to fulfill the purposes of the Oklahoma Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance and Support Services Demonstration Program;

2.  Contract with entities in fulfilling the purposes of the Oklahoma Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance and Support Services Demonstration Program; and

3.  Upon the approval of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the availability of funds, expand the Oklahoma Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance and Support Services Demonstration Program statewide if the evaluation provided for in subsection C of this section demonstrates consumer satisfaction with and cost effectiveness in the delivery of the Program.

E.  The Commission for Human Services and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority Board shall promulgate any rules necessary to implement the provisions of the Oklahoma Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance and Support Services Act.

Added by Laws 2004, c. 285, 2, eff. July 1, 2004.

§56-198.11b.  Public policy - Strategic Planning Committee on the Olmstead Decision.

A.  It is the public policy of the State of Oklahoma to:

1.  Recognize and support individuals with disabilities by treating them with dignity and respect as productive members of our society in Oklahoma;

2.  Acknowledge their contributions as productive and independent citizens in the state and the useful work they perform in their local communities;

3.  Support a service delivery system for individuals with disabilities ensuring that the individuals, their families, or guardians are well informed as to the types of services and resources available to such individuals in order to encourage their independence, self-esteem, and self-worth, regardless of the severity of the disability; and

4.  Recognize that self-choice on the part of individuals with disabilities is critical and that the most appropriate setting for meeting their needs should be a paramount consideration when determining appropriate placement of such individuals in community-based programs, residential care facilities, or any other placement or service that benefits the needs and well-being of individuals with disabilities.

B.  There is hereby created the Strategic Planning Committee on the Olmstead Decision to continue until January 1, 2007.  The purpose of the Committee is to develop a comprehensive, strategic plan of implementation for the State of Oklahoma regarding the Olmstead Decision.

C.  The Strategic Planning Committee on the Olmstead Decision shall be composed of seventeen appointed members, eighteen ex officio members, and representatives from disability-related organizations, all of whom shall be voting members, as follows:

1. a. The Governor shall appoint:

(1) one person who is a community placement service provider for persons with disabilities,

(2) one person who is an advocate for persons with disabilities,

(3) one parent or personal representative of a person with disabilities,

(4) one member from an organization that provides direct care services within the Advantage Waiver Program, and

(5) one member who is a consumer of disability services.

b. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall appoint:

(1) one member of the State Senate who is a member of the Human Resources Committee,

(2) one member of the State Senate who is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services,

(3) a representative of a nonprofit agency, in a  

city of five hundred thousand (500,000) or more population, that collaborates on programs and services for persons with disabilities,

(4) two members who are consumers of disability services, and

(5) one member of the State Senate.

c. The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint:

(1) one member of the House of Representatives who is a member of the Human Services Committee,

(2) one member of the House of Representatives who is a member of the Mental Health Committee,

(3) one parent or personal representative of a person with disabilities,

(4) two members who are consumers of disability services, and

(5) one member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives;

2.  The ex officio voting members shall be:

a. the Attorney General, or designee,

b. the Director of the Department of Human Services, or designee,

c. the Division Director of the Developmental Disabilities Division of the Department of Human Services, if not the designee of the Director of Human Services,

d. the State Commissioner of Health, or designee,

e. the Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, or designee,

f. the Administrator of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, or designee,

g. the Director of the Office of State Finance, or designee,

h. the Director of the State Department of Rehabilitation Services, or designee,

i. the Director of the Office of Handicapped Concerns, or designee,  

j. the Director of the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, or designee,

k. the state coordinator for the federal Ticket To Work and Work Incentive Act, if not the designee of the Oklahoma Employment Security Director,

l. the Executive Director of a local housing authority, or designee,

m. the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, or designee,

n. the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, or designee,

o. the Director of the Department of Transportation, or designee,

p. the Commissioner of Labor, or designee,

q. a representative from a local transit authority, or from a Community Action Agency, that provides transportation services to individuals with disabilities, and

r. the Director of the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, or designee; and

3.  The membership may also include as voting members, but need not be limited to, a representative from each of the following disability-related organizations:

a. the Developmental Disabilities Council,

b. the Statewide Independent Living Council,

c. the Centers for Independent Living,

d. the Center for Learning and Leadership,

e. the Oklahoma Disability Law Center,

f. ABLE-Tech, and

g. the Oklahoma Mental Health Consumer Council.

D.  1.  Members shall serve at the pleasure of their appointing authorities.  A vacancy on the Committee shall be filled by the original appointing authority.

2.  The Committee shall be composed of persons serving on the Strategic Planning Committee on the Olmsted Decision, immediately prior to enactment of Enrolled House Bill No. 1253 of the 1st Session of the 50th Oklahoma Legislature.

3.  A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum.  A majority of the members present at a meeting may act for the Committee.

4.  The President Pro Tempore and the Speaker shall each designate a cochair from among the members of the Committee.

5.  The cochairs of the Committee shall annually establish a schedule of each year's meetings.  The Committee shall meet at least four times annually.

6.  Proceedings of all meetings of the Committee shall comply with the provisions of the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act.

7.  The Committee may divide into subcommittees in furtherance of its purpose.

E.  1.  The Department of Human Services and the Office of the Attorney General shall serve as lead agencies and as such shall provide primary staffing for the Committee.  Appropriate personnel from the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services shall also assist with the work of the Committee.

2.  The Committee may use the expertise and services of the staffs of the State Senate and the House of Representatives and may, as necessary, employ and contract for the advice and services of experts in the field as well as other necessary professional and clerical staff.

F.  All departments, officers, agencies, and employees of this state shall cooperate with the Committee in fulfilling its duties and responsibilities including, but not limited to, providing any information, records, or reports requested by the Committee.

G.  Members of the Committee shall receive no compensation for their service, but shall receive travel reimbursement as follows:

1.  Legislative members of the Committee shall be reimbursed for necessary travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties in accordance with the provisions of Section 456 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes; and

2.  Nonlegislative members of the Committee shall be reimbursed by their appointing authorities or respective agencies for necessary travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties in accordance with the State Travel Reimbursement Act.

H.  The duties and responsibilities of the Strategic Planning Committee on the Olmstead Decision shall include, but need not be limited to:

a. developing a comprehensive, strategic plan for Oklahomans with disabilities, pursuant to the Olmstead Decision,

b. reviewing Oklahoma's service delivery system and the way in which persons with disabilities currently access the services,

c. reviewing existing statutes, policies, programs, services and funding sources that affect Oklahomans with disabilities, including, but not limited to, identifying unique approaches and strategies to funding,

d. identifying and reviewing funding and resource information available to persons with disabilities and their families in this state,  

e. identifying gaps and barriers in programs and services to individuals with disabilities and making any recommendations to enhance programs and the delivery system for persons with disabilities in Oklahoma, and

f. taking all other actions necessary to develop the comprehensive strategic plan.

I.  The Committee shall prepare and submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature and Governor by July 15, 2005, and each July 15 thereafter, and shall submit a final report by January 1, 2007.

Added by Laws 2005, c. 434, § 6, eff. July 1, 2005.

§56-198.12.  Short title.

This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Oklahoma Self-Directed Care Act".

Added by Laws 2005, c. 434, § 1, eff. July 1, 2005.

§56-198.13.  Legislative findings and intent.

The Legislature finds that it recognizes the need to nurture the autonomy of citizens of this state who have disabilities by providing home- and community-based care services in the least restrictive and most appropriate setting possible.  The Legislature hereby intends to provide such individuals with more choices in and greater control over the purchase of the home- and community-based care services they receive.

Added by Laws 2005, c. 434, § 2, eff. July 1, 2005.

§56-198.14.  Definitions.

As used in the Oklahoma Self-Directed Care Act:

1.  "Ancillary services" means services in addition to basic services provided to a consumer and includes the following:

a. housekeeping chores which are incidental to the basic services furnished, or which are essential to the health and welfare of the consumer, and

b. transportation services to enable the consumer to gain access to waiver services and other community services, activities and resources;

2.  "Basic services" shall include, but not be limited to:

a. getting in and out of bed, wheelchair or motor vehicle,

b. assistance with routine bodily functions including bathing and personal hygiene, dressing and grooming, and eating,

c. assistance in acquiring, retaining and improving self-help, socialization and adaptive skills necessary to reside successfully in a home- and community-based setting,

d. respite services for non-paid caregivers, which may include services consisting of general household activities such as meal preparation and routine household care, and

e. health maintenance activities including, but not limited to, administration of medications by oral, rectal, vaginal, otic, ophthalmic, nasal, skin, topical, transdermal and gastrostomy tube routes, feedings through a tube, surface care of stoma sites, irrigation of catheter, and wound care if such activities in the opinion of the attending physician or licensed registered nurse may be performed safely in the home or community by a consumer-employed caregiver who has successfully completed competency-based training approved by the Department of Human Services;

3.  "Budget allowance" means the amount of money made available each month to a consumer to purchase needed home- and community-based care services, based on the results of a functional needs assessment to be developed pursuant to the provisions of this act;

4.  "Consumer" means a person who has chosen to participate in the program, has met the enrollment requirements, and has received an approved budget allowance;

5.  "Fiscal intermediary" means an entity approved by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority that helps a consumer manage the budget allowance of the consumer, retains the funds, and processes employment information, processes tax information, processes workers' compensation insurance premiums, reviews records to ensure correctness, writes paychecks to providers, and delivers paychecks to the consumer for distribution to providers and caregivers;

6.  "Legal representative" means a person who is a legal guardian or conservator or who holds a durable power of attorney authorizing the making of health and medical care decisions as required by this section for a consumer;

7.  "Personal care services" means those basic and ancillary services which enable the consumer in need of in-home care to live in the home and community of the consumer rather than in an institution and to carry out functions of daily living, self-care and mobility;

8.  "Program" means the Self-Directed Care Pilot Program;

9.  "Provider" means:

a. a person licensed to render services that are eligible for reimbursement under this program, for whom the consumer is not the employer of record, or

b. a consumer-employed caregiver for whom the consumer is the employer of record; and

10.  "Representative" means an uncompensated individual designated by the consumer to assist in managing the budget allowance and needed services of the consumer.

Added by Laws 2005, c. 434, § 3, eff. July 1, 2005.

§56-198.15.  Self-Directed Care Pilot Program.

A.  1.  The Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Department of Human Services, hereinafter referred to as the Authority and the Department, respectively, are hereby directed to establish self-directed care pilot programs for the citizens of the state who have disabilities and are currently served by a home- and community-based waiver which shall be based on the principles of consumer choice and control.   

2.  The Department of Human Services shall implement each pilot program upon federal approval.

3.  The Authority and the Department shall further establish interagency cooperative agreements to implement and administer each program.

4.  Persons enrolled in the Self-Directed Care Pilot Program shall be authorized to choose the providers of services and to direct the delivery of services to best meet their long-term care needs.

5.  The pilot program shall operate within funds appropriated by the Legislature.

B.  Any person currently receiving waiver services in the home- and community-based waiver program as amended to include the Self-Directed Care Pilot Program and who is determined through the Department's assessment process to be able to direct his or her own care or to designate an eligible representative to assist the person in directing such care may choose to participate in the Self-Directed Care Pilot Program.  For purposes of this section, a legal representative acts on behalf of the consumer.

C.  1.  A consumer enrolled in the program shall be given a monthly budget allowance based on the results of his or her functional needs assessment.

2.  The Department of Human Services shall develop purchasing guidelines, approved by the Authority, to assist a consumer in using the budget allowance to purchase needed, cost-effective services.

D.  A consumer shall use the budget allowance only to pay for home- and community-based services that meet the long-term needs of the consumer and are a cost-efficient use of funds including, but not limited to:

1.  Ancillary services as defined in Section 3 of this act;

2.  Basic services as defined in Section 3 of this act;

3.  Homemaking and chores, including housework, meals, shopping and transportation;

4.  Home modifications and assistive devices that may increase the consumer's independence or make it possible to avoid institutional placement;

5.  Day care and respite care services provided by adult day care facilities;

6.  Personal care and support services provided in an assisted living facility should such facilities be subsequently approved for reimbursement under the state Medicaid program;

7.  Durable medical equipment and supplies; and

8.  Adaptive equipment.

E.  A consumer shall be allowed to choose providers of services, as well as when and how services will be provided.  A qualified consumer-employed caregiver is a person who is not legally responsible for the consumer's care, who is eighteen (18) years of age or older, has passed a criminal background check and a registry check pursuant to Sections 1025.2 and 1025.3 of Title 56 of the Oklahoma Statutes, and has the training necessary to meet the needs of the consumer.  When the consumer is the employer of record, the consumer's roles and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1.  Developing a job description;

2.  Selecting caregivers and submitting information for a criminal history background check;

3.  Establishing and communicating needs, preferences and expectations about services being purchased;

4.  Providing payments and tax requirements;

5.  Being considered employer of record for purposes of the Workers' Compensation Act and paying premiums for workers' compensation insurance from the budget allowance or being self-insured pursuant to the Workers' Compensation Act;

6.  Directing and supervising consumer-employed caregivers;

7.  Ensuring the accuracy and timely submission of records required by the fiscal intermediary; and

8.  Terminating the employment of an unsatisfactory caregiver.

F.  The roles and responsibilities of the Department include, but are not limited to:

1.  Assessing the functional needs of each consumer to determine eligibility, developing a service plan, and establishing a budget allowance based on the needs assessment;

2.  Offering or contracting for services which shall provide training, technical assistance, and support to the consumer;

3.  Approving fiscal intermediaries;

4.  Establishing minimum qualifications and training for all caregivers and providers;

5.  Serving as the final arbiter of the fitness of any individual to be a caregiver or provider; and

6.  Developing and implementing a quality assurance plan.

G.  The responsibilities of the fiscal intermediary include, but are not limited to:

1.  Providing recordkeeping services;

2.  Retaining the monthly budget allowance;

3.  Processing employment information;

4.  Processing federal and state tax, unemployment and FICA;

5.  Processing workers' compensation insurance premiums or payments for self-insurance pursuant to the Workers' Compensation Act;

6.  Reviewing records to ensure correctness;

7.  Writing paychecks to providers;

8.  Completing criminal history background check and registry check for consumer-employed caregivers pursuant to Sections 1025.2 and 1025.3 of Title 56 of the Oklahoma Statutes; and

9.  Delivering paychecks to the consumer for distribution to providers and caregivers.

Added by Laws 2005, c. 434, § 4, eff. July 1, 2005.

§56-198.16.  Implementation - Requirements - Feasibility of expansion - Review.

A.  In order to implement the Oklahoma Self-Directed Care Act:

1.  The Oklahoma Health Care Authority Board and the Commission for Human Services are hereby authorized to promulgate rules necessary to enact the provisions of this act;

2.  The Oklahoma Health Care Authority shall take all actions necessary to ensure state compliance with federal regulations;

3.  The Authority shall apply for any necessary federal waivers or waiver amendments required to implement the program;

4.  The Legislature intends that, as consumers relocate from institutional settings to community-based options, funds used to serve consumers in institutional settings shall follow consumers to cover the cost of community-based services; and

5.  The Department of Human Services or other applicable state entity for the population served may develop an electronic benefit transfer feature for the provision of self-directed care services to consumers.

B.  The Oklahoma Self-Directed Care Act, at a minimum, shall meet the following requirements:

1.  The cost in the aggregate of the services offered through the self-directed care plan shall be equal to or less than the cost of a home- and community-based waiver or comparable waiver program;

2.  The baseline level of consumer satisfaction shall be measured by a third party prior to initiation of the Oklahoma Self-Directed Care Act;

3.  The scope of services offered within the Self-Directed Care Pilot Program shall comply with current state statutes and rules, and federal regulations; and

4.  Program evaluation which shall include an indication of whether consumer satisfaction for Self-Directed Care Pilot Program consumers is higher than or equal to consumer satisfaction for  home- and community-based waiver clients or other comparable waiver programs, as measured by a third party.

C.  Upon the approval of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the availability of funds, the Authority and the Department shall expand the Oklahoma Self-Directed Care Pilot Program statewide if the evaluation provided for in subsection B of this section demonstrates consumer satisfaction with and cost-effectiveness in the delivery of the program.

D.  The Authority and the Department shall conduct a feasibility study on the future design and implementation of expanding the home- and community-based waiver program to include additional people with developmental disabilities, spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury; provided, however, before allocating any new monies to such program, the Department and the Authority shall prepare and submit to the Legislature the results of the feasibility study and a fiscal impact statement.

E.  The Authority and the Department of Human Services shall each, on an ongoing basis, review and assess the implementation of the Self-Directed Care Pilot Program.  By January 15 of each year, the Authority shall submit a written report to the Governor and Legislature that includes each agency's review of the program.

F.  The Department of Human Services shall appoint a committee to assist the Department in the development of waivers and rules related to self-directed services, including the functional needs assessment used for determination of eligibility for the Self-Directed Services program.  The committee shall be composed of two consumers; two parents or family members of consumers; two advocates; one representative from the Statewide Independent Living Council; one representative of an agency providing Advantage waiver services; one representative of an agency providing Developmental Disabilities Services Division waiver services; and one representative from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center for Learning and Leadership.  The committee shall sunset no later than one (1) year after the effective date of this act.  The Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall each appoint an at-large representative to the Committee.

G.  The Authority is hereby directed to modify the state Medicaid program Personal Care Program to allow any person to self-direct his or her own personal care services who:

1.  Is eligible to receive Personal Care Program services;

2.  Chooses to receive Personal Care Program services; and

3.  Is able to direct his or her own care or to designate an eligible representative to assist in directing such care.

Added by Laws 2005, c. 434, § 5, eff. July 1, 2005.

§56199.  Visual or optometric services  Free choice of practitioner and profession.

Whenever visual or optometric services within the lawful scope of practice of a duly licensed optometrist are included in any program financed with public funds or administered by any public agency, for aid to the indigent, the aged, the legally blind, or any other group or class, the recipient of such aid or his parent or guardian shall be entitled to choose whether such services are to be performed by a duly licensed optometrist or by a duly licensed physician who shall be equally compensated.  Visual or optometric services as used herein shall include eye and/or visual examination or a correction of any vision or muscular anomaly and the supplying of ophthalmic materials, including contact lenses and subnormal vision aids.  And in the expenditure of public funds for any purpose involving the care of human vision, or in the administration of any public program, the public agency and its employees including school districts and other state, county and municipal agencies or any subdivision of the State of Oklahoma and its employees and agents responsible for such expenditures or services shall not, under any circumstances, in informing a person requiring vision care, or for a correction of any vision or muscular anomaly, either directly or indirectly refer such person to any particular health discipline, but shall merely advise such person the need exists for professional services.

Added by Laws 1967, c. 17, § 2, emerg. eff. Feb. 21, 1967.

§56-199.1.  Powers and duties.

A.  The Commission for Rehabilitation Services shall:

1.  Promote the coordination of efforts and services on behalf of the deaf and hard-of-hearing;

2.  Inventory the various services available for meeting the problems of the deaf and hard-of-hearing and assist persons in locating and securing such services;

3.  Collect studies, compile bibliographies, gather information and conduct research with respect to the education, training, counseling, placement and social and economic adjustment of the deaf and hard-of-hearing and with respect to the causes, diagnosis, treatment and methods of prevention of impaired hearing;

4.  Keep informed of and cooperate with federal, state and local programs available for the improvement of the general welfare of deaf and hard-of-hearing persons;

5.  Appoint advisory or special committees when appropriate for in-depth investigations and study of particular problems and to receive reports of findings and recommendations; and

6.  Make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature with respect to modifications in existing services or establishment of additional services for deaf or hard-of-hearing persons.

B.  1.  Personal client information obtained or created in the course of providing services to persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing pursuant to this section shall be confidential. Such information shall include, but is not limited to, the client's name; work or home address; work or home telephone number; and social security number.

2.  Persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing have the same legitimate expectations of privacy in the conduct of their daily lives as do persons who can hear. As a result, information obtained or created in the course of providing interpreter services pursuant to this section shall be confidential to the extent necessary to protect those expectations. Confidential information related to interpreter services shall include, but is not limited to, personal client information; the purpose for which the client requests interpretation; the entity with which the client communicates by way of an interpreter; the date, time, location and duration of the interpreted communication; and the name of the interpreter.

Added by Laws 1972, c. 110, § 4, emerg. eff. April 6, 1972.  Amended by Laws 1986, c. 7, § 1, eff. July 1, 1986.  Renumbered from Title 63, § 2404 by Laws 1986, c. 7, § 6, eff. July 1, 1986.  Amended by Laws 1993, c. 364, § 12, emerg. eff. June 11, 1993; Laws 1998, c. 246, § 21, eff. Nov. 1, 1998.

§56-199.2.  Cooperation with commissions and state agencies - Interpreter services.

A.  The Commission for Rehabilitation Services is hereby directed, in carrying out its functions, to cooperate with the appropriate commissions and state agencies having authority related to the problems of deaf and hard-of-hearing persons.  These agencies are likewise directed to cooperate with the Commission for Rehabilitation Services in carrying out its functions.

B.  The State Department of Rehabilitation Services shall establish and operate a program to provide interpreter services to deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens of the state, under rules promulgated by the Commission for Rehabilitation Services.

C.  The State Department of Rehabilitation Services shall establish policy and procedures for the evaluation and certification of interpreters for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.  The Department may require a nominal fee to recoup costs incurred in testing and certifying such interpreters.

Added by Laws 1972, c. 110, § 6, emerg. eff. April 6, 1972.  Amended by Laws 1980, c. 193, § 1, emerg. eff. May 12, 1980; Laws 1986, c. 7, § 2, eff. July 1, 1986.  Renumbered from Title 63, § 2406, by Laws 1986, c. 7, § 6, eff. July 1, 1986.  Amended by Laws 1988, c. 326, § 14, emerg. eff. July 13, 1988; Laws 1993, c. 364, § 13, emerg. eff. June 11, 1993; Laws 1998, c. 246, § 22, eff. Nov. 1, 1998.

§56-199.3.  Traumatic brain or spinal cord injury - Contracts for inpatient services - Study and recommendations - Service standards.

A.  Subject to subsection C of this section, the Department of Human Services is authorized to enter into contracts for the provision of inpatient specialized rehabilitative and related services which qualify as medical assistance under Title XIX of the Social Security Act for eligible persons having a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury.

B.  The Department of Human Services shall conduct a study in consultation with the Advisory Council on Traumatic Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injury within the State Department of Health and then make recommendations to the Commission for Human Services for the establishment of a rate or other form of adequate payment for contracts with facilities, other than general acute care hospitals, providing inpatient specialized rehabilitative and related services for persons having a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury.

C.  If the results of the study required by subsection B of this section demonstrate that making such services available to said persons would result in an overall lower cost for providing services to this population than current service delivery practices, the Department shall enter into contracts with specialized facilities that meet such standards as the Board of Health shall require for certificate of need and licensure under provisions of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, Section 1-850 et seq. and Section 1-1901 et seq., respectively.  Standards for licensure promulgated by the Board of Health for specialized facilities serving persons with traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury shall, to the maximum extent feasible, correspond substantially to the standards of the Council on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities for such or similar facilities and services.

Added by Laws 1993, c. 18, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.

§56-200.  Renumbered as § 5051.1 of Title 63 by Laws 1996, c. 221, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.

§56200.1.  Payment of expenses for sterilization of male recipients of public assistance.

Services rendered by a licensed medical or osteopathic physician and surgeon in performing a sterilization operation on an adult male recipient of public assistance under age sixtyfive (65) who voluntarily has submitted to such operation shall, within the scope of its medical programs, be paid for by the State Department of Public Welfare.

Added by Laws 1973, c. 4, § 1, emerg. eff. March 5, 1973.

§56-200.2.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-200.3.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-200.4.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-200.5.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-200.6.  Renumbered as § 7302-4.1 of Title 10 by Laws 1995, c. 352, § 199, eff. July 1, 1995.

§56-200a.  Renumbered as § 5051.2 of Title 63 by Laws 1996, c. 221, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.

§56-200b.  Renumbered as § 5051.3 of Title 63 by Laws 1996, c. 221, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.

§56-200d.  State Medicaid Plan provider contracts - Terms and conditions - Termination - Annual inspection of facilities.

A.  Every contract pursuant to the State Medicaid Plan entered into between the Department of Human Services and facilities that provide inpatient or residential mental health services to persons eighteen (18) years of age or younger who are or may be eligible for assistance through Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act shall incorporate terms and conditions for the care, treatment and services to be provided.

B.  Said terms and conditions shall be substantially the same as those included in placement agreements for acute or freestanding, as appropriate for the facility, psychiatric care for children and youth who are in the legal custody of the Department of Human Services and shall include, but not be limited to:

1.  Primary care, treatment and counseling services;

2.  Educational services;

3.  Face-to-face visitation by the attending physician, treatment plans, discharge planning, reports on the progress of the child and other reports as necessary and appropriate;

4.  Use of medications;

5.  Communicable diseases;

6.  Visitation and correspondence;

7.  Use of restraints, seclusion, physical force and disciplinary measures; and

8.  Inspections and reviews of the care, treatment and services provided.

C.  The Department shall immediately initiate procedures for the termination of said contract when:

1.  A contracting facility continually violates the terms and conditions required by this section; or

2.  The conditions within the facility pose serious harm or a threat of serious harm to patients or residents who are eighteen (18) years of age or under and have been admitted for the purpose of mental health or chemical dependency treatment.

D.  The Department shall coordinate with the State Department of Health and any other applicable licensing or certifying agency to ensure that, whenever possible and practicable, annual inspections of hospitals, related institutions and child care facilities required by state or federal law shall be conducted jointly.

Added by Laws 1992, c. 258, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1992.

§56201.  Group hospitalization insurance.

The Department of Public Welfare is hereby authorized to procure group hospitalization and medical care insurance in any of the forms customarily issued by any company or companies, association or associations authorized to do business in the State of Oklahoma for all persons eligible to receive old age assistance under the provisions of subsection (a) of Section 4 of the Oklahoma Social Security Act, at a rate not to exceed the amount of the actual costs.

Added by Laws 1949, p. 374, § 1.

§56202.  Payment of premiums.

Premiums on such insurance shall be paid from monies or funds appropriated for the payment of assistance to the needy aged persons qualifying for assistance under subsection (a) of Section 164 of this title.  Monthly claims for such premiums, certified by the Department of Human Services, shall be filed with the Director of State Finance for audit and settlement prior to being paid on warrants by the State Treasurer.

Added by Laws 1949, p. 374, § 2.  Amended by Laws 1979, c. 47, § 30, emerg. eff. April 9, 1979; Laws 1988, c. 326, § 15, emerg. eff. July 13, 1988.

§56203.  Hospitalization and medical care system in the Department of Public Welfare.

In the event the Department of Public Welfare, after a thorough study of the needs, determines that the services provided for in Section 1 of this act can be more satisfactorily and economically performed by providing for its own system of hospitalization and medical care, the Department of Public Welfare is hereby authorized to establish and maintain such a system within said Department, under which such services as provided in Section 1 can be offered.

Added by Laws 1949, p. 374, § 3.

§56-204.  Vendor drug program - Exemption of certain drugs.

A.  Except as otherwise provided, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority shall be authorized and directed to establish a vendor drug program to provide any drugs that have been approved and designated as safe and effective by the federal Food and Drug Administration, and that are prescribed by a licensed medical, dental, podiatric or osteopathic practitioner for eligible recipients of assistance payments suffering from painful or life-endangering diseases or other persons who are suffering from a catastrophic illness.

B.  The Authority shall, in accordance with federal law, not be obligated to cover any outpatient drugs of a manufacturer which has not entered into or which does not have in effect a rebate agreement with the Secretary of Health and Human Services on behalf of the state.

C.  Such program shall, to the fullest extent possible, be established and maintained in conjunction with existing federal programs of prescribed drugs so as to earn the maximum of federal financial participation.  Exempt from the provisions of this section are the following drugs or classes of drugs, or their medical uses:

1.  Agents when used for anorexia or weight gain;

2.  Agents when used to promote fertility;

3.  Agents when used for cosmetic purposes or hair growth;

4.  Agents when used for the symptomatic relief of coughs and colds;

5.  Agents when used to promote smoking cessation;

6.  Prescription vitamins and mineral products, except prenatal vitamins and fluoride preparations;

7.  Nonprescription drugs;

8.  Covered outpatient drugs when the manufacturer seeks to require as a condition of sale that associated tests or monitoring services be purchased exclusively from the manufacturer or its designee;

9.  Drugs described in paragraph 3 of subsection c of Section 107 of the Drug Amendments of 1962, 21 U.S.C., Section 107(c)(3), and identical, similar or related drugs, within the meaning of paragraph 1 of subsection b of Section 310.6 of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations;

  10.  Barbiturates; or

  11.  Benzodiazepines;

provided, however, the Authority shall be authorized to include specific drugs within these categories for reimbursement based upon specific medical need.

D.  The Authority shall be authorized to establish a prospective drug utilization review program for the H2 Antagonists; provided that such limitations are in compliance with federal Food and Drug Administration Agency-approved product labeling.

Added by Laws 1975, p. 737, S.J.R. No. 9, § 1, emerg. eff. March 10, 1975.  Amended by Laws 1988, c. 326, § 16, emerg. eff. July 13, 1988; Laws 1990, c. 256, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1990; Laws 1991, c. 196, § 1, emerg. eff. May 16, 1991; Laws 1993, c. 142, § 1, emerg. eff. May 4, 1993; Laws 1995, c. 161, § 1, emerg. eff. May 2, 1995.

§56204.1.  Expansion of vendor drug program.

The Department of Human Services is authorized and directed to expand the vendor drug program in the categories of the Aged, Blind and Disabled, and to include those medically needy individuals suffering from catastrophic illnesses who meet requirements for medical assistance, to be administered to the fullest extent possible in conjunction with and subject to existing federal programs so as to earn the maximum of federal financial participation.

Added by Laws 1979, H.J.R. No. 1017, § 1, emerg. eff. May 9, 1979.  Amended by Laws 1990, c. 256, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1990.

§56205.  Replacement or reimbursement for certain eyeglasses and contact lenses  Payment or reimbursement for certain eye examinations prohibited.

The Department of Human Services is authorized to replace or make reimbursement for the eyeglasses or contact lenses of any employee at the Northern Oklahoma Resource Center of Enid, Southern Oklahoma Resource Center of Pauls Valley, Hissom Memorial Center, and any other juvenile institution subject to the jurisdiction of the Department of Human Services, if said eyeglasses or contact lenses are damaged by a resident of said schools, center or institutions while the employee is engaged in the performance of his duties.  The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is authorized to replace or make reimbursement for the eyeglasses or contact lenses of any employee at Central State Hospital, Eastern State Hospital, Western State Psychiatric Center, the Community Mental Health Centers and Substance Abuse Services if said eyeglasses or contact lenses are damaged by a resident of said facilities while the employee is engaged in the performance of his duties.  The J.D. McCarty Center is authorized to replace or make reimbursement for the eyeglasses or contact lenses of any employee, if said eyeglasses or contact lenses are damaged by a resident of said facility while the employee is engaged in the performance of his duties.  The eyeglasses or contact lenses shall be of comparable kind, quality and cost.  The Department of Human Services, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and the J.D. McCarty Center are not authorized to make payment or reimbursement for eye examinations necessary for the replacement of or reimbursement for said eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Added by Laws 1984, c. 121, § 1, emerg. eff. April 10, 1984.  Amended by Laws 1990, c. 51, § 117, emerg. eff. April 9, 1990; Laws 1992, c. 307, § 7, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 1993, c. 323, § 6, emerg. eff. June 7, 1993; Laws 1998, c. 268, § 16, eff. July 1, 1998.

§56-206.  Repealed by Laws 2003, c. 464, § 13, eff. July 1, 2003.

§56-207.  Repealed by Laws 2003, c. 464, § 13, eff. July 1, 2003.

§56-208.  Repealed by Laws 2003, c. 464, § 13, eff. July 1, 2003.

§56211.  Jurisdiction of State Budget Director  Director of OldAge and Survivors Insurance  Other personnel.

The State Budget Director in the Executive Department shall have jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to the accounting, reporting and collection of amounts due from state agencies, pursuant to the terms of this act and Title 2 of the Federal Social Security Act (Public Law 734 (HR 6000)  81st Congress), as authorized by Title 56, Chapter 7, Oklahoma Session Laws 1949, and pursuant to the FederalState agreement entered into under Section 218 of the Federal Social Security Act as amended (providing for coverage through FederalState agreements), holding the state responsible for all aspects of conformance to the terms of the coverage agreement.

The State Budget Director, at the direction of the Governor, shall employ and fix the duties and compensation of a Director of OldAge and Survivors Insurance and shall employ and fix the duties and compensation of such other personnel as he deems necessary to assist him in performing the duties and functions in connection with the administration of the OldAge and Survivors Insurance system as it pertains to state employees in the coverage group designated by law as the "State of Oklahoma".

Added by Laws 1951, p. 153, § 1, emerg. eff. Feb. 20, 1951.

§56212.  Matching contributions.

The State Budget Director shall prescribe the system and procedure for matching the contributions of officials and employees of the State of Oklahoma with state funds constituting the employer's share of the contributions, pursuant to Public Law 734 (HR 6000)  81st Congress, as authorized by Title 56, Chapter 7, Oklahoma Session Laws 1949, for the coverage group designated as the "State of Oklahoma".

Added by Laws 1951, p. 154, § 2, emerg. eff. Feb. 20, 1951.

§56213.  Reservation of employer's share of contributions  Deduction of employees' share.

The employer's share of the contribution required to be paid by the state to the federal government under the provisions of Public Law 734 and applicable provisions of the Federal Internal Revenue Code, as authorized by Title 51 of the Oklahoma Statutes beginning at Section 121, shall be reserved out of funds available for salaries appropriated or dedicated to each state department, institution or agency at the time payrolls are prepared for payment and shall be set aside in a reserve account in the State Treasury to be paid to the federal government at such time or times as the Federal Security Administrator may by regulations require.

For the purposes of Sections 211 through 215 of this title "dedicated funds" shall include the State Highway Construction and Maintenance Fund, Employment Security Administration Fund, Department of Human Services Administration Fund, revolving funds of all state departments and institutions, Federal Grantinaid Funds, Trust and Agency Funds, and any other operating funds of state agencies through which public money is disbursed for specific purposes which do not require specific legislative appropriations to be made.

State agencies making payment of salaries or wages to state employees, independent of the Office of State Finance, shall deduct the employees' share of the contribution at the time payments are made and shall at the same time set up a reserve out of the same fund for the employer's share to guarantee the availability of funds when the social security report is required to be made.  Any funds received for per diem, travel reimbursement, or expenses incurred while in the performance of official duties and specified statutory amounts received by board or commission members shall not be considered compensation.

Added by Laws 1951, p. 154, § 3, emerg. eff. Feb. 20, 1951.  Amended by Laws 1978, c. 93, § 1, eff. July 1, 1978; Laws 1983, c. 334, § 1, emerg. eff. June 30, 1983.

§56214.  Reports  Duties of Director.

State departments, institutions and agencies shall file with the State Budget Director such reports as are required by the Federal Security Administrator (Public Law 734 (HR 6000)  81st Congress, as authorized by Title 56, Chapter 7, Oklahoma Session Laws 1949) at such time or times as the Federal Security Administrator may by regulations require.  The Director of OldAge and Survivors Insurance, under the administrative direction of the State Budget Director, shall verify extensions and totals and require state agencies to pay amounts due from nontreasury funds which when added to OASI payroll reserves from treasury funds will be the amount due the federal government for each reporting period.

The State Budget Director shall consolidate the reports of all state departments, institutions and agencies and shall file a consolidated report representing the State of Oklahoma as a coverage group, with the Department of Public Welfare.

Nothing in this act shall be construed to require the reports of political subdivisions of the state (counties, cities and towns) or instrumentalities of either, to be channeled through the State Budget Office.  Such reports shall be made to the Department of Public Welfare, which has been designated to administer the OldAge and Survivors Insurance program on behalf of the state and its political subdivisions, pursuant to the provisions of Article 25, Section 2, Oklahoma Constitution.

Added by Laws 1951, p. 154, § 4, emerg. eff. Feb. 20, 1951.

§56215.  State Budget Director OASI fund.

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a special fund to be known as the "State Budget Director OASI Fund" into which fund the State Budget Director shall deposit all monies received from state agencies constituting amounts due from funds not on deposit in the State Treasury.  The State Budget Director may make disbursements from said funds to pay amounts due the Department of Public Welfare at such time as the report is required to be made for the coverage group designated as the "State of Oklahoma".  Refunds may be made to state agencies by the State Budget Director in the event of overpayment or error made in the calculation of amount due.

Added by Laws 1951, p. 155, § 5, emerg. eff. Feb. 20, 1951.

§56-216.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-217.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-218.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-219.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-220.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-221.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56222.  Audit of financial records of hospitals as to per diem costs.

Auditors from the Oklahoma Health Care Authority under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority shall be authorized and empowered to conduct an audit of the financial records itemized in a hospital's reimbursable per diem cost records in order to determine whether or not the certified per diem cost is sustained by the detailed financial records of such hospital as to such per diem costs.

Added by Laws 1961, p. 729, § 1, emerg. eff. May 31, 1961.  Amended by Laws 2003, c. 2, § 1, emerg. eff. March 17, 2003.

§56223.  Human Services Medical and Assistance Fund.

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Commission for Human Services, to be designated the "Human Services Medical and Assistance Fund".  The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall consist of receipts from the federal government, monies appropriated to the Department of Human Services by the State Legislature, and other receipts of the Department of Human Services as shall be directed by the Commission for Human Services.  All monies accruing to the credit of said fund are hereby appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Commission of Human Services as may be necessary in order to carry out the duties imposed upon the said Commission pursuant to subsection D of Section 41.21 of Title 62 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

Added by Laws 1988, c. 326, § 43, emerg. eff. July 13, 1988.

§56224.  Human Services Disbursing Fund.

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Commission of Human Services, to be designated the "Human Services Disbursing Fund", provided that the fund may be designated by fiscal year designations as the Commission may determine.  The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations.  The fund shall consist of receipts from the federal government, monies appropriated to the Department of Human Services by the State Legislature, and other receipts of the Department of Human Services as shall be directed by the Commission for Human Services.  All monies accruing to the credit of said fund are hereby appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Commission for Human Services as may be necessary in order to carry out the duties imposed upon the said Commission by law, provided that expenditures shall not be made from the Human Services Disbursing Fund to pay any obligation for which there exists authorization for payment from the Oklahoma Medical Center Disbursing Fund or the Human Services Medical and Assistance Fund.  Expenditures from the Human Services Disbursing Fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director of State Finance for approval and payment.

Added by Laws 1988, c. 326, § 44, emerg. eff. July 13, 1988.

§56-225.  Child Support Revenue Enhancement Fund.

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Department of Human Services to be designated the "Child Support Revenue Enhancement Fund".  The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall consist of federal Child Support Enforcement Program incentive funds in an amount exceeding the fiscal year 1989 receipts of such federal incentive funds, the state share of Child Support fees collected from nonpublic assistance clients, the state share of interest accumulated on child support collections and fines collected for failure to comply with the requirements of the National Medical Support Notice pursuant to Section 6058A of Title 36 and Section 118.2 of Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes.  All monies accruing to the credit of said fund are hereby appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Department of Human Services for administrative costs of the Child Support Enforcement Program in accordance with an agency plan for enhanced services related to child support enforcement and which are tied to improved program performance goals.  Said fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director of State Finance for approval and payment.

Added by Laws 1989, c. 373, § 21, operative July 1, 1989.  Amended by Laws 2003, c. 19, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.

§56-225.1.  Records regarding agreements or authorization to settle claim for reconciliation purposes for contracts or purchases.

A.  The Department of Human Services shall maintain detailed records regarding any agreements or authorizations to settle a claim made for reconciliation purposes for any contract or purchase of materials, items, supplies or services.  Such records shall include but not be limited to identification of parties involved in the reconciliation, identification of materials, items, equipment or services at issue, among originally due and owing and amount of settlement.

B.  Any settlement made for purposes of reconciliation for any contract or purchase of any materials, items, equipment or settlement shall be approved in writing by the administrative head of the division making such settlement and by the Director of the Department of Human Services.

Added by Laws 1992, c. 53, § 1, emerg. eff. April 11, 1992.

§56226.  Department of Human Services Federal Disallowance Fund.

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a fund for the Department of Human Services to be designated the "Department of Human Services Federal Disallowance Fund".  The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations.  It shall consist of monies received by the Department of Human Services which, in the opinion of the Commission for Human Services, may be subject to federal disallowances and interest which may accrue on said receipts.  All monies accruing to the credit of said fund are hereby appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Department of Human Services at the discretion of the Commission for Human Services for eventual settlement of the appropriate pending disallowances.  Expenditures from said fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director of State Finance for approval and payment.

The Director of Human Services may request the Director of State Finance to transfer monies between the Department of Human Services Federal Disallowance Fund and the Human Services Disbursing Fund or the Department of Human Services Medical and Assistance Fund, as needed for the expenditure of funds.

Added by Laws 1989, c. 373, § 22, operative July 1, 1989.

§56-227.  Provision of residential or vocational services to developmentally disabled - Preference to corporations within state.

A.  The Developmental Disabilities Services Division within the Department of Human Services is hereby directed to offer a preference to qualified corporations within the state to provide residential or vocational services to residents of this state who have developmental disabilities.  The Commission for Human Services is hereby authorized to promulgate rules to implement the provisions of this act, provided such rules shall not unduly interfere with interstate commerce or discriminate against out-of-state corporations.

B.  A qualified corporation shall:

1.  Conduct at least fifty-one percent (51%) of its financial business within the State of Oklahoma, including both receipt and disbursement transactions;

2.  Have its principal place of business within the State of Oklahoma and have on file in the Office of the Secretary of State of Oklahoma a certificate of incorporation or a certificate of qualification of foreign incorporation;

3.  Provide residential or vocational services, or both, as determined by the Department of Human Services to the residents of this state who have developmental disabilities;

4.  Be identified on a list maintained by the Developmental Disabilities Services Division of the Department of Human Services.  This list shall include those corporations which demonstrate the capacity to maintain fiscal solvency, as determined by the Department of Human Services, and, if the corporation has been in existence for two or more years, the corporation's capacity to maintain fiscal solvency must be verified by two (2) or more annual financial audits, conducted by an independent certified public accountant;

5.  Have a history of ethical business practices as established by a peer review panel, if prior business operations have been conducted.  Complaints relating to ethical practices shall be reviewed by a peer review panel of five (5) members, to be appointed annually by the Administrator of the Developmental Disabilities Services Division.  Members of the panel may be reappointed.  The panel shall:

a. develop criteria to determine ethical business practices for qualified corporations,

b. determine compliance of qualified corporations with such criteria,

c. make recommendations to the Administrator of the Developmental Disabilities Services Division, who shall take appropriate action to remedy any unethical behavior, and

d. maintain confidentiality in the review of complaints relating to ethical practices in determining qualified corporations throughout the review process, except to:

(1) employees of other state and federal agencies in the course of their official duties pertaining or relating to such review process, services, or residents,

(2) the members of the Legislature or its staff, and

(3) the office of the Governor; and

6.  Be in full compliance with all assurances and monitoring standards required by the Department of Human Services or other relevant state and federal licensing and certification requirements.

C.  The Department of Human Services shall be allowed discretion in its choice of providers for residential or vocational services, or both, when none of the qualified corporations can or are willing to provide such services.

D.  The Developmental Disabilities Services Division shall not be prohibited from contracting with any new community-based nonprofit corporation to provide residential or vocational services in an unserved community.

E.  The Developmental Disabilities Services Division shall be authorized to provide technical assistance, either directly or through the use of qualified consultants, to enhance the ability of Oklahoma-based corporations to provide new, innovative and effective services to residents of this state who have developmental disabilities.

Added by Laws 1992, c. 291, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1992.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 407, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.

§56-228.  Guardianship voucher program.

A.  In addition to any other form of assistance provided for under subsection E of Section 1415 of Title 10 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the Department of Human Services is authorized to pay a voucher to a relative or certified volunteer for the sole purpose of acquiring legal representation to initiate guardianship proceedings on behalf of any person who receives Title XIX Home and Community-Based Waiver-funded services from the Developmental Disabilities Services Division, or who is a resident of an institution specified in Section 1406 of Title 10 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

B.  Administration of the guardianship voucher program, including, but not limited to, establishing financial eligibility criteria and volunteer training and certification requirements, shall be established by rules promulgated by the Commission for Human Services.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 407, § 9, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.

§56-230.1.  Renumbered as § 230.50 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.2.  Repealed by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 30, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.3.  Renumbered as § 230.53 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.4.  Repealed by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 30, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.5.  Repealed by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 30, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.6.  Renumbered as § 230.61 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.7.  Repealed by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 30, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.8.  Renumbered as § 230.56 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.9.  Renumbered as § 230.55 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.10.  Renumbered as § 230.58 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.11.  Renumbered as § 230.60 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.12.  Renumbered as § 230.57 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.13.  Renumbered as § 230.67 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.14.  Repealed by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 30, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.15.  Renumbered as § 230.68 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.16.  Renumbered as § 230.63 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.17.  Renumbered as § 230.64 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.18.  Renumbered as § 230.65 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.50.  Short title - Establishment of program - Responsibilities of Department of Human Services - Interagency collaboration - Block grant funding - Rulemaking - Federal waiver applications - Report to Legislature and Governor.

A.  Sections 1 through 26 of this act shall be known and may be cited as the "Statewide Temporary Assistance Responsibility System (STARS)".

B.  1.  There is hereby established the Statewide Temporary Assistance Responsibility System (STARS) which shall consist of programs and services to be offered by the state with funds provided by the temporary assistance for needy families block grant authorized by Section 103 of the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, P.L. 104-193, in addition to other monies appropriated by law.

2.  The STARS shall consist of integrated and coordinated programs and services that will provide recipients with the necessary tools to enable them to make the transition from reliance on public assistance programs to becoming independent, self-sufficient citizens who are capable of supporting themselves and their families.  Such programs and services include but are not limited to:  career guidance and employment preparation, job referral, vocational and technical training, child care initiatives, literacy development, adult basic education, and medical assistance.

3.  The Oklahoma Legislature further recognizes the importance of encouraging establishment of statewide, One-stop Career/Employment Centers that would link existing resources and federal and state programs for utilization by persons receiving temporary assistance, and underemployed and unemployed persons.

C.  The Department of Human Services shall be responsible for:

1.  Implementing the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Act (TANF);

2.  Carrying out the projects and programs specified in the STARS.  The Department shall implement the provisions of the STARS to the fullest extent permitted by law and in accordance with the terms and conditions specified by the federal government;

3.  Expediting the acquisition of any federal waivers necessary to implement the provisions of STARS through amendments, combined waivers, requests and in any other such manner authorized by federal law and regulations; and

4.  Working in close and continuous coordination with appropriate federal officials and preparing and submitting completely and in a timely manner all forms and data required by federal officials to implement STARS.

D.  In administering the STARS, the Department shall collaborate with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, the Department of Commerce, the State Department of Health and the State Department of Education and any other state or federal agency necessary to implement the provisions of the STARS.

E.  In submitting any state plan or amendments to the state plan to the federal government in order to obtain a temporary assistance for needy families block grant or child care and development block grant, the Department shall seek the maximum block grant funding and federal contingency fund allocations that are available pursuant to the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, P.L. 104-193.

F.  The Commission for Human Services shall promulgate rules for developing any projects and programs to implement the STARS.

G.  1.  The Department of Human Services is directed to file with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate a copy of any waiver application or request for amendment or exemption filed with the federal government, copies of correspondence to and from the federal government explaining and elaborating upon said applications, and final documentation of any waivers, amendments, and exemptions granted by the federal government pursuant to the STARS.

2.  On or before February 1, 1998, for the previous six-month period, and on or before February 1 of each year, for the previous fiscal year, the Department shall provide a written report on each project and program specified in the STARS to the Legislature and the Governor which identifies:

a. total number of new applications received by the Department for TANF, food stamps and child care, and the number of cases actually certified,

b. number of recipients who signed a personal responsibility agreement pursuant to the TANF program,

c. number of cases closed by the Department and the reasons for the case closures,

d. the number of persons who reapplied for benefits pursuant to the TANF program after a case had been closed,

e. number of recipients who completed an employability assessment by level of education,

f. the total number of recipients who completed an employability assessment, and the number who were initially referred for:

(1) literacy assessment,

(2) adult basic education or remediation classes,

(3) job skills development or vocational training,

(4) employment,

(5) other,

g. of the total number of recipients assessed for literacy skills, the number who scored:

(1) at or below 6th grade level,

(2) at 7th or 8th grade level,

(3) at 9th or 10th grade level,

(4) above 10th grade level,

h. number of sanctions imposed for violations of the provisions of the STARS or rules promulgated pursuant thereto or any other provision of law or rule relating to receipt of benefits by a recipient and the reasons for imposing the sanction,

i. percentage of recipients in allowable work activities,

j. number of recipients in each allowable work activity and the length of time spent in that activity,

k. number of recipients employed by state agencies and contract service providers,

l. number of recipients entering the workforce by occupation types,

m. estimated average monthly earnings for employed aid recipients,

n. average monthly number of hours worked by recipients,

o. number of qualified aliens applying for assistance pursuant to the STARS and number of applications certified by the Department, and

p. such other information deemed necessary by the Department.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 346, § 1, eff. July 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Renumbered from § 230.1 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.51.  Program components.

The Statewide Temporary Assistance Responsibility System (STARS) shall, at a minimum, contain the following components:

1.  The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program;

2.  Child Care;

3.  Food Stamps;

4.  One-stop Career/Employment Centers;

5.  Medicaid;

6.  Assistance to Aliens; and

7.  Supportive services.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.52.  Minimum mandatory requirements for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program - Information management - Implementation guidelines - List of recipients - Grant diversion program and emergency assistance services authorized.

A.  Except for specific exceptions, conditions or restrictions authorized by the Statewide Temporary Assistance Responsibility System (STARS) and rules promulgated by the Commission for Human Services pursuant thereto, the following are the minimum mandatory requirements for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program:

1.  A recipient shall be eligible to receive assistance pursuant to the TANF program only for a lifetime total of five (5) years, subject to the exemptions allowed by federal law.  Child-only cases are not subject to the five-year limitation;

2.  Single parents receiving temporary assistance pursuant to the TANF program shall participate in work activities for a minimum of twenty (20) hours per week during the month.  Two-parent families receiving temporary assistance pursuant to the TANF program shall participate in work activities for a minimum of thirty-five (35) hours per week during the month;

3.  A recipient must be engaged in one or more of the work activities set out in paragraph 4 of this subsection as soon as required by the Department of Human Services pursuant to the TANF program, but not later than twenty-four (24) months after certification of the application for assistance, unless the person is exempt from work requirements under rules promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the STARS;

4.  The Department shall develop and describe categories of approved work activities for the TANF program recipients in accordance with this paragraph.  Work activities that qualify in meeting the requirements include, but are not limited to:

a. (1) unsubsidized employment which is full-time employment or part-time employment that is not directly supplemented by federal or state funds,

(2) subsidized private sector employment which is employment in a private for-profit enterprise or a private not-for-profit enterprise that is directly supplemented by federal or state funds.  Prior to receiving any subsidy or incentive, the employer shall enter into a written contract with the Department, and

(3) subsidized public sector employment which is employment by an agency of a federal, state, or local governmental entity which is directly supplemented by federal or state funds.  Prior to receiving any subsidy or incentive, the employer shall enter into a written contract with the Department.

Subsidized hourly employment or unsubsidized hourly employment pursuant to this subparagraph shall only be approved by the Department as work activity if such employment is subject to:

(a) the federal minimum wage requirements pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended,

(b) the federal Social Security tax and Medicare tax, and

(c) regulations promulgated pursuant to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and rules promulgated by the State Department of Labor pursuant thereto,

b. a program of work experience,

c. on-the-job training,

d. assisted job search which may include supervised or unsupervised job-seeking activities,

e. job readiness assistance which may include, but is not limited to:

(1) orientation in the work environment and basic job-seeking and job retention skills,

(2) instruction in completing an application for employment and writing a resume, and

(3) instruction in conducting oneself during a job interview, including appropriate dress,

f. job skills training which is directly related to employment in a specific occupation for which there is a written commitment by an employer to offer employment to a recipient who successfully completes the training.  Job skills training includes, but is not limited to, customized training designed to meet the needs of a specific employer or a specific industry,

g. community service programs which are job-training activities provided in areas where sufficient public or private sector employment is not available.  Such activities are linked to both education or training and activities that substantially enhance a recipient's employability,

h. literacy and adult basic education programs,

i. vocational-educational programs, not to exceed twelve (12) months for any individual, which are directed toward vocational-educational training and education directly related to employment,

j. education programs which are directly related to specific employment opportunities, if a recipient has not received a high school diploma or General Equivalency Degree, and

k. child care for other STARS recipients.  The recipient must meet training and licensing requirements for child care providers as required by the Oklahoma Child Care Facilities Licensing Act;

5.  Single, custodial parents with a child up to one (1) year of age may be exempt from work activities for a lifetime total exemption of twelve (12) months;

6.  In order to receive assistance, unmarried teen parents of a minor child at least twelve (12) weeks of age must participate in educational activities or work activities approved by the state;

7.  For single-parent families, except for teen parents, educational activities, other than vocational-technical training, do not count toward meeting the required twenty (20) hours of work activity.  For two-parent families, educational activities, except vocational-technical training, do not count toward meeting the required thirty-five (35) hours of work activity;

8.  A teen parent must live at home or in an approved, adult-supervised setting as specified in Section 230.55 of this title to receive TANF assistance;

9.  A recipient must comply with immunization requirements established pursuant to the TANF program;

10.  A recipient shall be subject to the increment in benefits for additional children established by Section 230.58 of this title;

11.  The following recipient resources are exempt from resource determination criteria:

a. an automobile with an equity allowance of not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) pursuant to Section 230.53 of this title,

b. individual development accounts established pursuant to the Family Savings Initiative Act, or individual development accounts established prior to November 1, 1998, pursuant to the provisions of Section 230.54 of this title in an amount not to exceed Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00),

c. the equity value of funeral arrangements owned by a recipient that does not exceed the limitation specified by Section 165 of this title, and

d. earned income disregards not to exceed One Hundred Twenty Dollars ($120.00) and one-half (1/2) of the remainder of the earned income;

12.  An applicant who applies and is otherwise eligible to receive TANF benefits but who has resided in this state less than twelve (12) months shall be subject to Section 230.57 of this title;

13.  The recipient shall enter into a personal responsibility agreement with the Department for receipt of assistance pursuant to Section 230.65 of this title;

14. a. As a condition of participating in the STARS, all recipients are deemed to have given authorization for the release of any and all information necessary to allow all state and federal agencies to meet the program needs of the recipient.

b. The recipient shall be provided a release form to sign in order to obtain the required information.  Failure to sign the release form may result in case closure; and

15.  The recipient shall comply with all other conditions and requirements of the STARS, and rules of the Commission promulgated pursuant thereto.

B.  1.  Agencies of this state involved in providing services to recipients pursuant to the STARS shall exchange information as necessary for each agency to accomplish objectives and fulfill obligations created or imposed by the STARS and rules promulgated pursuant thereto.

2.  Information received pursuant to the STARS shall be maintained by the applicable agency and, except as otherwise provided by this subsection, shall be disclosed only in accordance with any confidentiality provisions applicable to the agency originating the information.

3.  The various agencies of the state shall execute operating agreements to facilitate information exchanges pursuant to the STARS.

C.  In implementing the TANF program, the Department shall:

1.  Provide assistance to aliens pursuant to Section 230.73 of this title;

2.  Provide for the closure of the TANF case when the adult recipient refuses to cooperate with agreed upon work activities or other case requirements pursuant to the TANF program;

3.  Provide for the sanctioning of parents who do not require their minor children to attend school; and

4.  Deny temporary assistance to fugitive felons.

D.  In order to ensure that the needy citizens of this state are receiving necessary benefits, the Department shall maintain a listing of all recipients receiving public assistance.  The listing shall reflect each recipient's income, social security number, and the programs in which the recipient is participating including, but not limited to, TANF, food stamps, child care, and medical assistance.

E.  The Department is hereby authorized to establish a grant diversion program and emergency assistance services.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Laws 1998, c. 429, § 12, eff. Nov. 1, 1998; Laws 1999, c. 1, § 16, emerg. eff. Feb. 24, 1999; Laws 2001, c. 415, § 18, emerg. eff. June 5, 2001.

NOTE:  Laws 1998, c. 133, § 1 repealed by Laws 1999, c. 1, § 45, emerg. eff. Feb. 24, 1999.

§56-230.53.  Exclusion of automobile from determination of applicant's resources.

The Department of Human Services shall exclude an automobile with an equity allowance of not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) from the determination of resources available to meet the needs of an applicant for or recipient of benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 346, § 3, eff. July 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Renumbered from § 230.3 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.54.  Individual development accounts.

A.  As used in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, an "individual development account" means an account established by a recipient under the TANF program pursuant to the provisions of the Family Savings Initiative Act or an account established prior to November 1, 1998, pursuant to the provisions of this section.

B.  Funds deposited in an individual development account, in an amount not to exceed Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00), shall not be counted as resources by the Department of Human Services in determining financial eligibility for assistance or services pursuant to the TANF program.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Laws 1998, c. 429, § 12, eff. Nov. 1, 1998.

§56-230.55.  Unmarried minor recipients - Adult supervised living arrangements.

A.  Except as provided in subsection B of this section, if a person applying for benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is a minor, has never married and is pregnant or has a dependent child in such minor's care, the minor shall not be eligible for benefits unless the minor lives in a supervised adult setting.

B.  Subsection A of this section shall not apply if the minor person is legally emancipated pursuant to Chapter 4 of Title 10 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

C.  The Department shall develop programs, in conjunction with the State Department of Health or any other appropriate federal, state or local entity, to encourage teens in Oklahoma to abstain from sexual activity.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 346, § 14, eff. July 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 1996, c. 353, § 27, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Renumbered from § 230.9 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.56.  Immunization incentive program.

In order to establish an incentive program for the immunization of minor children pursuant to the State Department of Health immunization schedule, the Department of Human Services shall eliminate benefits for recipients under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program if, upon recertification of a recipient for the TANF program, the recipient fails to show proof of immunization for the recipient's minor children except for good cause established by rules promulgated by the Commission for Human Services.  Proof of immunization shall be accomplished by presentation of the vaccination record by the recipient issued by the local health officer or a physician.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 346, § 10, eff. July 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Renumbered from § 230.8 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.57.  Residency requirement.

The Department of Human Services shall study the feasibility of implementing a residency requirement, including a differential in benefits for receipt of public assistance for persons who have resided in this state for less than one (1) year on a continuous basis.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 346, § 21, eff. July 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Renumbered from § 230.12 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.58.  Vouchers issued in lieu of incremental benefits otherwise due upon birth of additional child.

A.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection D of this section, for families receiving benefits pursuant to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, the Commission for Human Services shall provide that the increment in benefits under the program for which that family would otherwise be eligible as a result of the birth of an additional child:

1.  During the period in which the family is eligible for TANF benefits; or

2.  During a temporary period in which the family or recipient is ineligible for TANF benefits pursuant to a penalty imposed by the Department of Human Services for failure to comply with benefit eligibility requirements, subsequent to which the family or adult recipient is again eligible for benefits,

shall be paid pursuant to a voucher as provided in subsection B of this section.

B.  In the case of a family that receives TANF benefits if the recipient gives birth to an additional child during the period in which the family is eligible for TANF benefits or during a temporary penalty period of ineligibility for benefits, subsequent to which the family of the adult recipient again becomes eligible for benefits, the Department of Human Services shall not issue incremental benefits for such additional child to the recipient but shall instead issue a voucher for the amount of the incremental benefit that such recipient would have received for the additional child.  The voucher shall be made payable, on behalf of the recipient, for infant and toddler clothing, food, and other articles of necessity for the infant and toddler, in such manner as authorized pursuant to rules of the Commission for Human Services.  The Department may contract for the administration of the voucher system.

C.  A minor child of an applicant or of a recipient family who bears one child shall not be subject to the restriction on incremental benefits for one child only.

D.  Any child born to an eligible person within ten (10) months of the effective date of this act or within ten (10) months of application for the TANF program shall not be construed to be an additional child pursuant to the provisions of this section and the recipient family shall not be subject to the restriction on incremental benefits for that child.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 346, § 15, eff. July 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Renumbered from § 230.10 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.59.  Substance abuse study.

A.  The Department of Human Services, working with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, shall conduct a study to determine the extent to which substance abuse interferes with the ability of recipients in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to secure and maintain employment leading to self sufficiency.

B.  The study shall include, but not be limited to, an assessment of the extent of the substance abuse problem among public assistance recipients in this state, the availability of a range of treatment resources statewide, and consideration of the use of drug testing, sanctions, and other tools recognized in successful intervention models, as well as the safety of any children involved.

C.  The Department shall issue a report of its findings and any recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature not later than June 1, 1998.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 10, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.60.  Disclosure of persons responsible for child support as precondition to TANF benefits.

A.  Except as otherwise provided in this section, any applicant who makes application with the Department of Human Services for benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, in order to be eligible for such assistance, shall provide the name of the person or persons alleged to be legally responsible for the support of a child, and if known, the address and employer of the person or persons alleged to be legally responsible for the support of such child prior to receipt of any such assistance.

B.  1.  If the specific person or persons legally responsible for the support of the child are unknown, the applicant for the TANF program shall submit with the application a list of names of persons alleged to be responsible for the support of the child to the Department of Human Services.

2.  If the applicant does not provide the Department with the identity of the person or persons alleged to be legally responsible for the support of the child, the applicant shall be ineligible to continue to receive such assistance unless the Department determines that the applicant or recipient or a child of the applicant or recipient would more likely than not be subject to abuse for identifying the person or persons alleged to be responsible for the support of the child.

3.  The Commission shall promulgate rules which will standardize the decision process for determining eligibility pursuant to this paragraph.

C.  The Department shall determine the father for each minor child for whom benefits are received under the TANF program.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 346, § 18, eff. July 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 11, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Renumbered from § 230.11 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.61.  Extension of transitional Medicaid, child care assistance and support services.

A.  The Oklahoma Health Care Authority, in accordance with the terms and conditions of a waiver granted by the federal Department of Health and Human Services, shall conduct a demonstration project to revise applicable standards and rules which will allow a recipient of assistance under the Medicaid and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, who becomes employed, to continue to receive transitional Medicaid and child care assistance for twenty-four (24) months following the initial date of employment unless:

1.  The employer provides medical assistance or child care benefits; or

2.  The monthly salary received from the employer exceeds the monthly allowance of assistance pursuant to the TANF program plus the cost of child care and medical insurance to which the recipient would be entitled.

B.  The Commission for Human Services shall revise applicable standards and rules to allow a recipient under the TANF program, who becomes employed, to receive case management and transitional support services.  Such services shall include, but not be limited to, transportation assistance, ensuring that the family receives transitional Medicaid and child care, ensuring that the family is familiar with and applies for the Earned Income Tax Credit, providing that the recipient is assessed for and referred to providers for any social or supportive service-related needs, and assistance with any other problems which emerge in the initial months of employment.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 346, § 6, eff. July 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 12, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Renumbered from § 230.6 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.62.  Contracts for literacy remediation, work activities, training and other services.

The Department of Human Services shall, as appropriate, provide literacy remediation, English as a second language, work activities, training, and other services to recipients pursuant to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program through contracts.  In contracting for English as a second language, work activities, training, or other services, the following terms and conditions shall apply:

1.  A contract shall be performance based.  Whenever possible, payment shall be based on performance outcomes that include, but are not limited to, such factors as job entry, job entry at a target wage, and job retention.  Payment shall not be based on completion of training, education, or any other phase of the program participation process;

2.  A contract may include performance-based incentive payments that may vary according to the extent to which a recipient is more difficult to place.  Contract payments may be weighted proportionally to reflect the extent to which a recipient has limitations associated with the long-term receipt of welfare and difficulty in maintaining employment.  The factors may include the extent of a recipient's prior receipt of welfare, lack of employment experience, poor literacy skills, lack of education, lack of job skills, and any other factors determined appropriate by the Department; and

3.  The Department is hereby authorized to contract with commercial, charitable, religious or faith-based organizations to provide the necessary services pursuant to the TANF program as provided in this section.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 13, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Laws 2002, c. 123, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.

§56-230.63.  Failure to cooperate in approved work activities or child support enforcement programs - Fraud control program.

A.  1.  If a recipient, without good cause, does not cooperate with the Department of Human Services in approved work activities as required by the Department pursuant to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, the Department shall close the case.

2.  If a recipient, without good cause, does not cooperate with the Department in administering the child support enforcement program relating to the establishment, modification, or enforcement of a support order, the Department shall reduce benefits to the recipient under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program in an amount to be determined by the Department.

B.  1.  The Department of Human Services shall establish and operate a fraud control program.  The Department shall proceed against any individual member of a family, regardless of payment status under the TANF program, whom it believes to have committed an intentional program violation pursuant to federal law, through an administrative hearing or by referring the matter to the appropriate authorities for civil or criminal action in a state or federal court.

2.  In proceeding against such an individual, the Department shall coordinate its actions with any corresponding actions being taken under Medicaid fraud programs where the factual issues arise from the same or related circumstances.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 346, § 25, eff. July 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 14, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Renumbered from § 230.16 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.64.  Case management services.

A.  The Department of Human Services shall provide case management services to recipients under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.  Case management services shall include, but not be limited to:

1.  Intensive and in-depth employability assessment of a recipient's education, training, skills, prior work experience and supportive service needs;

2.  Development of an employability plan which incorporates the results of the assessment; and

3.  Close follow-up of program implementation requirements and participation pursuant to a personal responsibility agreement as provided in Section 16 of this act.

B.  The Department of Human Services is hereby directed to develop policy outlining procedural and educational expectations for recipients of benefits under the TANF program.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 346, § 26, eff. July 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 15, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Renumbered from § 230.17 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.65.  Employability and literacy assessment - Personal responsibility agreements.

A.  1.  The Department of Human Services shall conduct an employability assessment of the education, training, skills, prior work experience and supportive service needs of individuals applying for and receiving assistance pursuant to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

2.  The Department shall arrange for administration of a recognized literacy screening for individuals who have not obtained a high school diploma or General Equivalency Degree (GED) and have exhibited a lack of literacy skills.  If, in the opinion of the Department, the applicant or recipient who has obtained a high school diploma or GED lacks reading skills to the extent that such insufficiency limits the applicant's or recipient's ability to become self-supporting, the Department shall refer the individual for a literacy assessment.

3.  The Department shall utilize existing community resources, including, but not limited to, volunteer literacy groups and adult basic education programs, when arranging for literacy assessments and remediation of clients who lack sufficient reading skills.

B.  The Department of Human Services shall require services to be provided to each applicant or recipient of benefits in any program according to a written personal responsibility agreement.  The agreement shall reflect the education, training, skills, prior work experience and supportive service needs of the applicant or recipient and shall be:

1.  Written in English, or translated into Spanish or other language, according to the applicant's or recipient's needs;

2.  Signed by the applicant or recipient;

3.  Signed by the parent of the applicant or recipient if the applicant or recipient is under eighteen (18) years of age;

4.  Signed by the case manager; and

5.  Reviewed by both the applicant or recipient and the case manager at least once a year.  The agreement may be revised from time to time according to the needs of the recipient, the recipient's family and the program.

C.  The personal responsibility agreement shall set forth the specific responsibilities of the recipient, at a minimum, to:

1.  Develop a detailed plan for achieving self-sufficiency;

2.  Participate in any educational or training program required by the Department pursuant to the results of the employability and literacy assessments;

3.  Participate in life-skills training including, but not limited to, financial management classes, conflict resolution training, and social skills development;

4.  Be available for and actively seek and maintain employment, and accept any reasonable employment as soon as it becomes available as required by the TANF program;

5.  Participate in a community service, public works or private sector job pursuant to the requirements of the Statewide Temporary Assistance Responsibility System and the results of the employability and literacy assessments;

6.  Acknowledge that additional benefits pursuant to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program will be paid for a child born more than ten (10) months after the recipient qualifies for assistance only pursuant to a voucher system;

7.  If the recipient is a minor parent, live in a supervised adult setting;

8.  Accept responsibility for ensuring that the recipient's child complies with the attendance requirements of the local school district and attends school until the child of the recipient either:

a. graduates from high school or attains a high school equivalency certificate, or

b. becomes nineteen (19) years of age,

whichever occurs first;

9.  Accept responsibility for attending any classes required by a program at least ninety percent (90%) of the time;

10.  Immunize the recipients' minor children pursuant to the State Department of Health's immunization schedule; and

11. a. Undergo a literacy skills assessment utilizing a testing instrument which measures whether such recipient is reading at a minimum of an eighth grade reading level, where the recipient has the capacity to read at such level or, regardless of reading level, which indicates that the recipient would benefit from compulsory participation in a literacy skills improvement program.

b. Based on the results of the assessment, the recipient shall agree to enroll and actively participate in a literacy skills improvement program and provide documentation of substantial quantifiable literacy improvement.  Any recipient who is reading at less than an eighth grade level shall be required to continue to substantially and quantifiably improve his or her reading skills until such recipient demonstrates a level of reading proficiency that is at least equal to an eighth grade reading level.

c. On or before December 31 of each year, the Department of Human Services shall annually provide to the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a written report outlining by age the number of recipients:

(1) assessed for literacy skills,

(2) who failed to demonstrate eighth grade reading level proficiency,

(3) who agreed to enroll and participate in a literacy skills improvement program, and

(4) who either provided documentation of substantial quantifiable literacy skills improvement or whose case was closed prior to completion.

D.  The Department may sanction or impose financial penalties on a recipient for failure to comply with the provisions of the personal responsibility agreement.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 346, § 27, eff. July 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 16, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Renumbered from § 230.18 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Laws 1998, c. 5, § 16, emerg. eff. March 4, 1998.

NOTE:  Laws 1997, c. 392, § 5 repealed by Laws 1998, c. 5, § 29, emerg. eff. March 4, 1998.

§56-230.66.  Compulsory school attendance.

A.  Compulsory school attendance for a child from the age at which the child is eligible to attend kindergarten to eighteen (18) years of age, unless the child is being home educated as per the Oklahoma Constitution and statutes, shall be a condition for participation in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

B.  The Commission for Human Services shall promulgate rules for implementing the provisions of this section which will authorize the Department to deny a recipient of benefits under the TANF program that portion of payments which relate to an individual who fails to comply with the requirements of this section.

Added by Laws 1992, c. 291, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1992.  Amended by Laws 1995, c. 346, § 13, eff. July 1, 1995; Laws 1997, c. 414, § 17, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Renumbered from § 234.1 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.67.  Application for Earned Income Tax Credit - Assistance from Department of Human Services.

The Department of Human Services shall ensure, to the fullest extent possible, that any recipient of benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the food stamp programs, who may qualify for receipt of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), pursuant to 26 U.S.C., Section 32(a-j), applies for such credit.  The Department shall have EITC forms readily available and shall provide assistance and encouragement to those wishing to apply for the EITC.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 346, § 22, eff. July 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 18, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Renumbered from § 230.13 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.68.  Fraud hot line.

A.  The Department of Human Services shall establish and maintain a statewide incoming areawide telephone service hot line for the purpose of reporting suspected cases of welfare eligibility fraud, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) fraud and food stamp fraud.

B.  The Commission for Human Services shall promulgate rules to enact the provisions of this section, and shall include in such rules procedures which address false reports and issues of confidentiality.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 346, § 24, eff. July 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 19, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Renumbered from § 230.15 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.69.  Child care resource and referral centers.

A.  The Department of Human Services shall, as funds become available, work with local communities to establish a statewide system of child care resource and referral centers.

B.  The child care resource and referral centers shall be responsible for:

1.  Providing consumer education;

2.  Maintaining child care databases and linking working families to relevant services available in their communities;

3.  Developing child care supply and demand reports;

4.  Fostering partnerships between Head Start programs, churches, schools, government and nonprofit agencies;

5.  Providing information and technical assistance to individuals and groups wishing to develop or expand child care services;

6.  Coordinating training programs and informing child care providers about available training; and

7.  Working with the Department of Human Services on licensing and regulatory issues.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 20, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.70.  One-stop Career/Employment Centers.

A.  The Legislature hereby encourages the establishment of One-stop Career/Employment Centers that link federal, state and local resources and programs and that create collaborative and interorganizational partnerships between state governmental agencies and private and nonprofit entities.  Such agencies and private and nonprofit entities shall include, but not be limited to:

1.  The Department of Human Services;

2.  The State Department of Education;

3.  The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education;

4.  The Oklahoma Department of Commerce;

5.  The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission;

6.  The Oklahoma Health Care Authority;

7.  The State Department of Health;

8.  The State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services;

9.  The Oklahoma Department of Corrections;

10.  Office of Personnel Management;

11.  The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education;

12.  Community action agencies;

13.  Local and municipal groups;

14.  Substate planning groups; and

15.  Religious and charitable organizations.

B.  1.  The purpose of the collaborative and interorganizational partnership shall be to assist persons receiving temporary assistance, persons who are employed in low-wage jobs, underemployed persons, and persons who are unemployed to obtain employment preparation; to explore career, employment and job referral opportunities; to improve skills through education and training; and to obtain information on various services and programs in the state.

2.  Employment preparation includes, but is not limited to:

a. education, training, or retraining for specified time limits,

b. private and public work experience, and

c. development of certain career/job training and retraining skills and apprenticeships.

C.  The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, in consultation with entities desiring to form such partnerships, shall develop a local implementation plan for use by all parties desiring to enter into a plan for a one-stop career and employment center.  The plan shall be signed by all partnership entities and shall be submitted to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission for review and recommendation.

D.  The local implementation plan shall include, but not be limited to, the names, addresses, and phone numbers of parties and organizational entities; specific goals, objectives, and plans for implementation of the initiative; the signature of all parties agreeing to the initiative; and the beginning date of the initiative as agreed upon by the parties.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 24, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Laws 2001, c. 33, § 40, eff. July 1, 2001.

§56-230.72.  Medicaid assistance.

The Department of Human Services and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority shall jointly establish eligibility criteria which ensure that recipients of assistance pursuant to the federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program (TANF), who become employed or who are at risk of losing Medicaid because of earned income disregards or other excluded resources pursuant to the  

Statewide Temporary Assistance Responsibility System (STARS), will continue to receive Medicaid assistance as otherwise specified by state or federal law.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 25, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Laws 2004, c. 378, § 1, emerg. eff. June 3, 2004.

§56-230.73.  Qualified aliens.

A.  As used in this section:

1.  "Legal immigrant" means an individual not born in the United States and not a citizen of the United States whose entrance into the United States has been approved by the Immigration and Naturalization Service; and

2.  "Qualified alien" shall have the same meaning as such term is defined by Section 431(b) of the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, P.L. 104-193, as amended.

B.  1.  The Legislature hereby finds and declares that passage of the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, P.L. 104-193, requires the states to make certain decisions concerning legal immigrants and their eligibility for certain types of public assistance.

2.  The goal of this section is to recognize that foreign-born legal residents of the State of Oklahoma contribute to our society by working in our communities, supporting local businesses, and paying taxes and should be eligible to receive certain types of public assistance under certain conditions.  Moreover, the state goal is to provide the types of assistance that will enhance the state's ability to receive federal financial participation, thereby reducing the ultimate burden on the state and local government for emergency health and welfare needs.

3.  This section is also intended to encourage and support efforts to help foreign-born legal residents of the State of Oklahoma to become citizens of the United States.

C.  1.  A qualified alien who entered the United States before August 22, 1996, shall be eligible to receive benefits under a state program funded by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Block Grant Funds pursuant to Part A of Title IV of the federal Social Security Act.

2.  A qualified alien who entered the United States on or after August 22, 1996, shall be barred from receiving the benefits described in paragraph 1 of this subsection for a period of five (5) years after the date of entry into the United States, unless such alien meets the exceptions set forth in the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, P.L. 104-193, as amended.  After five (5) years, the qualified alien shall be eligible for benefits pursuant to the Statewide Temporary Assistance Responsibility System (STARS), but shall have sponsor income deemed to the individual or family pursuant to rules promulgated by the Commission for Human Services.

D.  1.  A qualified alien who entered the United States before August 22, 1996, shall be eligible to receive benefits under the Old Age Pension, the Aid to the Needy Disabled, and the Aid to the Blind programs if such qualified alien meets the eligibility criteria for such programs, other than citizen status.

2.  A qualified alien who entered the United States on or after August 22, 1996, shall be barred from receiving benefits under the programs described in paragraph 1 of this subsection for a period of five (5) years after the date of entry into the United States, unless the alien meets the exceptions set forth in the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, P.L. 104-193, as amended.  After five (5) years, the qualified alien shall be eligible for benefits pursuant to such programs but shall have sponsor income deemed to the person or family pursuant to rules promulgated by the Commission for Human Services.

E.  The Commission for Human Services shall encourage a qualified alien who is eligible to submit an application for citizenship to submit such an application.

F.  1.  The Commission shall promulgate rules for the delivery of emergency assistance to a person who:

a. is a legal immigrant and a resident of the State of Oklahoma,

b. is not a citizen of the United States, and

c. meets the eligibility requirements for assistance pursuant to the Statewide Temporary Assistance Responsibility System (STARS) program other than citizen status and is not receiving any other public assistance as specified by the Commission.

2.  Such emergency assistance may include, but need not be limited to, the following forms of assistance:

a. housing,

b. food,

c. short-term cash assistance, and

d. clothing and social services for children.

G.  1.  Sponsors shall be expected to meet their financial commitments to the immigrants whom they sponsor and for whom they sign affidavits of support.

2.  The Commission shall also promulgate rules consistent with this section and federal law to enforce sponsor commitments for noncitizen applicants for or recipients of public assistance or medical assistance.

H.  In the event that after passage of this act federal law authorizes extended benefits to aliens, the provision of this section shall be modified and made consistent with the provisions of federal law.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 26, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-230.75.  Task Force on State Plan Options for the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program (TANF Options Task Force).

A.  There is hereby created until June 1, 2000, the "Task Force on State Plan Options for the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program".  The Task Force may be referred to as the "TANF Options Task Force".

B.  The Task Force on State Plan Options for the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program shall:

1.  Review:

a. the options available to Oklahoma under the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Reconciliation Act related to the eligibility of persons who are victims of domestic abuse or who are receiving or in need of treatment for substance abuse under the State Plan for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families pursuant to the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Reconciliation Act, and

b. the effects or potential effects of adopting such options; and

2.  Make recommendations to the Legislature on or before January 1, 1999, concerning legislation or other state action which the Task Force deems necessary or desirable.

Added by § 1 of Enrolled House Joint Resolution No. 1025 of the 2nd Session of the 46th Oklahoma Legislature.  Codified by Laws 1998, c. 414, § 21, emerg. eff. June 11, 1998.

§56-230.76.  TANF Options Task Force — Membership.

A.  The Task Force on State Plan Options for the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program shall consist of thirteen (13) members and shall be composed as follows:

1.  The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint three members of the House of Representatives, one member who shall represent a statewide domestic violence association, and one member who at the time of appointment is a TANF participant;

2.  The President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall appoint three members of the State Senate, one member who shall represent a statewide association of substance abuse treatment providers, and one member who at the time of appointment is a TANF participant;

3.  The Director of the Department of Human Services or the designee of the Director;

4.  The Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services or the designee of the Commissioner; and

5.  The Administrator of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority or the designee of the Administrator.

B.  The Speaker shall appoint the chair of the Task Force and the President Pro Tempore shall appoint the vice-chair from their appointees.

C.  Nonlegislative members of the Task Force shall be reimbursed by their appointing authority for necessary travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties in accordance with the State Travel Reimbursement Act.  Legislative members shall be reimbursed pursuant to the provisions of Section 456 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

D.  The House of Representatives and Senate shall provide staff support as required by the Task Force.  The Department of Human Services, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority shall provide the Task Force with information and assistance as requested by the Task Force.

Added by § 2 of Enrolled House Joint Resolution No. 1025 of the 2nd Session of the 46th Oklahoma Legislature.  Codified by Laws 1998, c. 414, § 21, emerg. eff. June 11, 1998.

§56-230.77.  Delivery system for redemption of vouchers for services from faith-based providers.

A.  The Department of Human Services shall establish a service delivery system under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program that provides for redemption of vouchers for TANF services at participating private faith-based providers and federally recognized Indian tribes if they are effective and competitively priced for the results achieved.

B.  The vouchers shall be made payable, on behalf of the TANF recipient, for the provision of TANF services that include, but are not limited to, subsidized and unsubsidized hourly employment, work experience, on-the-job training, assisted job search, job readiness assistance, job skills training, community service, substance abuse treatment, literacy and adult basic education, vocational-educational programs and child care.

C.  The Department shall establish a procedure whereby a qualified private faith-based provider that wishes to provide services to TANF recipients may register with the Department.

D.  The Commission for Human Services shall promulgate rules to implement the provisions of this act.

Added by Laws 2002, c. 272, § 1, eff. Nov 1, 2002.

§56231.  Applicant for assistance to request filing of criminal charges.

Any person who shall make application for aid for dependent children with the Department of Public Welfare, or any of its county offices or other subagencies, must, in order to be eligible for further assistance payments, where the person or persons legally responsible for such support is willfully and without lawful excuse failing to furnish necessary food, clothing, shelter or medical attendance for such child or children, within three (3) months from the day of application request the district attorney of the county where such applicant resides to file criminal charges against the person or persons legally responsible for the support of such child or children, and cooperate fully in prosecuting such charges to completion when filed by the district attorney.

Added by Laws 1951, p. 14, § 1.

§56232.  Public Welfare Commission  Notice and information to district attorney.

It shall be the duty of the Oklahoma Public Welfare Commission, its director, its agents and employees, in all cases where application is made for aid for neglected and dependent children to ascertain as to whether or not the need for such aid arises from the willful desertion or abandonment of said children by the person or persons obligated by law to provide for said children, and if said children are willfully abandoned or neglected by the person or persons required by law to support said children, to report the same to the district attorney of the county in which said children reside, and to furnish the district attorney with the names of witnesses and all information which they may have that the district attorney may require for the purpose of prosecuting the person or persons obligated by law to support such children under the criminal statutes of this state, and to require the applicant to request the district attorney of the county to file criminal charges against the person or persons legally responsible for the support of such child or children, and cooperate fully in prosecuting such charges to completion when filed by the district attorney, within three (3) months from the day of application in order to be eligible for further assistance payments.

Added by Laws 1951, p. 14, § 2.

§56-233.  Investigation of child support delinquencies by Department of Human Services - Notification and assistance to district attorneys - Penalty for willful failure to accept employment - Mandatory imprisonment - Exemption for only parents.

A.  The Department of Human Services shall have authority to investigate and ascertain the reasons why parents of children for whom the Department is making payments in its program for Aid to Families with Dependent Children are not providing for the maintenance and support of their children.

B.  1.  If any parent of a child is determined by the Department to be willfully violating the provisions of Section 852 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes by not providing for the maintenance and support of the child and the amount of the child support delinquency accrues for more than one (1) year or exceeds Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), the Department shall notify the proper district attorney of the names of pertinent witnesses and information gained from the investigation.

2.  Complaints necessary to institute prosecutions against such parents may be made by the Department's investigators.  The Department shall provide legal assistance to the district attorneys in such prosecutions.

C.  A parent of a child for whom the Department is making payments in its program for Aid to Families with Dependent Children who willfully fails or refuses to accept employment when employment is available shall be deemed to have failed to provide for the child and upon conviction thereof shall be punished as provided by subsection E of this section or pursuant to Section 852 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

D.  A parent omitting to provide for the maintenance and support of a child shall be afforded an opportunity to report to the Department for training or assistance in finding employment without referral for prosecution on the condition that the parent provide for such maintenance and support.

E.  If a parent is convicted pursuant to subsection A of this section it shall be mandatory that the punishment of the parent shall include imprisonment in the county jail for not more than ninety (90) days; provided, that the parent may be released on probation, subject to supervision of the Department, on condition that the parent register with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and obtain or accept employment or training that will enable the parent to provide for the support and maintenance of the parent's child or children.

F.  These provisions shall not apply to an only parent, caring for the child or children in the home, when daycare services are not available or when it is unreasonable to place the child or children in daycare services.

Added by Laws 1968, c. 165, § 1, emerg. eff. April 11, 1968.  Amended by Laws 1975, c. 102, § 1, emerg. eff. May 2, 1975; Laws 1995, c. 346, § 16, eff. July 1, 1995.

§56-233.1.  Certain referrals for prosecution prohibited.

A.  1.  A parent of a child for whom the Department of Human Services is making payments in its program for Aid to Families with Dependent Children shall not be referred for prosecution for indirect contempt for failure to comply with an order for child support if the parent is registered with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and said Commission has certified that the parent:

a. is actively seeking employment or accepting training under the rules of the Commission,

b. has not refused to report for or take employment or training offered to such parent, and

c. is otherwise complying with the order for child support, other support or other court orders regarding a minor child of such parent and the provisions of this subsection.

2. a. When a court of competent jurisdiction is ordering or has ordered child support payments to be made by the noncustodial parent and the noncustodial parent claims inability to pay because of unemployment, the court shall require the noncustodial parent to register with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission for employment.  The noncustodial parent shall be responsible for:

(1) providing documentation of registration to the court,

(2) making a good faith effort to obtain any employment for which the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission makes referral, and

(3) providing documentation of employment application.

b. Registration for employment with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission shall in no way limit the noncustodial parent's attempts to obtain employment through personal initiative.

c. The noncustodial parent shall be required to participate in employment efforts at least equal to those required for the custodial parent under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program, pursuant to federal law.

d. The Department of Human Services shall create a document of notification which details the employment requirements under the AFDC program based on federal law.  The Department shall provide a copy of the notification document and a listing of employment services that are available at no cost to all citizens with information which shall include, but not be limited to, information on access to the services and programs of the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and the Job Training Partnership Act.  The noncustodial parent shall be responsible for obtaining such services and providing documentation of participation.

B.  A parent of a child for whom the Department of Human Services is making payments in its program for Aid to Families with Dependent Children may not be referred for prosecution for indirect contempt for failure to comply with an order for child support, if such parent is unable to work because of physical or mental health problems.  When a court of competent jurisdiction is ordering or has ordered child support payments to be made by the noncustodial parent and the noncustodial parent claims mental or physical health problems as the reason for not seeking employment, the noncustodial parent shall show to the court proof of an active treatment plan which includes an estimate of the duration of the mental or physical health problems.  Treatment plans may include, but are not limited to, care provided by a physician licensed to practice in this state, a mental health professional licensed to practice in this state or a substance abuse professional licensed to practice in this state.  Upon completion of the treatment plan, the terms outlined in paragraph 2 of subsection A of this section shall be in force.

C.  A parent may not be referred for prosecution for indirect contempt for failure to comply with an order for child support, if the parent is unable to work because of a mental or physical disability.  When a court of competent jurisdiction is ordering or has ordered child support payments to be made by the noncustodial parent and the noncustodial parent claims disability as the reason for unemployment, the noncustodial parent shall provide to the court documentation that such parent has applied for disability determination with the federal Social Security Administration and shall provide to the court documentation that such parent has applied to the State Department of Rehabilitation Services for assistance in becoming employable.  If the noncustodial parent is determined to be employable by the State Department of Rehabilitation Services, the noncustodial parent shall provide documentation that such parent has made every effort to cooperate in obtaining employment pursuant to subsection A of this section.

D.  A parent omitting to provide for the maintenance and support of a child shall be afforded an opportunity to report to the Department for training or assistance in finding employment without referral for prosecution on the condition that the parent provide for such maintenance and support.

E.  These provisions shall not apply to an only parent, caring for the child or children in the home, when daycare services are not available or when it is unreasonable to place the child or children in daycare services.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 346, § 17, eff. July 1, 1995.

§56234.  Actions to secure compliance with court's support or maintenance orders.

A.  If a party in a divorce action or other civil case has disobeyed or failed to comply with an order of the court to make payments for the support or maintenance of a child for whom the Department of Human Services thereafter makes payments in its program for Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF), the Department may file and prosecute in such action or civil case an application to have a party cited and punished for contempt of court, or any other pleading to secure compliance with the court's order.

B.  The Department of Human Services, in coordination with district attorneys, is authorized to periodically offer an amnesty program for those who owe past-due child support.  The Department, in coordination with district attorneys, may announce and publicize a program that offers those who owe past-due child support an opportunity to pay off the past-due support by a certain date.  If payment in full is made, the Department, in coordination with district attorneys, may forego the use of other enforcement remedies for support past-due and accrued interest on that amount owed to the state up to that date.  For accrued interest owed to a parent, the parent may, by affidavit, waive the past-due interest.

Added by Laws 1968, c. 165, § 2, emerg. eff. April 11, 1968.  Amended by Laws 1999, c. 422, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1999.

§56-234.1.  Renumbered as § 230.66 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-234.2.  Repealed by Laws 1995, c. 246, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.

§56235.  Payments to Department of Human Services.

Any court ordering a party in a civil case to make payments for the support or maintenance of a child may direct, and upon application of the Director of the Department of Human Services, the court shall direct, that such payments be made to the Department of Human Services which shall be disbursed according to federal regulations.  The court's order, or payments made pursuant thereto, shall not affect the amount of such assistance payments so long as the custodian of the child makes all reasonable efforts, when necessary, to cause the court's order to be obeyed.  If payments are not made by such party as directed by the court, the Director of the Department of Human Services may file and prosecute in the case an application to have the party cited for contempt of court, or other pleading to secure a compliance with the court's order.  Provided, the authority of the Director of the Department of Human Services to take such action shall not affect the right or responsibility of the custodian of the child to take, or excuse her or him from taking, similar action.  The Oklahoma Commission for Human Services shall have authority to adopt such rules and regulations as it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this act.

Added by Laws 1968, c. 165, § 3, emerg. eff. April 11, 1968.  Amended by Laws 1988, c. 326, § 17, emerg. eff. July 13, 1988.

§56236.  Legal division or unit - Contracts for private legal counsel.

A.  The Commission for Human Services shall establish or provide for a legal division or unit in the Department of Human Services.  The Director of the Department of Human Services shall employ attorneys as needed, which may be on fulltime and parttime basis.  Such attorneys, in addition to advising the Commission, Director and Department personnel on legal matters, may appear for and represent the Commission, Director and Department in legal actions and proceedings.  Provided, that it shall continue to be the duty of the Attorney General to give his official opinion to the Commission, Director or Department, and to prosecute and defend actions therefor, if requested to do so.  The Attorney General may levy and collect costs, expenses of litigation and a reasonable attorney's fee for such legal services from the Commission.  Provided, however the charges which the Attorney General is authorized to levy and collect shall only include those costs and charges which exceed the costs associated with the salary and benefits of one attorney FTE position per fiscal year.

B.  The Commission shall not contract for representation by private legal counsel unless approved by the Attorney General.  Such contract for private legal counsel shall be in the best interests of the state.

C.  The Attorney General shall be notified by the Commission or its counsel of all lawsuits against the Commission, its officers or employees that seek injunctive relief which would impose obligations requiring the expenditure of funds in excess of unencumbered monies in the agency's appropriations or beyond the current fiscal year.  The Attorney General shall review any such cases and may represent the interests of the state, if he considers it to be in the best interest of the state to do so, in which case he shall be paid as provided in subsection A of this section.  Representation of multiple defendants in such actions may, at the discretion of the Attorney General, be divided with counsel for the Commission as necessary to avoid conflicts of interest.

Added by Laws 1968, c. 165, § 4, emerg. eff. April 11, 1968.  Amended by Laws 1992, c. 33, § 1, emerg. eff. April 3, 1992; Laws 1992, c. 288, § 1, eff. July 1, 1992.

§56-237.  Support collection, parent location and paternity determination services.

A.  The Department of Human Services, hereinafter referred to as "Department", as the single state agency designated to administer a statewide plan for child support, is authorized, in accordance with Title IV, Part D, of the Federal Social Security Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C., Section 651 et seq., to provide child support services, parent location services, and paternity determination services to enable participation in programs established by federal law.

B.  The Department is authorized to:

1.  Accept, transfer, and expend funds made available by the government of the United States, the State of Oklahoma, and public or private sources, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this section;

2.  Adopt rules for child support services;

3.  Initiate legal actions needed to implement the provisions of this section;

4.  Enter into contracts or agreements necessary to administer this section; and

5.  Require agencies and political subdivisions of this state, its counties and municipalities, persons, sole proprietorships, corporations, utilities, partnerships, associations, organizations, and other legal entities doing business in this state to provide information to the Child Support Enforcement Division to assist in locating individuals and in establishing and enforcing court orders.

C.  1.  An applicant for or recipient of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, hereinafter referred to as "recipient", shall be required to assign to the Department any rights to or support from any other person which the recipient may have or for a child for whom the recipient is applying or receiving assistance in accordance with federal regulations and state law.

2.  When an order has been entered which provides for payment of child support and the obligee pursuant to the order relinquishes physical custody of the child to another custodian, without obtaining a modification of the order to change custody or to redirect the support to the new custodian, the relinquishment shall transfer the child support obligation pursuant to the order to the new custodian or the Department if services are being provided under the state child support plan as provided in this section.  The transfer of the obligation shall terminate when the new custodian no longer has physical custody of the child, except for the amount of unpaid support still owing to the custodian or to the Department.

3.  In all cases in which support services are being provided under the state child support plan as provided in this section, support payments shall be made by the obligor to the Department or its designee.  If a court has ordered support payments to be made to the recipient or to the applicant, the Department may send a notice of the assignment or application to the obligor requiring that all support payments be made to the Division or its designee.  The notice shall include:

a. a statement that the assignment or application has been made,

b. the style and number of the case in which support was ordered,

c. a statement that all payments so ordered shall be made to the Department or its designee, and

d. a statement that the obligor's earnings and income are assigned for collection of support monies owed.

4.  A notice to redirect the payments shall be sent to the obligor by regular mail with proof of mailing from the United States Postal Service.  If, after notice of the redirection, the obligor does not make payments to the Department as provided in the notice, the payments shall not be credited to the amount owed.  The obligor shall notify the Department of any change of address, the name and address of the current employer, and access to health insurance and other insurance policy information within thirty (30) days of any change.

D.  When the right to receive support has been assigned to the Child Support Enforcement Division or upon proper application by an obligor or by an individual not receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Division may petition the district court or the Office of Administrative Hearings:  Child Support, an administrative court of the Department of Human Services, for an order:

1.  Requiring the obligor to provide health insurance for the dependent children whenever it is available through employment or other group plan regardless of whether the obligor has insurance coverage available at that time or there has been a change of circumstances;

2.  Establishing paternity;

3.  Requiring medical support, child support, or other support;

4.  Enforcing orders for paternity, medical support, child support, or other support;

5.  Requiring that the obligor keep the Division informed of the name and address of the current employer of the obligor and of any health insurance or other insurance policy information of the obligor within thirty (30) days of any change;

6.  Providing for collection and distribution of child support monies; and

7.  Assisting in the location of absent parents and their assets, in cooperation with federal agencies, other agencies of this state and of other states, territories, and foreign nations requesting assistance with the enforcement of support orders entered in the United States and elsewhere.

E.  The Division may petition the district or administrative court to modify any order for support regardless of whether there has been a change of circumstances.   

F.  A reasonable fee and costs may be assessed for services to individuals not receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families pursuant to rules adopted by the Department.

G.  Child support payments made to the Division pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Child Support Escrow Account for distribution as may be required by Section 235 of this title, or by 42 U.S.C., Section 651 et seq.  Fees or reimbursements of costs collected by the Department shall be deposited in the Administration Fund of the Department and may be used and expended by the Department for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of this section.

H.  Except as otherwise authorized by law, all files and records concerning the assistance and services provided under this section or concerning a putative father of a child born out of wedlock are confidential.  Release of information from the files and records shall be restricted to purposes directly connected with the administration of the child support collection, paternity determination, parent location, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programs.  Information may be released to public officials under rules adopted by the Department, consistent with federal rules or regulations.

Added by Laws 1977, c. 170, § 1, emerg. eff. June 3, 1977.  Amended by Laws 1986, c. 176, § 5, emerg. eff. May 15, 1986; Laws 1987, c. 230, § 18, eff. Oct. 1, 1987; Laws 1990, c. 309, § 13, eff. Sept. 1, 1990; Laws 1992, c. 153, § 2, emerg. eff. April 30, 1992; Laws 1994, c. 356, § 19, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 1997, c. 402, § 19, eff. July 1, 1997; Laws 1998, c. 323, § 15, eff. Oct. 1, 1998; Laws 2000, c. 384, § 9, eff. Nov. 1, 2000.

§56237.1.  Agreements between district attorneys and the Department for enforcement and collection of child support obligations.

District attorneys may enter into agreements with the Department of Human Services for the enforcement and collection of child support obligations under Part D of Title IV of the federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C.A. Section 651 et seq.  Such agreements may include provisions for the payment of federal or state funds to the district attorney for the payment of any expense incurred in the operation of the district attorney's office for the purposes of such agreement.  All funds, except payroll funds, shall be transmitted to the county treasurer and deposited in a special fund to be known as the "District Attorney Child Support Contract Fund" and be disbursed in accordance with accounting procedures prescribed by the State Auditor and Inspector.  Such special funds shall not be a part of the general fund of the county and shall not be subject to appropriation by the county excise board.  Payroll funds, which shall be governed by Section 215.30 of this title, shall be paid pursuant to the agreement.

Added by Laws 1980, c. 22, § 1, emerg. eff. March 24, 1980.  Amended by Laws 1982, c. 340, § 20, emerg. eff. June 2, 1982; Laws 1995, c. 346, § 19, eff. July 1, 1995.

§56-237.2.  Child Support Enforcement Division - Providing information to governmental and private entities by electronic media.

The Child Support Enforcement Division of the Department of Human Services is authorized to provide information or referrals, including but not limited to, income assignments, tax refund offsets, liens and notices, by means of an abstract of the information, which may be submitted to any governmental or private entity by electronic media in the most economical, effective and timely method, including on-line, real time access or various methods of batch processing.

Added by Laws 1990, c. 309, § 14, eff. Sept. 1, 1990.

§56-237.3.  Attorneys employed by or contracting with Department of Human Services - Duties - Relationship.

A.  Attorneys employed by or contracting with the Department of Human Services for the establishment of paternity and the establishment, enforcement, and collection of child support obligations under Part D of Title IV of the Federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C., Section 651 et seq., or attorneys acting for the Department through an agreement as set forth in Section 237.1 of this title may represent the state or other states in administrative or civil actions.

B.  Department attorneys represent the state and not the interests of any other party.  Providing services under Title IV-D of the Federal Social Security Act does not create an attorney-client relationship with any other party.

C.  Neither the Department of Human Services nor any attorney providing services under Title IV-D of the Federal Social Security Act shall be authorized to accept service, as authorized in Section 2005 of Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, for any party other than the Department of Human Services.

Added by Laws 1992, c. 153, § 3, emerg. eff. April 30, 1992.  Amended by Laws 2000, c. 384, § 11, eff. Nov. 1, 2000.

§56237.5.  AFDC payments to adult custodians  Purpose.

For purposes of Title 56 of the Oklahoma Statutes, public assistance payments made to an eligible adult custodian in the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program shall be deemed to be made for the benefit of a minor child and shall be paid to the adult having actual and continuous physical custody of the minor child.

Added by Laws 1984, c. 5, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 1984.  Amended by Laws 1995, c. 346, § 9, eff. July 1, 1995.

§56-237.6.  AFDC recipients required to participate in parent or early childhood education programs.

A.  The Department of Human Services shall require, as a condition of participation, that parents or guardians receiving benefits pursuant to the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program participate in a parent education program or enlist or enroll their child or children in a Head Start program, a Parents as Teachers program, a local early childhood education program for four-year-old children, if available, in kindergarten programs, or in schooling deemed appropriate by school authorities, unless the child is being home educated as per the Oklahoma Constitution and statutes.

B.  The Department shall allow parents or guardians who attend all parentteacher conferences requested by teachers or other officials, or who participate in parent education programs offered by a school district to apply an equivalent amount of time towards any work experience or job training requirements.

Added by Laws 1989, 1st Ex. Sess., c. 2, § 37, emerg. eff. April 25, 1990.  Amended by Laws 1995, c. 346, § 11, eff. July 1, 1995.

§56-237.7.  Definitions.

For the purposes of Sections 237 through 240.23 of this title:

1.  The "Child Support Enforcement Division of the Department of Human Services", hereinafter referred to as the "Division" or as the "Department", is the state agency designated to administer the child support enforcement program for the State of Oklahoma and its District Offices, which may be administered through contract or cooperative agreements.  The District Offices provide enforcement services to individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, hereinafter referred to as "TANF", and to individuals not receiving TANF who have made proper application for enforcement services to the Division;

2.  "Director" means the Director of the Department of Human Services who shall have the authority to enter orders in appropriate cases or as otherwise provided by law, without the necessity of an additional signature of a district or administrative judge;

3.  "Office of Administrative Hearings:  Child Support (Legal Division, Department of Human Services, State of Oklahoma)", hereinafter referred to as "OAH", conducts child support enforcement administrative hearings.  All hearings are conducted by administrative law judges assigned to OAH;

4.  "Support debt" means a debt owed to the State of Oklahoma by the natural, legal or adoptive parents who are responsible for support of a child or children receiving public assistance money from the Department or the reasonable expenses of providing for a child or children.  The amount of the debt shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 118 of Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes;

5.  "Arrearage" or "past due support" means the total amount of unpaid support obligations;

6.  "Delinquency" means any payment under an order for support which becomes due and remains unpaid;

7. a. "Gross income" or "income" means income from any source and includes, but is not limited to, income from salaries, wages, commissions, bonuses, dividends, severance pay, pensions, rent, interest income, trust income, annuities, compensation as an independent contractor, social security benefits, workers' compensation benefits, unemployment insurance benefits, disability insurance benefits, gifts, prizes, any form of periodic payment to an individual regardless of source, and any other payments made by any person, private entity, federal or state government, any unit of local government, school district, or any entity created by law.  Income specifically excluded are actual child support received for children not before the court and benefits received from means-tested public assistance programs, including but not limited to TANF, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Food Stamps, General Assistance and State Supplemental Payments for Aged, Blind, and the Disabled.

b. For purposes of computing gross income of the parents, gross income shall include for each parent all actual monthly income described in this paragraph, the average of the gross monthly income for the time actually employed during the previous three (3) years, or the minimum wage paid for a forty-hour week, whichever is the most equitable.  If equitable, gross monthly income for either parent may be imputed in an amount that a person with comparable education, training, and experience could reasonably expect to earn.  If a person is permanently physically or mentally incapacitated, the child support obligation shall be computed on the basis of actual monthly gross income;

8.  "Earnings" means amounts paid to a person as an employee, including wages and salary;

9.  "Disposable income" means income or earnings less any amounts required by law to be withheld including, but not limited to, federal, state, and local taxes, Social Security, and public assistance payments;

10.  "Obligor" means the person who is required to make payments under an order for support or the natural, legal, or adoptive parents who are responsible for the support of a child or children;

11.  "Obligee" or "Person entitled" means:

a. a person to whom a support debt or support obligation is owed,

b. the Department of Human Services or a public agency of another state that has the right to receive current or accrued support payments or that is providing support enforcement services, or

c. a person designated in a support order or as otherwise specified by the court;

12.  "Payor" means any person or entity paying monies, income, or earnings to an obligor.  In the case of a self-employed person, the "payor" and "obligor" may be the same person;

13.  "Support order" means an order for the payment of support issued by a district or administrative court of this state or by any court or agency of another state;

14.  "Income assignment" means an assignment of a portion of the monies, income, or periodic earnings due and owing to the obligor to the person entitled to the support or to another person or entity designated by the support order or assignment for payment of support, the support debt, or arrearages.  In all child support cases wherein child support is being enforced pursuant to the state plan, the income of any obligor required by court or administrative order to pay support shall be subject by operation of law to immediate income assignments regardless of whether support payments by such obligor are in arrears.  The assignment shall be in an amount which is sufficient to meet the periodic child support payments, other maintenance payments, payments on support debt and collection of past due support monies that have accrued under a district or administrative court order.  An income assignment shall be made a part of a support order or any order granting a judgment for a support debt or confirming the amount of the past due support, or a review or modification of a support order pursuant to Section 118.1 of Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes;

15.  "Voluntary acknowledgment" means a written acknowledgment executed by the obligor wherein the obligor acknowledges paternity, support liability, a support debt, or arrearage amount, and agrees to a judgment and an immediate income assignment to pay monthly support and payments on the support debt or arrearage judgments;

16.  "Notice" means a written announcement served upon an obligor, a custodial person or any person or entity which might be affected by the noticed proceeding;

17.  "Licensing board" means any bureau, department, division, board, agency, or commission of this state or of a municipality in this state that issues a license;

18.  "License" means a license, certificate, registration, permit, approval, or other similar document issued by a licensing board granting to an individual a right or privilege to engage in a profession, occupation, business, or industry, or any recreational license or permit including, but not limited to, a hunting and fishing license or other authorization issued pursuant to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Code and certificates of Title for vessels and motors and other licenses or registrations issued pursuant to the Oklahoma Vessel and Motor Registration Act or a driver license or other permit issued pursuant to Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes;

19.  "Commission" means the Commission for Human Services;

20.  "Payment plan" includes, but is not limited to, a plan approved by the support enforcement entity that provides sufficient security to ensure compliance with a support order or that incorporates voluntary or involuntary income assignment or a similar plan for periodic payment of past-due support and, if applicable, current and future support; and

21.  "Support" means all payments or other obligations due and owing to the obligee or person entitled by the obligor pursuant to a support order, and may include, but is not limited to, support alimony payments, child support, as defined by Section 1170 of Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, and other expenses, requirements and obligations as specified in Section 118 of Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

Added by Laws 1985, c. 297, § 22, operative Oct. 1, 1985.  Amended by Laws 1986, c. 176, § 9, emerg. eff. May 15, 1986; Laws 1990, c. 309, § 17, eff. Sept. 1, 1990; Laws 1993, c. 307, § 5, emerg. eff. June 7, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 365, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.  Renumbered from § 240 of this title by Laws 1994, c. 365, § 14, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.  Amended by Laws 1995, c. 354, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1995; Laws 1997, c. 402, § 20, eff. July 1, 1997; Laws 1998, c. 323, § 17, eff. Oct. 1, 1998; Laws 2000, c. 384, § 12, eff. Nov. 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 5, § 31, emerg. eff. March 21, 2001.

NOTE:  Laws 2000, c. 345, § 5 repealed by Laws 2001, c. 5, § 32, emerg. eff. March 21, 2001.

§56-237.8.  Order of administrative law judge.

After evidence has been presented at a hearing, the administrative law judge shall enter a written order which shall contain findings of fact and conclusions of law as to each contested issue.  The order shall be submitted to the district office and to the obligor or the attorney of the obligor by certificate of mailing within twenty (20) days after the conclusion of the hearing.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 403, § 13, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.

§56-237.9.  Administrative law judge authorized to conduct hearings by electronic means.

Upon agreement or a showing of hardship by one of the parties, or upon the court's own motion, the administrative law judge may conduct administrative hearings telephonically or by other electronic means.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 403, § 14, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.

§56-237.10.  Docketing of administrative orders.

Administrative orders entered pursuant to Title 56 of the Oklahoma Statutes, if docketed, shall be docketed in the county of the underlying district court order, if any.  If there is no underlying district court order filed in this state, the administrative order shall be filed in the county of residence of the custodian of the child, or if the custodian resides out-of-state, in the county of residence of the obligor.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 403, § 15, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.

§56-237A.  Notice to obligor - Administrative procedures.

A.  In all cases being enforced by the Department of Human Services pursuant to the state child support plan, unless the amount of past due support has been determined in a court proceeding within the past twelve (12) months, the Department shall serve a notice upon the obligor no less than once every twelve (12) months informing the obligor of the following:

1.  The style and case number of the support order or orders being enforced by the Department;

2.  The amount of the current support obligation and the total amount of alleged past due support pursuant to the support order or orders;

3.  That all payments for current support and payments for past due support owed to the Department or to the obligee shall be paid to the Centralized Support Registry at the address specified in the notice, and thereafter, any payments made other than to the Support Registry shall not be credited to the amount owed;

4.  The obligor's street address and mailing address as stated in the notice shall be the obligor's address or addresses of record for service of process on file in the central case registry provided for in Section 112A of Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes; and thereafter, the obligor must inform the central case registry at the address specified in the notice in writing within thirty (30) days of any change;

5.  That if the information contained in the notice is incorrect or incomplete concerning the name and address of the obligor's current employer or other payors of income, dependent health insurance information, or other information requested by the Department, the obligor is required to inform the central case registry in writing of any changes or additions to the information within thirty (30) days of service of the notice and thereafter to inform the central case registry within thirty (30) days of any change;

6.  An income assignment is in effect and that the amounts specified in the notice shall be withheld from the obligor's income for current support and past due support;

7.  The income assignment will be served upon all current and subsequent payors of income without further notice to the obligor;

8.  The income assignment will remain in effect regardless of whether any past due amounts are owed, for as long as the order upon which it is based, or for as long as past due support is owed, whichever is later, and payment of any amount will not prevent the income assignment from taking effect;

9.  That if there is no order for payment of the past due amount, when any amount of support becomes thirty (30) days past due, the Department is authorized to direct the obligor's payor of income to withhold an amount equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the current support obligation, and that this amount shall continue to be withheld until the past due support is paid in full, or until further order;

10.  That if the obligor has failed to comply with an order to provide health insurance, the obligor's employer will be required to enroll the obligor's minor children who are the subject of the referenced order in any dependent health insurance plan offered by the employer to the obligor, and to deduct the amount of the premium from the obligor's income;

11.  A list of all actions and remedies the Department may take to enforce the order and to collect past due support.  The list may include a specific payment plan;

12.  That the obligor will be given this notice no less than once every twelve (12) months, and after initial service of the notice as provided in subsection C of this section, subsequent notices will be mailed by regular mail to the last address for the obligor on file in the central case registry;

13.  That the obligor may request an administrative review on a form attached to the notice within twenty (20) days of the date the notice is served upon the obligor which will be granted only on the following grounds:

a. a mistake of identity, or

b. the existence or the amount of current support or past due support is incorrect;

14.  That the obligor has been given notice and opportunity to contest the past due amount stated in the notice and that the obligor will not be entitled to another opportunity to contest that amount; and

15.  That the notice will have the same effect as a court order and will be enforceable as a court order.

B.  The notice shall be filed, at the option of the Department, with the clerk of the district court in the county of residence of the custodian of the child, in the county of residence of the obligor, or in the county of the underlying support order or in any other county in which the obligor has real or personal property.

C.  The initial notice provided for in this section shall be served by the Department upon the obligor as provided in Section 2005 of Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, or if there is an address of record on file with the central case registry pursuant to Section 112A of Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the notice may be served by regular mail at the address of record.  The Department shall serve the obligor subsequent notices by regular mail with a certificate of mailing to the last address of record for service of process for the obligor on file with the central case registry.  The Department shall send the initial and subsequent notice to the custodian of the child by regular mail with a certificate of mailing.

D.  An obligor may request an administrative review pursuant to this section by delivering a request to the Department in writing or on the form provided within twenty (20) days of the date the notice is served upon the obligor.  If the notice is a subsequent notice as provided in subsection C of this section, the date of service shall be the date the notice is mailed to the obligor, and the notice shall state the date it is being mailed.

E.  1.  Upon receipt of a timely request for an administrative review, the Department shall schedule a review to be held within thirty (30) days of receipt of the request.  The obligor shall be served with notice of the administrative review as provided in subsection B of Section 2005 of Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes.  The review shall be conducted by an employee of the Department who will attempt to resolve all disputed issues without the necessity of a hearing.  If all issues are resolved at the review, the obligor shall sign an agreed administrative or district court order which shall be filed, at the option of the Department, with the clerk of the district court in the county of residence of the custodian of the child, in the county of residence of the obligor, in the county of the underlying support order, or in any other county in which the obligor has real or personal property.

2.  If all disputed issues are not resolved at the administrative review, the Department shall set the matter for a hearing.  The obligor shall be served with notice of the hearing as provided in subsection B of Section 2005 of Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes.  The district or administrative court shall hear the matter and shall enter an order determining the contested issues and affirming the other provisions of the notice.  An administrative order shall be filed, at the option of the Department, with the clerk of the district court in the county of residence of the custodian of the child, in the county of residence of the obligor in the county of the underlying support order, or in any other county in which the obligor has real or personal property.

3.  If the obligor fails to request a timely administrative review, or fails to appear for a review or a hearing, the obligor may no longer contest the contents of the notice, and the obligor shall be obligated to make payments pursuant to the payment plan as stated in the notice to collect the past due support and those amounts shall be subject to income withholding.  The notice shall have the same legal effect as a court order and be enforceable as a court order.  The notice with proof of service upon the obligor and the custodian of the child shall be filed, at the option of the Department, with the clerk of the district court in the county of residence of the custodian of the child, in the county of residence of the obligor, in the county of the underlying support order, or in any other county in which the obligor has real or personal property.

4.  The district or administrative court may order an obligor to pay all costs involved in proceedings under this subsection.

5.  A final order entered pursuant to this section shall be served upon the obligor in accordance with subsection B of Section 2005 of Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

6.  A final administrative order entered pursuant to this section may be appealed pursuant to Section 240.3 of this title.

Added by Laws 1998, c. 323, § 16, eff. Oct. 1, 1998.  Amended by Laws 2000, c. 384, § 10, eff. Nov. 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 407, § 16, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2004, c. 124, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.

§56238.  Payment of public assistance creating debt to Department.

Any payment of public assistance money by the Department of Human Services, hereinafter referred to as "Department," to or for the benefit of any dependent child or children or a child in the custody of the Department creates a debt due and owing to the State of Oklahoma by the natural or adoptive parent or parents who are responsible for support of such child or children in an amount equal to the amount of public assistance money so paid.

Provided, that any debt under this section shall not be incurred by nor at any time be collected from a parent or other person who is the recipient of public assistance monies for the benefit of minor dependent children for the period such person or persons are in such status.

Provided further, that where there has been a court order, the debt shall be limited to the amount provided for by said order.  The Department shall have the right to petition the appropriate court for modification of a court order on the same grounds as a party to said cause.  The Department shall be subrogated to the right of said child or children to prosecute or maintain any support action or execute any administrative remedy existing under the laws of the State of Oklahoma to obtain reimbursement of money thus expended.

Added by Laws 1977, c. 173, § 1, emerg. eff. June 3, 1977.  Amended by Laws 1990, c. 302, § 14, eff. Sept. 1, 1990.

§56-238.1.  Notice of support debt - Service - Content - Voluntary acknowledgment of debt.

A.  For the purposes of establishing the amount of the debt which has accrued as provided for in Section 238 of this title, or to establish an obligation for support in the absence of a court order of support, the Division may issue a notice of a support debt to establish current support and support owed for past months in accordance with the child support guidelines, Section 118 of Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes.  The notice of debt shall be served upon the obligor in the same manner prescribed for the service of summons in a civil action.  The notice of debt shall include:

1.  A statement of the support debt accrued, as defined in Section 237.7 of this title;

2.  The amount of monthly child support required for the minor child as determined by the child support guidelines, Section 118 of Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes;

3.  A statement that the obligor shall be required to maintain health insurance for the child whenever the obligor has such insurance available through his or her employment or other group insurance plan and pay the proportionate share of medical expenses not reimbursed by insurance, as determined by the court;

4.  A statement that the obligor shall be required to keep the Division informed of the obligor's current address, the name and address of the obligor's current employer and access to health insurance and other insurance policy information of the obligor;

5.  A statement containing the name of the child and the name of the custodian of the child;

6.  A statement that the obligor may object to all or any part of the notice of support debt at a hearing which will be held at a given location on a date specified in the notice to show cause why the obligor should not be determined liable for the support requested in the notice and for any or all of the debt accrued or accruing, and the amount to be paid thereon; and

7.  A statement that if the obligor fails to appear at the hearing, the monthly support requested and the support debt shall be made an administrative order subject to collection action and shall be filed in the office of the court clerk in the county of residence of the custodian of the child or, if the custodian resides out of state, in the county of residence of the obligor or elsewhere as provided in this act.  The administrative order shall be enforced in the same manner as an order of the district court.

B.  The Division may accept voluntary acknowledgments of support liability and stipulated support amounts.  The obligor shall be informed, in the notice specified by this section, that the obligor may make voluntary acknowledgments.

Added by Laws 1977, c. 173, § 2, emerg. eff. June 3, 1977.  Amended by Laws 1984, c. 5, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1984; Laws 1986, c. 176, § 6, emerg. eff. May 15, 1986; Laws 1994, c. 365, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 1997, c. 403, § 16, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.

§56238.2.  Assignment of earnings to be honored by employer  Release from liability.

Any person, firm, corporation, association, political subdivision or department of the state employing a person owing a support debt or obligation shall honor, according to its terms, a duly executed assignment of earnings presented by the Director as a plan to satisfy or retire a support debt or obligation.  This requirement to honor the assignment of earnings and the assignment of earnings itself shall be applicable whether said earnings are to be paid presently or in the future and shall continue in force and effect until released in writing by the Director.  Payment of money pursuant to an assignment of earnings presented by the Director shall serve as full acquittance under any contract of employment, and the state warrants and represents it shall defend and hold harmless such action taken pursuant to said assignment of earnings.  The Director shall be released from liability for improper receipt of monies under an assignment of earnings upon return of any monies so received.

Added by Laws 1977, c. 173, § 3, emerg. eff. June 3, 1977.

§56-238.3.  Repealed by Laws 1986, c. 176, § 12, emerg. eff. May 15, 1986.

§56-238.3a.  Failure to appear at hearing - Administrative order.

If the obligor fails to appear at the hearing on the date and at the hearing place given in the notice or appears but absents the hearing prior to its conclusion, an administrative order will be entered.  Such order shall include findings of facts and conclusions of law and shall be consistent with the notice served upon the obligor.  The order shall be subject to collection action, and shall be filed in the office of the court clerk in the county of residence of the custodian of the child or, if the custodian resides out of state, in the county of residence of the obligor or elsewhere as provided in this act.  The administrative order shall be enforced by the district court in the same manner as an order of the district court.  A copy of such order shall be mailed to the obligor by the district office at the address where the obligor was served with the notice.  The order shall be mailed to the obligor by certificate of mailing to the service address.

Added by Laws 1986, c. 176, § 7, emerg. eff. May 15, 1986.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 365, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 1997, c. 403, § 17, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.

§56-238.4.  Hearing on debt - Appeal - Orders.

A.  A hearing shall be held at the time and place given on the notice of support debt served upon the obligor or the attorney for the obligor, with a duly qualified administrative law judge appointed for that purpose by the Department.  The hearing shall be held in the county of residence of the custodial parent or guardian of the child or if the custodian resides out of state, the hearing shall be held in the county of residence of the obligor.  The hearing shall be conducted according to rules promulgated by the Department.  The rules shall provide to both parties the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses, to present witnesses, and to be represented by an attorney or other person.  After the evidence has been presented at a hearing, the administrative law judge shall enter an order which shall be in writing and contain findings of fact and conclusions of law as to each contested issue.  Each order shall include provisions requiring the obligor to inform the Division of the obligor's current address, the name and address of the obligor's current employer, and the obligor's access to health insurance and other insurance policy information.  The order shall be submitted to the district office and to the obligor or the attorney for the obligor by hand delivery by the administrative law judge or by certificate of mailing, within twenty (20) days after the conclusion of the hearing.

B.  If, during the hearing, the administrative law judge finds that the issues presented will require further consideration or evidence either administratively or through the district court before adjudication, the administrative law judge may enter a temporary order for child support, pending resolution of those issues during a subsequent administrative or court hearing.  The temporary order shall be enforced until superseded by a final administrative order or district court order and may be filed in the office of the court clerk.

C.  If an appeal is not perfected by the obligor or district office, the order of the administrative law judge shall be final, subject to collection action, and shall be filed in the office of the court clerk in the county of residence of the custodian of the child or, if the custodian resides out of state, in the county of residence of the obligor, or elsewhere as provided in this act.  The administrative order shall be enforced by the district court in the same manner as an order of the district court.

D.  If the obligor fails to appear for the hearing after proper service, an administrative order will be entered.  The order shall include findings of facts and conclusions of law and shall be subject to collection action, and shall be filed in the office of the court clerk in the county of residence of the custodian of the child or, if the custodian resides out of state, in the county of the residence of the obligor, or elsewhere as provided in this act.  The administrative order shall be enforced by the district court in the same manner as an order of the district court.

E.  Any order for periodic support payments made pursuant to the provisions of this title shall be payable to the Division for as long as the Division is providing support enforcement.  Thereafter, if TANF is not being paid, the custodian or guardian notifies the Division in writing that TANF services are no longer requested and/or the obligor has not applied for services, current support payments shall be redirected to the person or entity entitled to the support.

Added by Laws 1977, c. 173, § 5, emerg. eff. June 3, 1977.  Amended by Laws 1984, c. 5, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 1984; Laws 1986, c. 176, § 8, emerg. eff. May 15, 1986; Laws 1994, c. 365, § 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 1997, c. 403, § 18, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.

§56-238.5.  Repealed by Laws 1989, c. 362, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 1989.

§56-238.5A.  Use of child support guidelines.

The amount of child support and other support shall be ordered and reviewed in accordance with the child support guidelines provided in Section 118 of Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

Added by Laws 1989, c. 362, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 1989.  Amended by Laws 2000, c. 384, § 13, eff. Nov. 1, 2000.

§56238.6.  Administrative procedures  Use.

The Department of Human Services may utilize any of the administrative procedures set forth in this title to establish, modify, or enforce a support order in all cases in which child support services are being provided pursuant to the state child support plan or state law.

Added by Laws 1984, c. 5, § 9, eff. Nov. 1, 1984.  Amended by Laws 1990, c. 309, § 15, eff. Sept. 1, 1990; Laws 1994, c. 356, § 20, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 1998, c. 323, § 18, eff. Oct. 1, 1998.

§56-238.6A.  Deciding issues of fact involving minor children and granting relief in cases pending before district court and before Administrative Law Unit of Department of Human Services.

A.  In any case in which the same issues of fact involving minor children are pending before the district court and before the OAH, those issues may be decided and relief granted by the district court, or be remanded by the district court to OAH for determination.

B.  In any case in which different issues of fact involving minor children are pending before the district court and before the OAH, all issues may be decided and all relief granted by the district court, if the district court finds it is in the interests of justice and judicial economy.

Added by Laws 1990, c. 309, § 16, eff. Sept. 1, 1990.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 365, § 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56-238.6B.  Notice of paternity and support obligations - Contents - Voluntary acknowledgments - Notification of State Registrar of Vital Statistics - Genetic testing.

A.  The Department of Human Services may serve a notice of paternity and support obligations on an individual alleged to be the parent of a child for whom paternity has not been judicially or administratively established.  Venue for such action shall be, at the option of the plaintiff, in the county where the mother, father or child resides.  Service of the notice shall be in the same manner as a summons in a civil action pursuant to Section 2004 of Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

B.  The notice shall be verified and have attached to it a copy of any affidavit acknowledging paternity or any blood or other genetic test results, if available, and shall state:

1.  The name and date of birth of any minor children, along with the name of the natural mother and custodian, if different than the mother or putative father;

2.  The amount of child support and other support, including the amounts ordered pursuant to paragraph 3 of this subsection, to be ordered in accordance with the Child Support Guidelines provided in Section 118 of Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes;

3.  The amount of reimbursement for the costs of the birth and the reasonable expenses of providing for said child which has accrued or is accruing, provided that the liability for the above costs shall be imposed for five (5) years preceding the issuance of the notice;

4.  That health insurance for the child whenever such insurance is available through employment or other group health insurance plan and that payment of proportionate share of any unreimbursed health costs shall be required;

5.  The amount of reimbursement requested for the costs of the genetic test to determine paternity, if any;

6.  That an immediate income assignment will be effectuated for payment of current support and any judgments entered;

7.  That in the absence of genetic test results or an affidavit acknowledging paternity a notice to appear and show cause why the administrative judge should not determine him to be the father will be issued;

8.  That a father may object to the notice of paternity and support obligations.  To object he must, within twenty (20) days of the date of service, make a written request for a hearing to show cause why he should not appear for genetic testing, and be determined to be the father of any such children, liable for the support requested in the notice, for the costs accrued and accruing or the amount to be paid thereon;

9.  That if paternity is disputed, the Administrative Law Judge shall enter an order directing genetic tests to determine paternity and advise the putative father that if he fails to appear he will be in default and an order will be entered against him.  If the putative father is not excluded, and the statistical probability of paternity according to scientifically reliable genetic tests including but not limited to blood tests is ninety-eight percent (98%) or less and he is contesting the issue of paternity, he may request the Department to remove the action to district court to determine paternity.  If the statistical probability of paternity is greater than ninety-eight percent (98%), or the statistical probability is ninety-eight percent (98%) or less and the father does not request the Department to remove to district court within fifteen (15) days of the Department mailing the genetic test or other test results, determination of paternity shall become final for all intents and purposes and may be overturned only by appeal to district court.  Any such request shall be in writing and served on the Department personally or by registered or certified mail;

10.  That if the putative father fails to appear at the genetic testing, show cause, or any subsequent hearing or if no notice to appear for genetic testing was served and no hearing is requested on or before twenty (20) days from the date of service, the finding of paternity shall become final and a support order entered.  The order  shall be docketed with the district court in the county of residence  

of the custodian or the child.  If neither the custodian nor the child reside in the state, the order shall be docketed in the county of residence of the noncustodial parent.  The support order shall be enforced in the same manner as an order of the district court;

11.  That at any time after paternity is determined, the Department may set a hearing to determine the child support obligation, if child support has not already been established.  Failure to appear at such hearing will result in a support order being entered against the noncustodial parent; and

12.  That if the mother and father have voluntarily signed an acknowledgment of paternity pursuant to Section 1-311.3 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the signed voluntary acknowledgment of paternity is considered a legal finding of paternity, subject to the right of any signatory to rescind the acknowledgment within the earlier of:

a. sixty (60) days, or

b. the date of an administrative or judicial proceeding relating to the child, including but not limited to a proceeding to establish a support order, in which the signatory is a party.

After the sixty-day period referred to in subparagraph a of this paragraph, a signed voluntary acknowledgment of paternity may be challenged in court only on the basis of fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact, with the burden of proof upon the challenger.  The legal responsibilities, including but not limited to child support obligations, of any signatory arising from the acknowledgment may not be suspended during the challenge, except for good cause shown.

This paragraph shall not be interpreted to authorize the rescission of an acknowledgement of paternity if such rescission would be prohibited under applicable federal law.

C.  The Department may accept voluntary acknowledgments of support liability and support amounts.

D.  If the father's name has not been entered on the child's birth certificate, the Department of Human Services shall notify the State Registrar of Vital Statistics who shall enter the father's name on the birth certificate.

E.  If child support services are being provided pursuant to Section 237 of this title, prior to the issuance of the notice of paternity and support obligation, a father who denies paternity may request that a genetic test or other test be administered.  The request for testing shall be in writing and served on the Department personally or by registered or certified mail.

F.  If a request for testing is made pursuant to subsection B or E of this section, the Department shall arrange for the test and, pursuant to rules promulgated by the Department, may advance the cost of such testing.  The Department shall mail a copy of the test results by a certificate of mailing to the father's last-known address.  If a request for genetic tests was made pursuant to subsection E of this section, the Department shall mail the notice of paternity and support obligations to the father by certificate of mailing to the father's last-known address.

G.  If genetic testing excludes a person from being a natural parent, the Department shall dismiss any pending court or administrative collection proceedings against the person.  The State Registrar of Vital Statistics shall remove the name of the person listed as the father from the birth certificate, upon notice from the Department that such person has been excluded by genetic testing.  Once paternity is established, the State Registrar of Vital Statistics shall correct its records and amend the birth certificate to reflect the father's name.

H.  If both the custodian and the father agree to change the surname of the child to that of the father, the Department may order the name changed.  Upon receipt of an order changing the child's surname, the State Registrar of Vital Statistics shall correct its records and amend the birth certificate to reflect the name change.

I.  All docketed administrative orders shall be modified and enforced in the same manner as an order of the district court.

Added by Laws 1994, c. 356, § 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 402, § 21, eff. July 1, 1997; Laws 1999, c. 396, § 22, emerg. eff. June 10, 1999.

§56238.7.  Modification of final order to pay child support.

A final order of the Department of Human Services providing for the payment of child support which has not been set aside on appeal by the district court shall not be modified retroactively or payment of all or a portion of the past due amount waived, except by mutual agreement of the obligor and obligee or, if the child support rights have been assigned to the Department or other entity, by agreement of the Department or such entity.

Added by Laws 1987, c. 230, § 19, eff. Oct. 1, 1987.

§56239.  Annual report.

On or before December 31 of each year, the Department shall file a written report with the Division of the Budget and Division of Central Accounting and Reporting, the Director of the Legislative Service Bureau, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, containing an accounting of all monies received by the Department from the federal programs pursuant to Title IVD of the Social Security Act, as amended, and all monies received pursuant to orders for child support or administrative determinations of the Department for the preceding federal fiscal year.  The report shall also specify any expenditures made by the Department pursuant to orders for child support or administrative determinations of the Department for the preceding federal fiscal year.

Added by Laws 1984, c. 5, § 10, eff. Nov. 1, 1984.  Amended by Laws 1985, c. 319, § 8, operative Oct. 1, 1985; Laws 1994, c. 356, § 25, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56-240.  Renumbered as § 237.7 of this title by Laws 1994, c. 365, § 14, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56-240.1.  Authority of Child Support Enforcement Division to pursue collection of support.

A.  1.  In cases in which child support services are being provided by the Child Support Enforcement Division of the Department of Human Services, the Division may:

a. initiate enforcement proceedings to:

(1) obtain a judgment for arrearages,

(2) effectuate an income assignment,

(3) receive current support and judgment payments, and

(4) review and modify support orders pursuant to child support guidelines in Section 118 of Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes, and

b. initiate any other legal proceeding to implement the establishment and collection of support and other court-ordered requirements of support from an obligor including, but not limited to, medical expenses, insurance premiums, and child care costs.

2.  In any hearing on a notice of delinquency or other enforcement proceeding, the district or administrative court may include the amount of the child support services fee paid by the applicant in any judgment against the obligor.

B.  The Division is authorized to initiate enforcement proceedings and receive payments pursuant to Section 237A and 240.2 of this title to effectuate an income assignment and payment plan for:

1.  Spousal support or the support of a child or both for an applicant or any person who is the recipient of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program; and

2.  Any debt due and owing to the person entitled to receive enforcement support services by the Department or to this state by a natural or adoptive parent or other person who is or was responsible for the support of a child pursuant to Section 238 of this title, or found to be responsible for the support of a child pursuant to Sections 238.1 through 238.6 of this title.

C.  Upon application by an obligor who requests support enforcement services from the Department, the Division is authorized to initiate any proceedings necessary to provide support enforcement services to the obligor and to receive payments of the support obligation or any judgment.

D.  The Director has the authority to enter orders in situations as defined in Section 240.23 of this title, without the necessity of obtaining an additional signature of a district or administrative judge.

E.  The Division is authorized to refer any judgment for child support to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for passport denial, revocation, restriction, or limitation pursuant to federal law or regulation.

Added by Laws 1985, c. 297, § 23, operative Oct. 1, 1985.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 365, § 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 1997, c. 402, § 22, eff. July 1, 1997; Laws 1998, c. 5, § 17, emerg. eff. March 4, 1998; Laws 1998, c. 323, § 19, eff. Oct. 1, 1998; Laws 2000, c. 384, § 14, eff. Nov. 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 407, § 17, eff. July 1, 2001.

NOTE:  Laws 1997, c. 272, § 8 repealed by Laws 1998, c. 5, § 29, emerg. eff. March 4, 1998.

§56-240.2.  Initiation of enforcement proceedings by Division.

A.  After receiving a referral or application for services, the Division may initiate enforcement proceedings.

1.  The Division may notify the obligor of the intention to initiate enforcement proceedings by a notice.  If an income assignment is not in place for collection of support monies, the Division shall immediately execute or issue a withholding order to any payor of income to the obligor.  The notice of enforcement proceedings pursuant to this subsection shall be served upon the obligor in the same manner prescribed for the service of summons in a civil action.  However, if a notice has been issued pursuant to Section 237A of this title, the notice of enforcement proceedings pursuant to this subsection may be served by regular mail with a certificate of mailing.  The notice shall inform the obligor of the following:

a. the amount of support monies owed, if any,

b. an assignment for collection of support monies due and owing has commenced if a potential payor of income was known,

c. other enforcement actions that the Division may take to collect support monies owed,

d. the obligor may contest the allegations in the notice only with regard to mistakes of identity or the existence or the amount of support monies owed,

e. the assignment shall remain as long as the order upon which it is based is in effect.  Payment of any support monies will not prevent an income assignment from taking effect, and

f. the obligor shall be required to keep the Division informed of the name and address of the current employer of the obligor and access to health insurance and other insurance policy information of the obligor.

2. a. An obligor may request a hearing pursuant to this section by delivering written notice to the District Office on a form provided which states the date and location of the hearing if requested on or before the fifteenth day from the date of service of the notice.  On receipt of the hearing request, the Division shall promptly enter the appearance of the obligor on the administrative court hearing docket.  The administrative court shall hear and determine the matter and, unless the obligor successfully shows there is a mistake of identity or a mistake in the existence of current or delinquent child support, the administrative court shall enter a judgment, determine the amount of judgment payments, if any, and order the assignment of nonexempt earnings of the obligor pay the judgment and future monthly support payments.

b. The administrative court may order an obligor to pay all costs involved in enforcement proceedings under this subsection and shall order interest as provided in Section 114 of Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes to be collected in the same manner as the payments upon which the interest accrued.

c. The order shall be a final judgment for purposes of appeal.

d. The Division shall send a notice of the income assignment to the payor to effectuate the assignment pursuant to subsection D of this section.

B.  If within fifteen (15) days of date of service of the notice, the obligor fails to request a hearing, pursuant to subsection A of this section, or after having requested a hearing fails to appear at the hearing, the administrative court shall enter an order granting judgment for arrearage, if any, establishing a judgment payment plan and approving the income assignment.  The administrative order shall thereafter be subject to collection action and shall be filed, at the option of the Division, in the office of the court clerk in the county of residence of the custodian of the child, in the county of residence of the obligor, in the county of the underlying support order, or any other county in which the obligor has real or personal property.  The administrative order shall be enforced by the district court in the same manner as an order of the district court.  A copy of the order shall be served upon the obligor by the District Office in accordance with subsection B of Section 2005 of Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

C.  The Division shall send a notice of the income assignment to the payor pursuant to subsection D of this section to effectuate the assignment.

D.  1.  The notice of the income assignment required pursuant to subsections A and B of this section shall be sent by the Division to the payor on a form prescribed by the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.  The notice shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or served in accordance with law.  The payor shall be required to comply with the provisions of this subsection and the provisions stated in the notice.

2.  The assignment shall take effect on the next payment of income to the obligor after the payor receives notice thereof and the amount withheld shall be sent to the Division within seven (7) days of the date upon which the obligor is paid.  The payor shall attach to each payment a statement reporting the date on which the support obligation of the obligor was withheld.

3.  The payor shall withhold each pay period the amounts specified in the notice from the obligor's income and earnings.  The amount withheld by the payor from the obligor's earnings shall not exceed the limits on the percentage of an obligor's earnings which may be assigned for support pursuant to Section 1171.2 of Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

4.  The income assignment is binding upon the payor until released or until further order of the Division or the district or administrative court.

5.  The payor is liable for any amount up to the accumulated amount that should have been withheld if the payor fails to withhold in accordance with the provisions of the assignment notice.

6.  Two or more income assignments may be levied concurrently.  Any current support due shall be paid before the payment of any arrearages or support debt judgment.

7.  If the amount of support due under the assignments exceeds the maximum amount authorized to be withheld from earnings by Section 1171.2 of Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the payor shall pay the amount due up to the statutory limit and shall send written notice to the Division or the person or agency designated to receive payments that the amount due exceeds the amount subject to withholding.  If the payor fails to pay or notify as required herein, the payor may be liable for an amount up to the accumulated amount that is due and owing upon receipt of the notice.

8.  The payor shall notify the Division within ten (10) days of the date when the obligor is no longer employed by, being paid by, or providing services to the payor, and shall provide the Division with the obligor's last-known address and the name of the obligor's new employer or payor of income, if known.

9.  If the payor has no current or future income due to the obligor in his or her possession or control, or if the obligor is no longer employed by, being paid by, or providing services to the payor prior to the receipt of the notice required pursuant to subsection C of this section, the payor shall send written notice to the Division within ten (10) days of receipt of said notice.  Failure to notify the Division within the required time limit may subject the payor to liability for an amount up to the accumulated amount that is due and owing upon receipt of the notice.

10.  The payor is liable for any amount up to the accumulated amount that should have been withheld and paid, and may also be fined not more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) for each failure to make the required deductions if the payor:

a. fails to withhold or pay the support in accordance with the provisions of the assignment notice, or

b. fails to notify the person or agency entitled to support and the Division as required.

11.  The Division or the obligor may bring an action against the payor to enforce the provisions of the notice and this subsection in the underlying district court case or by separate proceeding in district court.

12.  The payor may combine withheld amounts from income of two or more obligors in a single payment and separately identify that portion of the single payment which is attributable to each individual obligor.

13.  An income assignment issued pursuant to the provisions of this section shall have priority over any prior or subsequent garnishments of the same income.

14.  The payor may deduct from any income of the obligor a sum not exceeding Five Dollars ($5.00) per pay period but not to exceed Ten Dollars ($10.00) per month as reimbursement for costs incurred by the payor in complying with the income assignment.

15.  The income assignment shall remain effective regardless of any change of a payor.

16.  The income assignment issued pursuant to this section shall remain in effect as long as any support monies are owed.  Payment of any support monies shall not prevent the income assignment from taking effect.

17.  The payor shall verify the obligor's address, employment, earnings, income, benefits, and dependent health insurance information upon the request of the Division.

18.  The payor may not discipline, suspend, discharge, or refuse to promote an obligor because of an income assignment executed pursuant to this section.  Any payor who violates this section shall be liable to such obligor for all income, wages, and employment benefits lost by the obligor from the period of unlawful discipline, suspension, discharge, or refusal to promote to the reinstatement or promotion.

E.  Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the Department to use its administrative powers conferred by law or rules to collect delinquent support without the necessity of a court order.

F.  Any person obligated to pay support, who has left or is beyond the jurisdiction of the court, may be subjected to or prosecuted under any other proceedings available pursuant to the laws of this state for the enforcement of the duty of support and maintenance.

G.  The income assignment proceedings specified in this section shall be available to other states for the enforcement of child support and maintenance or to enforce out-of-state orders.  Venue for such proceedings is, at the option of the obligee:

1.  In the county in this state in which the support order was entered;

2.  In the county in this state in which the obligee resides; or

3.  In the county in this state in which the obligor resides or receives income.

H.  Any payment made pursuant to the provisions of this section by the payor shall be made payable to the Department or its designee, and shall be in such form of payment as provided by the order or the notice.

I.  The obligated party may execute a voluntary income assignment and acknowledgment at any time and submit it to the District Office.

J.  The Division shall distribute the monies due a person entitled to support who is not receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families within the time limit required by federal regulation.

Added by Laws 1985, c. 297, § 24, operative Oct. 1, 1985.  Amended by Laws 1986, c. 176, § 10, emerg. eff. May 15, 1986; Laws 1990, c. 309, § 18, eff. Sept. 1, 1990; Laws 1994, c. 365, § 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 1997, c. 402, § 23, eff. July 1, 1997; Laws 1998, c. 323, § 20, eff. Oct. 1, 1998; Laws 2000, c. 384, § 15, eff. Nov. 1, 2000.

§56-240.3.  Appeals.

A.  1.  Final orders of the OAH may be appealed to the district court pursuant to this section and Sections 318 through 323 of Title 75 of the Oklahoma Statutes by any party directly affected and showing aggrievement by the order.

2.  An appeal shall be commenced by filing a petition in error with the clerk of the district court in the county of the underlying district court order, if any, or if there is no underlying district court order filed in this state, the petition in error shall be filed in the county of residence of the custodian of the child, or if the custodian resides out-of-state, in the county of residence of the obligor within thirty (30) days from the date the order is either provided in person or mailed by OAH to all parties.  The time limit prescribed in this paragraph for filing the petition in error shall not be extended.  The petition in error shall be served by certified mail on the district child support office.  Further, a copy of the petition in error shall be mailed by regular mail to the Office of Administrative Hearings: Child Support.

3.  The manner of perfection of the record of the proceedings to be reviewed and the time for its completion shall be in accordance with rules prescribed by the district court.

4.  The appeal shall not stay the execution of any order of the OAH unless the district court, for cause shown, shall order the administrative order be stayed pending such appeal pursuant to Section 319 of Title 75 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

5.  The district court may affirm the decision or remand the case for further proceedings.  Additionally, the district court may reverse or modify the decision if substantial rights of the appellant have been prejudiced because the findings, inferences, or conclusions are not supported by substantial evidence in the record.

B.  If an appeal pursuant to subsection A of this section is not made by the person to whom such an order is directed within thirty (30) days from the date the order is either provided in person or mailed by OAH to all parties, the order of the administrative court shall become final and binding on all parties.  The order shall be filed in the office of the court clerk in the county of the residence of the custodian of the child or, if the custodian resides out of state, in the county of the residence of the obligor, or elsewhere as provided in this act.  The administrative order shall be enforced by the district court in the same manner as an order of the district court.

C.  The certified transcript, exhibits, pleadings, recordings of the hearing and any written orders may constitute the record on appeal to the district court.  OAH shall prepare or direct the preparation of the official transcript by a licensed court reporter, if a transcript is requested.  The party seeking a copy of the transcript of the hearing shall prepay all costs of transcription and pay a reasonable deposit or provide adequate indemnity prior to preparation of the transcript.  If a party is financially unable to pay the transcription costs, the party shall provide OAH and the district office with an in forma pauperis affidavit which verifies the inability to pay.  If OAH determines the party is financially unable to pay transcription costs, a transcript will be provided by OAH.  The transcript shall not be provided prior to full payment, payment of a deposit, provision of adequate indemnity for all transcription costs, or an order finding OAH will bear the costs of transcription.

Added by Laws 1985, c. 297, § 25, operative Oct. 1, 1985.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 365, § 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 1997, c. 403, § 19, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.

§56-240.4.  Admissibility of report of payments.

A report of the payments made by the obligor or payor or of AFDC payments made to a person entitled to support which is prepared by the Division, the District Office, or by public agencies in other states with a certification of authenticity executed by the Division, the District Office, or a public agency in another state is admissible into evidence in district court or in an administrative court proceeding as self-authenticated.

Added by Laws 1985, c. 297, § 26, operative Oct. 1, 1985.  Amended by Laws 1994, c. 365, § 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56240.5.  Child support services  Fee.

A.  Those persons not receiving aid to families with dependent children shall be given equal access to the services provided by the Department of Human Services through its statewide plan for child support authorized by the Federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C., Section 301 et seq.

  B.  The Department is authorized to study, develop and propose to the Legislature a fee schedule for child support enforcement services provided through the Child Support Enforcement Division of the Department.

Added by Laws 1985, c. 297, § 27, operative Oct. 1, 1985.  Amended by Laws 1992, c. 153, § 4, emerg. eff. April 30, 1992.

§56240.6.  Enforcement of child support obligation.

In addition to the powers and duties of the Department provided in Section 237 of Title 56 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the Department of Human Services is authorized to enforce a support payment of a spouse or former spouse pursuant to a court order requiring such support if a child support obligation is being enforced under the state plan of the Department authorized by the federal Social Security Act.

Added by Laws 1985, c. 297, § 28, operative Oct. 1, 1985.

§56240.7.  Release of child support arrearage information to consumer reporting agencies.

A.  Unless otherwise prohibited or restricted by federal law or regulation, the Commission for Human Services, by rule, shall adopt a reasonable fee that shall be paid by consumer reporting agencies for requests pursuant to this section.  The fee shall not exceed the estimated average actual cost experienced by the Department in performing the duties imposed upon it by this section.

B.  The Department of Human Services shall establish procedures for the periodic release to consumer reporting agencies of the names and amounts of child support arrearages of obligors who owe past-due support.  This information shall be released if the person obligated to pay child support pursuant to a support order is in arrears for child support.

C.  For purposes of this section, the term "consumer reporting agency" means any person who, for a fee, dues, or on a cooperative nonprofit basis, regularly engages in the practice of assembling or evaluating consumer credit information or other information on consumers for the purpose of furnishing consumer reports to third parties, and who uses any means or facility of interstate commerce for the purpose of preparing or furnishing consumer reports.

D.  Information shall not be made available to:

1.  Any consumer reporting agency which the Department or other appropriate agency determines does not have sufficient capability to systematically and timely make accurate use of the information; or

2.  Any entity which has not provided satisfactory proof to the Department that the entity is a consumer reporting agency.

E.  Any person obligated for child support shall be notified prior to the release of the information to a consumer reporting agency and shall be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard regarding the accuracy of the information to be released.

Added by Laws 1985, c. 297, § 29, operative Oct. 1, 1985.  Amended by Laws 1996, c. 260, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1996; Laws 1997, c. 402, § 34, eff. July 1, 1997.

§56240.8.  Publication and distribution of child support collection services.

A.  The Department of Human Services shall provide, from any available funds, for the publication and statewide distribution to the public of information as to the availability of the services offered by the Department for the collection of child support.

B.  The Department of Human Services shall provide copies of the information specified in subsection A of this section to the court clerks of each county for distribution to the public.

Added by Laws 1985, c. 297, § 30, operative Oct. 1, 1985.

§56240.9.  Filing cases involving concurrent jurisdiction  Enforcement of foreign orders.

In filing cases involving concurrent jurisdiction between the administrative proceedings of the Department of Human Services and the district court, the cases shall be filed in the administrative proceedings of the Department of Human Services.  The Department of Human Services, by regulation, may establish exceptions from this requirement subject to federal approval.

Child support orders originating from other states shall be enforced to the same extent as orders originating within this state. Said orders to be filed in the county of residence of the obligor or in the county of residence of the person entitled to support.

Added by Laws 1985, c. 297, § 31, operative Oct. 1, 1985.

§56240.10.  Obligor to obtain and maintain gainful employment  Participation in jobfinding and jobtraining programs.

A.  Anyone who is ordered to pay support for a child in an administrative or court action, hereinafter referred to as "obligor", is required by law to obtain and maintain gainful employment sufficient to meet the support obligation.

B.  The Department, when support rights have been assigned to it or proper application made by an individual not receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children, may initiate an administrative action to obtain an order to require an unemployed or underemployed obligor to participate in jobfinding or jobtraining programs.  "Underemployed" is defined as being employed less than fulltime or in an occupation which pays less than employment which someone of obligor's skills and education could be reasonably expected to earn, so that the obligor cannot meet his support obligation.  The Department shall give notice of this requirement to the obligor who is not complying with a court or administrative order for support and who the Department has reason to believe is unemployed or underemployed.  Said notice shall be served upon the obligor in the same manner prescribed for service of summons in a civil action.  The notice shall state:

1.  The name of the child for whom support is ordered and the custodian of the child;

2.  That the obligor is not complying with the court or administrative order for support and is delinquent in a certain amount;

3.  That it appears that the obligor is unemployed or underemployed so that he cannot meet his support obligation;

4.  That the obligor shall appear for a conference in his county of residence on a date certain to show cause why he should not be ordered to participate in jobfinding or jobtraining programs and to accept available employment; and

5.  That if it is determined that the obligor is unemployed or underemployed or if the obligor fails to appear, an order will be entered which will require the obligor to participate in jobfinding and jobtraining programs and to accept available employment and that such order may be docketed with the district court in the county of residence of the obligor and shall be enforced as any other order of the district court by indirect civil contempt proceedings.

C.  At the conference the Department shall determine if the obligor is unemployed or is underemployed.  If it is determined that the obligor is unemployed or underemployed, the Department shall enter an order setting forth the Department's findings and requiring that the obligor shall participate in jobfinding or jobtraining programs and accept available employment.  The order shall state when the obligor shall report and to what location.  The order may be docketed with the district court in the obligor's county of residence and shall be enforced as any other order of the district court by indirect civil contempt proceedings.  A copy of the order will be mailed by the Department to the obligor's lastknown address.

D.  If the obligor fails to appear for the conference, the Department shall enter an administrative order requiring that the obligor report to the Department to participate in jobfinding or jobtraining programs and accept available employment.  The order shall state when and where the obligor is to report to participate in said programs.  The order may be docketed with the district court in the county of residence of the obligor and shall be enforced as any other order of the district court by indirect civil contempt proceedings.  A copy of the order will be mailed by the Department to the obligor's lastknown address.

E.  The obligor may show good cause why an administrative order should not be entered requiring him to participate in jobfinding or jobtraining programs and accept available employment.  "Good cause" is defined as establishing by expert medical opinion that the person is mentally or physically unable to work or such other grounds as the Department determines by regulation constitutes good cause.

F.  If the obligor feels aggrieved by the findings and order of the Department, the obligor may appeal the decision of the Department by filing a petition in error in the district court of the county of residence of the obligor within thirty (30) days of the date the obligor is notified of the order, pursuant to the provisions of Sections 318 through 323 of Title 75 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

Added by Laws 1987, c. 230, § 21, eff. Oct. 1, 1987.  

§56-240.11.  Repealed by Laws 1995, c. 354, § 12, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.

§56-240.12.  Assistance in locating parents delinquent on child support or their assets - Duty of political subdivisions and corporations or other businesses.

A.  Each agency of the state or any political subdivision thereof shall provide information requested by the Department of Human Services when the Department is attempting to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order.  Requested information may include, but shall not be limited to:

1.  Information regarding the employment, compensation, and benefits of any individual employed by such entity as an employee or contractor;

2.  Vital statistics, including records of marriage, birth, and divorce;

3.  State and local tax and revenue records, including information on residence address, employer, income, and assets;

4.  Records containing real and titled personal property;

5.  Records of occupational and professional licenses and records concerning the ownership and control of corporations, partnerships, and other business entities;

6.  Employment security records;

7.  Records of agencies administering public assistance programs;

8.  Records of the Department of Corrections; and

9.  The Division shall have access to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems network as created in Section 2-124 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

B.  Each corporation or other business operating in this state, including for-profit and not-for-profit businesses, shall provide information requested by the Department of Human Services when the Department is attempting to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order.  Requested information may include, but shall not be limited to:

1.  Information regarding the employment, compensation, and benefits of any individual employed by such entity as an employee or contractor;

2.  The names and addresses of such individuals and the names and addresses of the employers of such individuals, as appearing in customer records of public utilities and cable television companies, pursuant to an administrative subpoena; and

3.  Information, including information on assets and liabilities on such individuals held by financial institutions.

C.  The entities described above should provide automated access in the case of records maintained in automated data bases.

Added by Laws 1993, c. 307, § 7, emerg. eff. June 7, 1993.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 402, § 24, eff. July 1, 1997.

§56-240.13.  Guidelines for indirect contempt and purge fees - Request to Oklahoma Supreme Court.

The Legislature hereby requests the Oklahoma Supreme Court to adopt guidelines for indirect contempt and purge fees on or before January 1, 1994.

Added by Laws 1993, c. 307, § 8, emerg. eff. June 7, 1993.

§56-240.14.  Repealed by Laws 2001, c. 407, § 21, eff. July 1, 2001.

§56-240.15.  Restriction of various licenses as remedy for noncompliance with support order or order for genetic testing to determine paternity.

A.  1.  Except as otherwise provided by this section, the Department of Human Services, the "Department", is authorized to initiate proceedings for the suspension or revocation of a license and driving privileges or placement of an obligor on probation who is not in compliance with an order for support.

2.  The Department of Human Services, Office of Administrative Hearings: Child Support, the "OAH", is authorized to order the suspension or revocation of a license, or placement of the obligor who is in noncompliance with an order for support on probation.  Additionally, the OAH is authorized pursuant to Section 6-201.1 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes to order the suspension or revocation of a driver license or driving privileges of an obligor who is in noncompliance with an order for support.

3.  If the obligor is a licensed attorney, the Department may report the matter to the State Bar Association to suspend or revoke the professional license of the obligor or other appropriate action in accordance with the rules of professional conduct and disciplinary proceedings.

4.  The remedy under this section is in addition to any other enforcement remedy available to the Department.

B.  1.  Whenever the Department of Human Services determines that an obligor may be in noncompliance with an order for support, before proceeding with suspension, revocation, nonissuance or nonrenewal of a license of an obligor or placing the obligor on probation, the Department of Human Services shall issue a notice of intent of suspension, revocation, nonissuance, or nonrenewal of the license of the obligor or placing the obligor on probation.

2.  The notice shall be served upon the obligor pursuant to Section 2005 of Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes; or, if there is an address of record, the notice provided in this section may be served by regular mail to the address of record on file with the central case registry as provided for in Section 112A of Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

3.  The notice shall state that the obligor's license will be suspended or revoked or the obligor placed on probation twenty (20) days after service unless within that time the obligor:

a. pays the entire past-due support as stated in the notice, or enters into a payment plan approved by the Department,

b. obtains and maintains health insurance coverage as required by an order of support,

c. complies with all subpoenas and orders relating to paternity or child support proceedings, and

d. complies with all orders to submit to genetic testing to determine paternity.

C.  A written request for a hearing may be made within twenty (20) days after the date of service of the notice.

D.  Upon receipt of a request for hearing from an obligor, the Department shall schedule a hearing for the purpose of determining if suspension or revocation of the obligor's license, or probation, is appropriate.

E.  At a hearing under this section, the OAH shall determine whether the obligor is in noncompliance with an order for support and whether suspension or revocation of a license, or probation, is appropriate.

1.  If the obligor enters into a payment plan for the past due support and is complying with the order for support, the OAH may order probation pursuant to Section 240.16 of this title.

2.  If the OAH determines the obligor is in noncompliance with an order for support and has not entered into a payment plan for past due support, the OAH shall issue an order for suspension or revocation of the obligor's licenses and driving privileges.

F.  If an obligor fails to respond to a notice issued under this section, fails to request a timely hearing, or fails to appear at a scheduled hearing, the obligor's defenses, objections or request for a payment plan shall be considered without merit and the OAH shall enter an order of suspension, revocation, nonissuance or nonrenewal of a license to the licensing board and to the obligor.  If the OAH orders probation, the appropriate licensing board shall not be notified and no action is required of that board.

G.  The determinations of the OAH pursuant to this section are a final agency decision and are subject to judicial review pursuant to Section 240.3 of this title.  Judicial review shall be confined to the record of the administrative proceedings.

H.  A determination made by the OAH pursuant to this section is independent of any proceeding of the licensing board to suspend, revoke, deny, terminate, or renew a license.

I.  The OAH has the authority to order the suspension or revocation of a license and driving privileges or the placement of an obligor on probation without any action by the licensing board.  The licensing board shall, upon receipt of an order issued by the OAH, revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew or reissue the license and driving privileges of the named individual.

J.  For purposes of this section and Sections 240.16 through 240.21 of this title and Section 6-201.1 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the term "noncompliance with an order for support" means that the obligor has failed to make child support payments required by a child support order in an amount equal to the child support payable for at least ninety (90) days, has failed to make full payments pursuant to a court-ordered payment plan for at least ninety (90) days, has failed to obtain or maintain health insurance coverage for at least ninety (90) days as required by a support order, has failed to comply with subpoenas or orders relating to paternity or child support proceedings, or has failed to comply with an order to submit to genetic testing to determine paternity.

K.  The provisions of this section may be used to suspend, revoke, not issue or not renew the licenses of the custodian of a child who fails to comply with an order to submit to genetic testing to determine paternity.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 354, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 2000, c. 384, § 16, eff. Nov. 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 407, § 18, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2004, c. 124, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.

§56-240.16.  Court-ordered payment plan - Probationary continuation of license.

When the obligor enters into a court-ordered payment plan to repay any past due support pursuant to Section 240.15 of this title and provides proof to the court that the obligor is complying with all other provisions of the order for support, the OAH may place the obligor on probation.  Probation will allow the obligor to practice or continue to practice his or her profession, occupation or business or to operate a motor vehicle.  Probation shall be conditioned upon full compliance with the order.  If the OAH grants probation, the period shall not exceed three (3) years, and the terms of probation shall provide for automatic suspension of the license if the obligor does not fully comply with the order.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 354, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 2004, c. 124, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.

§56-240.17.  Termination of suspension, revocation, nonissuance, or nonrenewal order.

A.  When the Department of Human Services determines that all support due is paid in full and the obligor has complied with all other provisions of the support order, it shall notify the Department of Human Services, Office of Administrative Hearings: Child Support, the "OAH", and the OAH shall terminate the order of suspension or revocation of the license or the order of probation without the necessity of a hearing.

B.  An obligor who is in noncompliance with an order for support may request in writing that the obligor's licenses be reinstated.  The Department shall conduct a review and request the OAH to reinstate the obligor's licenses and place on probation pursuant to Section 240.16 of this title if the obligor has:

1.  Paid the current child support and the monthly arrearage payments each month for the current month and two months immediately preceding, or paid an amount equivalent to three months of child support and arrearage payments which satisfies the current child support and monthly arrearage payments for the current month and two months immediately preceding;

2.  Disclosed all information regarding health insurance availability and obtained and maintained health insurance coverage required by an order for support;

3.  Complied with all subpoenas and orders relating to paternity or child support proceedings;

4.  Complied with all orders to submit to genetic testing to determine paternity; and

5.  Disclosed all employment and address information.

C.  An obligor whose written request for reinstatement has been denied by the Department may request a hearing before the OAH.  If the OAH determines the requirements of subsection B of this section have been met, the OAH may reinstate the obligor's licenses.  If the OAH reinstates the obligor's licenses, the OAH shall order probation pursuant to Section 240.16 of this title.

D.  If the obligor fails to comply with the order of probation after the obligor's licenses have been reinstated pursuant to subsection B or C of this section, the obligor's licenses may again be suspended, revoked, not issued or not renewed.  The Department may refuse to request the OAH to reinstate the obligor's licenses unless the obligor makes additional payments in an amount determined by the Department to be sufficient to ensure future compliance and the obligor complies with other terms set by the Department.

E.  The Department shall send a copy of the order reinstating the licenses to the licensing board, the obligor and the custodian.

F.  Entry of an order to reinstate the obligor's licenses pursuant to this section does not limit the ability of the OAH to issue a new order of suspension or revocation of the license of the same obligor or to place the obligor on probation in the event of another delinquency or failure to comply with an order for support.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 354, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 2000, c. 384, § 17, eff. Nov. 1, 2000; Laws 2004, c. 124, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.

§56-240.18.  Repealed by Laws 2004, c. 124, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.

§56-240.19.  Implementation of order of suspension, revocation or probation.

A.  Upon receipt of an administrative order issued by the OAH to suspend or revoke the license of an obligor, the licensing board shall implement the order by:

1.  Determining if it has issued a license or has received an application for issuance or renewal of a license to the person whose name appears on the order;

2.  Notifying the obligor of the suspension or revocation;

3.  Demanding the license, if required;

4.  Entering the suspension or revocation on the appropriate records; and

5.  Reporting the suspension, revocation, or probation, as appropriate.

B.  An order, issued by the OAH, directing the licensing board to suspend or revoke a license shall be processed and implemented by the licensing board without any additional review or hearing, and shall continue until the OAH, the district court, or the appellate court advises the licensing board by order that the suspension or revocation is terminated.

C.  The licensing board shall have no jurisdiction to modify, remand, reverse, vacate, or stay the order of the Department for the suspension or revocation of a license.

D.  In the event of suspension or revocation of a license, any funds paid by the obligor to the licensing board for costs related to issuance, renewal, or maintenance of a license shall not be refunded to the obligor.

E.  The licensing board is exempt from liability to the obligor for activities conducted in compliance with this section.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 354, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.  Amended by Laws 1996, c. 97, § 19, eff. Nov. 1, 1996; Laws 2004, c. 124, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.

§56-240.20.  Fees to cover administrative costs.

A licensing board may charge the obligor a fee to cover the administrative costs incurred by the licensing board pursuant to Sections 5 through 10 of this act.  Fees collected pursuant to this section by a licensing board which has an agency revolving fund shall be deposited in the agency revolving fund for the use by the licensing board to pay the costs of administering Sections 5 through 10 of this act.  Otherwise, such administrative costs shall be deposited in the General Revenue Fund of the state.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 354, § 9, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.

§56-240.21.  Promulgation of rules.

A.  The Department of Human Services shall promulgate rules necessary for the implementation and administration of Sections 5 through 10 of this act.

B.  Each licensing board shall promulgate rules necessary for the implementation and administration of Sections 5 through 10 of this act.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 354, § 10, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.

§56-240.21A.  Applications for professional or occupational licenses to contain applicant's name, address, and social security number.

All applications for professional or occupational licenses in this state shall contain the applicant's name, address, and social security number.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 402, § 38, eff. July 1, 1997.

§56-240.22.  Financial institution data match reporting system.

A.  The Department of Human Services, in coordination with representatives of the financial industry in Oklahoma, shall develop and implement a financial institution data match reporting system.  Such system shall be operated by the Department and shall use automated data exchanges to the maximum extent feasible to compare account information data held by financial institutions with the Child Support Enforcement Division's database of child obligors in noncompliance with an order of support.

B.  The Department is authorized to enter into any contracts or cooperative agreements necessary to carry out the provisions of this act.

C.  Release and maintenance of any information in a good faith attempt to comply with the provisions of this act shall not constitute a violation of any confidentiality or financial privacy law.

D.  The Department shall adopt rules under the Administrative Procedures Act, Section 250 et seq. of Title 75 of the Oklahoma Statutes, to implement the provisions of this section.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 402, § 25, eff. July 1, 1997.

§56-240.22A.  Financial institution data match reporting system - Definitions.

As used in Section 240.22 et seq. of this title:

1.  "Account" means a demand deposit account, checking or negotiable withdrawal order account, savings account, time deposit account, money-market mutual fund account or brokerage account;

2.  "Financial institution" means any federal or state bank or savings association, federal or state credit union, benefit association, insurance company, safe deposit company, money-market mutual fund or similar entity authorized to do business by the State of Oklahoma; and

3.  "Noncompliance with an order for support" means that the obligor has failed to make child support payments required by a child support order in an amount equal to the child support payable for at least ninety (90) days.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 402, § 26, eff. July 1, 1997.  Amended by Laws 2001, c. 407, § 19, eff. July 1, 2001.

§56-240.22B.  Information required from financial institutions.

A.  The Department shall make the first request to each financial institution to provide data in writing.  Within thirty (30) days of such notification, each financial institution notified shall provide a list containing the name, record address, social security number, and other identifying data of each noncustodial parent who maintains an account at the institution and who is in noncompliance with an order for support.  Each financial institution is further required to provide such information within thirty (30) days of the end of each calendar quarter thereafter, after receiving an updated list of obligors from the Department, without further notification from the Department.

B.  To comply with the requirements of this act a financial institution may either:

1.  Provide to the Department the list of all account holders for the Department to compare against its list of obligors in noncompliance with an order for support for the purpose of identifying which obligors maintain any account at the financial institution; or

2.  Obtain a list of obligors in noncompliance with an order for support from the Department and compare that data to the data maintained by the financial institution to identify which of the obligors maintains any account at the financial institution.  The Department shall provide the list of obligors in noncompliance with an order for support in electronic media form and compatible format unless the financial institution requests the list to be in written format.

C.  Each institution shall notify the Director of the Department of Human Services in writing within fifteen (15) days of the original request to provide the data and by December 15 of each calendar year if it chooses to change methods for the following calendar year.

D.  A financial institution may provide the required data by submitting electronic media in a compatible format, delivering, mailing, or telefaxing a copy of the data or by other means authorized by the Director of the Department of Human Services, or their designee, that will result in timely reporting.

E.  With regard to account information on all account holders provided by a financial institution under paragraph 1 of subsection B of this section, the Department shall retain the reported information only until the account information is compared against the Department's database.  All account information that does not pertain to an obligor listed in the Department's database shall be immediately destroyed and no retention or publication shall be made of that data by the Department.  Financial institutions choosing the method described in paragraph 2 of subsection B of this section should immediately destroy all information provided by the Department after all matches are determined and forwarded to the Department.  All account information that does pertain to an obligor listed in the Department's database shall be incorporated into the Department's database and access to that data will then be governed by this act.

F.  A financial institution that performs a data match pursuant to the provisions of this act and furnishes matching data, if any, to the Department may collect from the Department for providing such information in an amount to be established by agreement between the Department the actual cost incurred for performing the data match.

G.  A financial institution that provides information to the Department in good faith or takes any other action in good faith in an attempt to comply with the provisions of this act shall not be liable to any person for disclosing such information or for taking such action.

H.  The Department of Human Services shall examine the data made available pursuant to this act under the reporting system and make positive identification of cases in which child support is owed to the Department pursuant to the state child support program or to the person entitled to the support.

I.  Upon a positive identification, the Department may require the financial institution to submit additional information concerning the obligor, social security number, and other data to assure positive identification, and the name and location of the financial institution.

J.  If the Department determines a match between a child support obligor and an account in a financial institution, the Department may issue a subpoena seeking additional information or serve a notice of a levy on the obligor's assets in that financial institution.

K.  The Department shall adopt rules under the Administrative Procedures Act, Section 250 et seq. of Title 75 of the Oklahoma Statutes, to implement the provisions of this section.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 402, § 27, eff. July 1, 1997.

§56-240.22C.  Financial institution data match reporting system - Unauthorized disclosure of information by state employee or agent.

No employee or agent of this state shall divulge any information referred to in this act, except in the manner herein prescribed to any public or private agency or individual.  Information may be disclosed and shared by and between any employee of an administering agency and any other state or federal agency as necessary in the collection of child support.  Unauthorized disclosure of any such information shall, upon conviction, be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per offense.  Such unauthorized release of information shall also be cause for administrative discipline of any employee who engages in such unauthorized release.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 402, § 28, eff. July 1, 1997.

§56-240.22D.  Financial institution data match reporting system - Failure to comply with reporting requirements - Penalty.

Any financial institution which is required to submit a report pursuant to the provisions of this act which fails, without reasonable cause, to comply with such reporting requirements after notification by certified mail return receipt requested, and such failure continues for more than thirty (30) business days after mailing of such notification of the failure to comply, without reasonable cause, or if said financial institution willfully renders false information in reply to such request, such financial institution shall be liable for a penalty of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00).

Added by Laws 1997, c. 402, § 29, eff. July 1, 1997.

§56-240.22E.  Financial institutions data match reporting system - Disclosure to depositors or account holders prohibited - Penalty - Liability - Unauthorized disclosure of financial records - Penalty.

A.  Unless otherwise required by applicable law, a financial institution furnishing a report or providing information to the Department pursuant to this act shall not disclose to a depositor or an account holder that the name of such person has been received from or furnished to the Department; provided, however, that a financial institution may disclose to its depositors or account holders that under the financial data match reporting system the Department has the authority to request certain identifying information on certain depositors or account holders.

B.  If an institution willfully violates the provisions of this section, such financial institution shall pay to the Department the lesser of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or the amount on deposit or in the account of the person to whom such disclosure was made.

C.  A financial institution shall incur no obligation or liability to a depositor or account holder or any other person arising from the furnishing of a report or information pursuant to this act.

D.  A financial institution shall incur no obligation or liability to a depositor or account holder or any other person arising from the furnishing of information to the depositor or account holder that the Child Support Enforcement Division has issued a levy on the depositor's or account holder's assets in that financial institution if the financial institution advises the depositor or account holder of the levy after the financial institution has frozen all accounts of the depositor or account holder pursuant to Section 240.22G of this title.

E.  A financial institution may charge an account levied on by the Department of Human Services a fee, as determined by the Department, of not less than Twenty Dollars ($20.00) nor more than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) which shall be deducted from such account prior to remitting any funds to the Department.

F.  Any individual who knowingly makes an unauthorized disclosure of financial records pursuant to this act shall upon conviction thereof, be fined up to One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) and shall be subject to civil proceedings for such violation of privacy.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 402, § 30, eff. July 1, 1997.  Amended by Laws 2000, c. 384, § 19, eff. Nov. 1, 2000.

§56-240.22F.  Financial institution data match reporting system - Development of compatible systems - Survey of time and expense.

The Department shall determine by survey the likely time and expense required for individual financial institutions in Oklahoma to reprogram their data processing systems, if necessary and if reasonably possible, to carry out electronic data matches.  Based on the information obtained from the survey and in coordination with representatives of the financial industry in Oklahoma, the Department shall implement a reporting system that maximizes electronic data matches with those financial institutions that now have compatible systems, and that phases in electronic data matches with other financial institutions that are capable of developing compatible systems with the expenditure of reasonable time and expense.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 402, § 31, eff. July 1, 1997.

§56-240.22G.  Financial institution data match reporting system - Levy of match accounts.

Upon matching a delinquent obligor with a financial account, the Division shall automatically issue a levy for each match account unless after reviewing each data match, it is found that a levy would be inappropriate under the particular circumstances, and there is full and timely compliance with a court-ordered payment plan.

1.  Such levy shall be valid for sixty (60) days.  Upon receipt of any levy, the financial institution shall:

a. immediately freeze all accounts of the obligor, up to the amount of the lien,

b. hold funds in the accounts for twenty-one (21) days before remitting payment to the Division, and

c. notify the Division if an account has been closed.

2.  Except as provided in Section 240.22E of this title, the financial institution shall not disclose information to the depositor or account holder.  Within three (3) working days after levy is sent to the financial institution, the Division shall send the levy to the obligor, with a notice that the obligor has ten (10) days to request an administrative review of the levy.

3.  Twenty-one (21) days after receiving the levy, the financial institution shall remit funds, up to the amount of the lien, to the Division, unless the Division has notified the institution that the levy has been released in part or in full.  The financial institution shall remit any additional deposit made to a levied account, up to the amount of the levy, for a period of sixty (60) days after receiving the levy.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 402, § 32, eff. July 1, 1997.  Amended by Laws 2000, c. 384, § 20, eff. Nov. 1, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 407, § 20, eff. July 1, 2001.

§56-240.23.  Orders over signature of Director.

A.  The Division has the authority to enter orders in the following actions over the signature of the Director and without the necessity of obtaining an additional signature of a district or administrative court judge:

1.  To subpoena any financial or other information needed to establish, modify, or enforce a support order and to impose penalties for failure to respond to a subpoena; provided, that the subpoena shall comply with the provisions of Section 2204 of Title 6 of the Oklahoma Statutes;

2.  In cases in which there is a support arrearage, to secure assets by:

a. intercepting or seizing periodic or lump-sum payments from:

(1) a state or local agency, including unemployment compensation, workers' compensation, and other benefits, and

(2) judgments, settlements, and lotteries,

b. attaching and seizing assets of the obligor held in financial institutions,

c. attaching public and private retirement funds, and

d. imposing liens in accordance with Section 135 of Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes;

3.  To increase the monthly payment of child support, for purposes of securing overdue support, in an amount not to exceed five percent (5%) of the total child support order.  This increase may not be made more than once every twelve (12) months.  This remedy is in addition to and not in lieu of any other remedy provided by law or by court order;

4.  If an income assignment is not ordered or in place by operation of law for collection of support monies, the Division is authorized to implement income withholding by sending a notice of income assignment for support to any payor of income to the obligor; and

5.  To require both parents to appear for genetic testing in cases where paternity has not been established or admitted.  The Division shall send notice to the putative father containing information on how to appear and admit paternity or object to the order for genetic testing.  An objection to genetic testing shall require the putative father to complete an affidavit contesting paternity on a form prescribed by the Division.

B.  With respect to paragraphs 2 and 3 of subsection A of this section, at the time of the action, the Division shall send a notice to the obligor explaining the obligor's rights to object to the action and the procedure to have it modified or reversed.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 402, § 33, eff. July 1, 1997.  Amended by Laws 2000, c. 384, § 21, eff. Nov. 1, 2000; Laws 2002, c. 314, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.

§56241.  Participation in food stamp program  Agreements  Distribution - Reimbursement procedures.

A.  It shall be the mandatory duty of the Department of Human Services to participate in the food stamp program under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended.  The cost of distributing food stamp benefits shall be paid by the Department.

B.  1.  The Department may, at its option:

a. operate the program of distributing food stamp benefits to families certified as eligible by the Department, or

b. contract with private or public entities for the distribution of food stamp benefits.

2.  Any program for distribution of food stamp benefits operated pursuant to the provisions of this subsection shall provide:

a. adequate qualified personnel, suitable facilities, and adequate participant access to such benefits through a system of electronic benefits transfer,

b. adequate qualified personnel and suitable facilities for storage and issuing of any required food stamp coupons for benefits,

c. any bonding of personnel, and insurance required by the Commission for Human Services, and

d. that such exchange, distribution and accounting of food stamp benefits shall be in compliance with all federal and state regulations and rules applicable thereto.

C.  Food stamp benefits may be obtained through one or more approved food stores, or through other means approved by the Department.

Added by Laws 1972, c. 62, § 1, operative July 1, 1972.  Amended by Laws 1993, c. 177, § 1, emerg. eff. May 13, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 87, § 30, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 1999, c. 17, § 1, emerg. eff. April 5, 1999.

§56-241.1.  Electronic benefit identification program - Implementation.

A.  The Department of Human Services shall develop an electronic benefits identification program to expediently and accurately determine the eligibility of and the extent or limit of benefits of clients, and to serve providers and other persons providing consumer-related goods to recipients of food stamps and other assistance programs.

B.  1.  The electronic benefits identification program for recipients of food stamps and other assistance may be implemented on a staggered basis.

2.  To provide for the implementation of the electronic benefits identification program, and as determined necessary by the Department for such implementation in compliance with federal law, the time of issuance of benefits for recipients of food stamps and other assistance programs may be modified or adjusted to provide for issuance of benefits on a staggered basis, provided recipients shall be notified, in writing, at least three (3) months prior to any modification or adjustment of the time of issuance of benefits.

C.  The electronic benefits identification program shall be implemented upon the awarding of a contract to a vendor selected by competitive bid to do business with the State of Oklahoma.

Added by Laws 1993, c. 156, § 3, emerg. eff. May 7, 1993.  Amended by Laws 1995, c. 69, § 1, eff. July 1, 1995; Laws 1997, c. 414, § 21, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-241.2.  Repealed by Laws 2001, c. 407, § 22, eff. July 1, 2001.

§56-241.3.  Limitation of benefits - Amount and receipt of allotments.

A.  Except as otherwise provided by law or waiver, all able-bodied recipients eighteen (18) years of age to fifty (50) years of age, who are not disabled or raising minor children, may receive food stamps for only three (3) months in each thirty-six-month period except in months in which such recipients are employed for at least twenty (20) or more hours per week.  The Department of Human Services shall enforce the provisions of this section and any approved waivers or other provisions pursuant to law in effect for this state as of the effective date of this act in designated areas and populations.

B.  1.  A family applying for food stamps after the fifteenth (15th) day of each month shall be eligible to receive the total amount of their initial allotment and their regular first allotment.

2.  A household allotment of food stamps may be reduced by up to twenty-five percent (25%) if a family is sanctioned in another program established pursuant to the Statewide Temporary Assistance Responsibility System.

3.  An individual in a treatment center shall designate the treatment center as the recipient of such individual's food stamp allotment.

4.  Operating procedures for the food stamp programs in local offices may vary to reflect local differences.

5.  The Department is authorized to use the amount of a household food stamp allotment to subsidize a job under a work supplementation or support program.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 23, eff. July 1, 1997.

§56-242.  Distribution of federally donated agricultural commodities - Limitations.

There shall be no distribution of federally donated agricultural commodities under the commodity distribution program to individuals or households in a county participating in the food stamp program except during emergency situations or as authorized by federal law or the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

Added by Laws 1972, c. 62, § 2, operative July 1, 1972.

§56-243.  Food stamp fraud - Penalties.

A.  No person shall:

1.  Obtain;

2.  Attempt to obtain;

3.  Aid;

4.  Abet;

5.  Assist any person to obtain, by means of:

a. a false statement or representation,

b. false impersonation,

c. a fictitious transfer, conveyance or encumbrance of  property or income,

d. knowing and willful failure to report to the Department of Human Services:

(1) income,

(2) personal property,

(3) real property,

(4) household members, or

(5) other eligibility factors,

at the time of application or during a period of receipt of assistance, or

e. any other fraudulent device:

(1) food stamps or coupons, or any benefit or debit card or any other device authorizing participation in the food stamp program, to which such applicant for food stamps or coupons, or any benefit or debit card or any other device authorizing participation in the food stamp program is not entitled, or

(2) a greater amount of food stamps or coupons, or a greater number of benefit or debit cards or any other device authorizing participation in the food stamp program than that amount or number which such applicant for food stamps or coupons, or any benefit or debit card or any other device authorizing participation in the food stamp program is justly entitled to;

6.  Acquire, possess, use or transfer food stamps or coupons, or any benefit or debit card or any other device authorizing participation in the food stamp program, except as authorized by this act and the rules of the Commission for Human Services; or

7.  Acquire or transfer food stamps or coupons, or any benefit or debit card or any other device authorizing participation in the food stamp program, except in exchange for food or food products for human consumption.  For purposes of this paragraph, the phrase "food or food products for human consumption" shall not be construed as including alcoholic beverages, tobacco, beer, or imported foods.

B.  1.  Any person, firm or corporation who violates any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a:

a.  misdemeanor, if the aggregate amount of food stamps or coupons, or the aggregate value of any benefit or debit card or any other device authorizing participation in the food stamp program obtained or transferred is Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or less, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for not more than three (3) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court, or

b.  felony, if the aggregate amount of food stamps or coupons, or the aggregate value of any benefit card or debit card or any other device authorizing participation in the food stamp program obtained or transferred is in excess of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a fine of not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for not more than two (2) years, or by both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court.

2.  Any store which allows purchases of prohibited items shall not be allowed to participate in the program.

3.  Any person, firm or corporation who knowingly traffics in food stamps or coupons of an aggregate value of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or less, or any benefit or debit card or any other device authorizing participation in the food stamp program with an aggregate value of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or less, shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than three (3) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court.

4.  Any person, firm or corporation who knowingly traffics in food stamps or coupons of an aggregate value exceeding One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), or any benefit or debit card or any other device authorizing participation in the food stamp program with an aggregate value exceeding One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a felony, punishable by a fine of not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for not more than two (2) years, or by both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court.

C.  As used in this section, "to traffic or trafficking in food stamps" means:

1.  To illegally transport, transfer, sell, barter, trade, purchase, receive, possess, or in any manner acquire, or otherwise dispose of or obtain control of:

a. food stamps or coupons,

b. any benefit or debit card,

c. any other device authorizing participation in the food stamp program, or

d. any counterfeit or stolen:

(1) food stamps or coupons,

(2) benefit or debit card, or

(3) other device purporting to authorize another, as consideration for anything of value; or

2.  To make or obtain control of:

a. food stamps or coupons,

b. any benefit or debit card, or

c. any other device authorizing participation in the food stamp program, with intent to illegally transport, transfer, sell, barter, trade, purchase, receive, possess, or in any manner acquire, or otherwise dispose of or obtain control of such food stamps, coupons, benefit or debit card or other device authorizing participation in the food stamp program, in any manner or circumstance not specifically authorized under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 or the rules of the Department.

Added by Laws 1972, c. 62, § 3, operative July 1, 1972.  Amended by Laws 1975, c. 88, § 1, emerg. eff. April 25, 1975; Laws 1985, c. 58, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1985; Laws 1993, c. 156, § 1, emerg. eff. May 7, 1993; Laws 1996, c. 88, § 1, emerg. eff. April 15, 1996; Laws 1997, c. 133, § 500, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 365, eff. July 1, 1999.

NOTE:  Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 500 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.

§56244.  Conflicting federal statutes.

If any provision of this act shall be in conflict with any applicable federal statute, rule or regulation, the federal statute, rule or regulation shall prevail.

Added by Laws 1972, c. 62, § 4, operative July 1, 1972.

§56-251.  Short title.

This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Family Savings Initiative Act".

Added by Laws 1998, c. 429, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1998.

§56-252.  Purpose.

The purpose of the Family Savings Initiative Act is to provide for the establishment of individual development accounts designed to:

1.  Provide individuals and families with limited means an opportunity to accumulate assets;

2.  Facilitate and mobilize savings;

3.  Promote home ownership, microenterprise development, education, saving for retirement, and automobile purchase; and

4.  Stabilize families and build communities.

Added by Laws 1998, c. 429, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1998.

§56-253.  Legislative findings.

The Legislature hereby finds that:

1.  Americans of most economic classes are having increasing difficulty climbing the economic ladder.  Fully half of all Americans have no, negligible or negative investable assets just as the price of entry to the economic mainstream, such as the cost of a house, starting a business, an adequate education, establishing a retirement account, or purchasing an automobile, is increasing;

2.  Economic well-being does not come solely from income, spending, and consumption, but also requires savings, investment, and accumulation of assets, since assets can improve economic stability, connect people with a viable and hopeful future, stimulate development of human and other capital, enable people to focus and specialize, yield personal and social dividends, and enhance the welfare of offspring;

3.  There is an urgent need for new means for Americans to navigate the labor market and to provide incentives and means for employment, upgrading, mobility, and retention;

4.  The household savings rate of the United States lags far behind other industrial nations, presenting a barrier to economic growth.  The State of Oklahoma should develop policies, such as individual development accounts, that promote higher rates of personal savings and net private domestic investment;

5.  In the current fiscal environment, the State of Oklahoma should invest existing resources in high-yielding initiatives.  There is reason to believe that the financial returns, including increased income, tax revenue, and decreased welfare cash assistance, of individual development accounts will far exceed the cost of investment;

6.  Tens of thousands of Oklahomans continue to live in poverty and receive public assistance.  Poverty is a loss of human resources, an assault on human dignity, and a drain on social and fiscal resources of this state.  Traditional public assistance programs, concentrating on income and consumption, have rarely been successful in promoting and supporting the transition to economic self-sufficiency; and

7.  Income-based social policy should be complemented with asset-based social policy, because while income-based policies ensure that consumption needs, including food, child care, rent, clothing, and health care, are met, asset-based policies provide the means to achieve economic self-sufficiency and climb the economic ladder.

Added by Laws 1998, c. 429, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1998.

§56-254.  Definitions.

As used in this act:

1.  "Department" means the Department of Human Services;

2.  "Eligible educational institution" means the following:

a. an institution described in 20 U.S.C., Section 1088(a)(1) or 1141(a), as such sections are in effect on November 1, 1998, and

b. an area vocational education school, as defined in 20 U.S.C., Section 2471(4), subparagraph (C) or (D), as such section is in effect on November 1, 1998;

3.  "Federal poverty level" means the poverty income guidelines published for a calendar year by the United States Department of Health and Human Services;

4.  "Fiduciary organization" means the organization that will serve as an intermediary between an individual account holder and a financial institution holding account funds.  Fiduciary organizations may include:

a. not-for-profit organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C., Section 501(c)(3),

b. state or local government agencies submitting an application jointly with another entity described in this paragraph,

c. community development financial institutions as defined pursuant to federal law,

d. for-profit financial institutions and community development corporations,

e. credit unions, or

f. partnerships involving any of the above;

5.  "Financial institution" means an organization authorized to do business under state or federal laws relating to financial institutions, and includes but is not limited to a bank, trust company, savings bank, building and loan association, savings and loan company or association, or credit union;

6.  "Individual development account" or "IDA" means an account created pursuant to this act exclusively for the purpose of paying the expenses of an eligible individual or family for the purposes set forth in Section 7 of this act;

7.  "Operating costs" includes, but is not limited to, administrative costs and costs of training IDA participants in economic and financial literacy and IDA uses;

8.  "Postsecondary educational expenses" means:

a. tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of an IDA account holder or immediate family member thereof who is a student at an eligible educational institution, and

b. fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction for an IDA account holder or immediate family member thereof who is a student at an eligible educational institution;

9.  "Qualified acquisition costs" means the costs of acquiring, constructing, or reconstructing a residence to be occupied by an IDA account holder or an immediate family member thereof, including, but not limited to, any usual or reasonable settlement, financing, or other closing costs;

10.  "Qualified business" means any business that does not contravene any law or public policy;

11.  "Qualified business capitalization expenses" means qualified expenditures for the capitalization of a qualified business pursuant to a qualified plan;

12.  "Qualified expenditures" means expenditures included in a qualified plan, including but not limited to capital, plant, equipment, working capital, and inventory expenses;

13.  "Qualified plan" means a plan for the operation of a business by an IDA account holder or an immediate family member thereof which:

a. is approved by a financial institution, or by a nonprofit microenterprise program having demonstrated business expertise,

b. includes a description of services or goods to be sold, a marketing plan, and projected financial statements,

c. may require the eligible individual to obtain the assistance of an experienced entrepreneurial advisor, and

d. is approved by the Department of Human Services; and

14.  "Qualified principal residence" means a principal residence within the meaning of Section 1034 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C., Section 1034, of an IDA account holder or an immediate family member thereof, the qualified acquisition costs of which do not exceed the average area purchase price applicable to such residence, determined in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3) of Section 143(e) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C., Section 143(e)(2) and (3).

Added by Laws 1998, c. 429, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 1998.

§56-255.  Contracts with fiduciary organizations - Evaluation criteria - Responsibilities - Grants.

A.  The Department of Human Services shall enter into contracts with one or more fiduciary organizations pursuant to the provisions of this section, in such a manner that every qualified resident of the state has access to at least one fiduciary organization for the purpose of opening an individual development account.  An organization based in this state which desires to enter into such a contract shall submit a proposal to the Department for the right to be approved as a fiduciary organization.  Such proposals shall be made upon forms prescribed by the Department and shall contain such information as the Department may require.

B.  Organizations' proposals shall be evaluated and contracts awarded by the Department on the basis of such items as geographic diversity and an organization's:

1.  Ability to market the project to potential account holders;

2.  Ability to leverage additional matching and operating funds;

3.  Ability to provide safe and secure investments for individual accounts;

4.  Overall administrative capacity, including but not limited to the certifications or verifications required to assure compliance with eligibility requirements, authorized uses of the accounts, matching contributions by individuals or businesses, and penalties for unauthorized distributions;

5.  Capacity to provide financial counseling and other related service to potential participants;

6.  Links to other activities designed to increase the independence of individuals and families through home ownership, small business development, enhanced education and training, saving for retirement, and automobile purchase; and

7.  Operating costs.

Responsibilities of a fiduciary organization shall include, but not be limited to, marketing participation, soliciting matching contributions, counseling project participants, conducting basic economic and financial literacy training and IDA use training for project participants, and conducting required verification and compliance activities.  Neither a fiduciary organization nor an employee of or person associated with a fiduciary organization shall receive anything of value, other than compensation for services, for any act performed in connection with the establishment of an IDA or in furtherance of the provisions of this act.

C.  For each contract entered into pursuant to the provisions of this section, the Department shall make a grant to the qualified fiduciary organization not later than April 1 of each year.  The amount of any single grant made shall not exceed one-fourth of the amount of funds in the IDA Revolving Fund created in Section 10 of this act at the time the grant is made.  The fiduciary organization shall use not less than eighty-five percent (85%) for matching funds and not more than fifteen percent (15%) for operating costs.

Added by Laws 1998, c. 429, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1998.

§56-256.  Individual development account (IDA) - Matching funds.

A.  An individual who is a resident of this state may submit an application to open an individual development account to a fiduciary organization approved by the Department of Human Services pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of this act.  Such application shall be made upon a form prescribed by the Department.  The fiduciary organization shall approve the application only if the individual has gross household income from all sources for the calendar year preceding the year in which the application is made which does not exceed two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty level.

B.  An individual opening an IDA shall be required to enter into an IDA agreement with the fiduciary organization.  Not more than one individual from a single household may open an IDA.

C.  The fiduciary organization shall be responsible for coordinating arrangements between the individual and a financial institution to open the individual's IDA.

D.  Each fiduciary organization shall provide written notification to each of its eligible IDA account holders of the amount of matching funds provided by the Department pursuant to the provisions of subsection C of Section 5 of this act to which each such IDA account holder is entitled.  Such notification shall be made at such intervals as the fiduciary organization deems appropriate, but shall be required to be made at least once each calendar year.  The amount of such matching funds for each IDA account holder shall be as follows:

1.  For an IDA account holder who had gross household income from all sources for the preceding calendar year less than or equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty level, One Dollar ($1.00) for each dollar contributed to the IDA by the IDA account holder during the preceding calendar year.  The amount of such matching funds shall not exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per IDA account holder per year;

2.  For an IDA account holder who had gross household income from all sources for the preceding calendar year of more than one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty level but less than or equal to one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the federal poverty level, seventy-five cents ($0.75) for each dollar contributed to the IDA by the IDA account holder during the preceding calendar year.  The amount of such matching funds shall not exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per IDA account holder per year; and

3.  For an IDA account holder who had gross household income from all sources for the preceding calendar year of more than one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the federal poverty level but less than or equal to two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty level, fifty cents ($0.50) for each dollar contributed to the IDA by the IDA account holder during the preceding calendar year.  The amount of such matching funds shall not exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per IDA account holder per year.

If the amount provided by the Department pursuant to the provisions of subsection C of Section 5 of this act is insufficient to disburse the maximum amounts specified in this subsection, amounts of disbursements shall be reduced proportionally based upon available funds.  If the amount provided by the Department pursuant to the provisions of subsection C of Section 5 of this act is in excess of the amount required to disburse the maximum amounts specified in this subsection, such excess funds shall be returned to the Department and deposited to the Individual Development Account Revolving Fund created pursuant to the provisions of Section 10 of this act.

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit or limit a fiduciary organization from providing matching funds from sources other than the Department to its IDA account holder on such terms and under such conditions as it deems appropriate.

E.  If an IDA account holder has gross household income from all sources for a calendar year which exceeds two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty level, the IDA account holder shall not be eligible to receive funds pursuant to the provisions of subsection D of this section in the following year.

Added by Laws 1998, c. 429, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 1998.

§56-257.  Permitted uses of individual development accounts.

Individual development accounts may be used for any of the following qualified purposes:

1.  Qualified acquisition costs with respect to a qualified principal residence for a qualified home buyer, or the costs of major repairs or improvements to a qualified principal residence, if paid directly to the persons to whom the amounts are due;

2.  Amounts paid directly to a business capitalization account which is established in a federally insured financial institution and is restricted to use solely for qualified business capitalization expenses consistent with a qualified plan;

3.  Postsecondary educational expenses paid directly to an eligible educational institution;

4.  Amounts paid directly to an individual retirement account or education IRA established pursuant to federal law in the name of the IDA account holder or an immediate family member thereof; and

5.  Qualified acquisition costs with respect to purchase of an automobile, or costs of repair of an automobile, if paid directly to a licensed automobile dealer or repair shop.

Added by Laws 1998, c. 429, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 1998.

§56-258.  Withdrawals under false pretenses or for other than approved purposes - Penalties.

A.  If the fiduciary organization receives evidence that monies withdrawn from IDAs are withdrawn under false pretenses or are used for purposes other than for the approved purposes indicated at the time of the withdrawal, the fiduciary organization shall make arrangements with the financial institution to impose a penalty of ten percent (10%) of the amount of the monies withdrawn or loss of matches and may, at its discretion, close the account.  If the fiduciary organization is unable to impose the penalty specified herein, it shall notify the Oklahoma Tax Commission and the amount of such penalty shall be added to the income tax liability of the IDA account holder.  All penalties collected by fiduciary organizations or the Tax Commission shall be deposited to the Individual Development Account Revolving Fund created pursuant to the provisions of Section 10 of this act.

B.  The amount of any withdrawal for purposes other than those set forth in Section 7 of this act, or any withdrawal for purposes other than for the approved purposes indicated at the time of the withdrawal, shall be taxed as income during the year in which the withdrawal is made.  The fiduciary organization shall notify the Tax Commission of any such withdrawals made.

C.  The fiduciary organization shall establish a grievance committee and a procedure to hear, review, and decide in writing any grievance made by an IDA account holder who disputes a decision of the operating organization that a withdrawal is subject to penalty.

D.  Each fiduciary organization shall establish such regulations as are necessary, including prohibiting eligibility for further matching funds, to ensure compliance with this section.

Added by Laws 1998, c. 429, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 1998.

§56-259.  State agency responsible for implementation of act.

The Department of Human Services shall be responsible for implementation of this act and shall promulgate rules as necessary in accordance with the provisions of this act.

Added by Laws 1998, c. 429, § 9, eff. Nov. 1, 1998.

§56-260.  Individual Development Account (IDA) Revolving Fund.

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Department of Human Services to be designated the "Individual Development Account (IDA) Revolving Fund".  The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall consist of all monies appropriated or contributed thereto.  All monies accruing to the credit of the fund are hereby appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Department for grants awarded pursuant to the provisions of subsection C of Section 5 of this act.  Expenditures from the fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director of State Finance for approval and payment.

Added by Laws 1998, c. 429, § 10, eff. Nov. 1, 1998.

§56300.  Oklahoma Medical Center  Institutions included.

The Oklahoma Medical Center shall include the University Hospital, the Children's Hospital of Oklahoma, the O'Donaghue Rehabilitation Institution, the Child Study Center, and any other institutions operated by a private entity under a joint operating agreement in which any of the state institutions listed in this section are leased to a private entity pursuant to the University Hospitals Authority Act.

Added by Laws 1988, c. 326, § 42, emerg. eff. July 13, 1988.  Amended by Laws 1991, c. 288, § 9, eff. July 1, 1991; Laws 1997, c. 174, § 8, emerg. eff. May 8, 1997.

§56-301.  Renumbered as § 1406 of Title 10 by Laws 1982, c. 312, § 48, emerg. eff. May 28, 1982.

§56301.1.  Renumbered as § 1407 of Title 10 by Laws 1982, c. 312, § 48, emerg. eff. May 28, 1982.

§56-302.  Renumbered as § 1408 of Title 10 by Laws 1982, c. 312, § 48, emerg. eff. May 28, 1982.

§56-303.  Renumbered as § 1409 of Title 10 by Laws 1982, c. 312, § 48, emerg. eff. May 28, 1982.

§56-304.  Renumbered as § 1410 of Title 10 by Laws 1982, c. 312, § 48, emerg. eff. May 28, 1982.

§56-305.  Renumbered as § 1411 of Title 10 by Laws 1982, c. 312, § 48, emerg. eff. May 28, 1982.

§56-306.  Renumbered as § 1412 of Title 10 by Laws 1982, c. 312, § 48, emerg. eff. May 28, 1982.

§56-307.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-308.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-309.  Renumbered as § 1413 of Title 10 by Laws 1982, c. 312, § 48, emerg. eff. May 28, 1982.

§56-310.  Renumbered as § 1414 of Title 10 by Laws 1982, c. 312, § 48, emerg. eff. May 28, 1982.

§56-311.  Renumbered as § 1415 of Title 10 by Laws 1982, c. 312, § 48, emerg. eff. May 28, 1982.

§56-312.  Renumbered as § 1416 of Title 10 by Laws 1982, c. 312, § 48, emerg. eff. May 28, 1982.

§56-313.  Renumbered as § 1417 of Title 10 by Laws 1982, c. 312, § 48, emerg. eff. May 28, 1982.

§56-314.  Repealed by Laws 1965, c. 69, § 1, eff. July 1, 1965.

§56-315.  Repealed by Laws 1980, c. 68, § 1, emerg. eff. April 10, 1980.

§56-316.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-317.  Repealed by Laws 1979, c. 15, § 1, emerg. eff. March 30, 1979.

§56-318.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-319.  Repealed by Laws 1980, c. 68, § 1, emerg. eff. April 10, 1980.

§56-320.  Repealed by Laws 1980, c. 68, § 1, emerg. eff. April 10, 1980.

§56-321.  Renumbered as § 1418 of Title 10 by Laws 1982, c. 312, § 48, emerg. eff. May 28, 1982.

§56-322.  Renumbered as § 1419 of Title 10 by Laws 1982, c. 312, § 48, emerg. eff. May 28, 1982.

§56-323.  Renumbered as § 1420 of Title 10 by Laws 1982, c. 312, § 48, emerg. eff. May 28, 1982.

§56-324.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-325.  Repealed by Laws 1981, c. 210, § 6, operative July 1, 1982.

§56-326.  Repealed by Laws 1980, c. 68, § 1, emerg. eff. April 10, 1980.

§56-327.  Renumbered as § 1421 of Title 10 by Laws 1982, c. 312, § 48, emerg. eff. May 28, 1982.

§56327.1.  Purchase or lease of passenger motor vehicles.

The Department of Human Services is authorized to acquire passenger motor vehicles by purchase or lease when the acquisition is deemed necessary by the Department to implement any program assigned to the Department.  All said purchases or leases for said vehicles shall comply with the provisions of the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act.

Added by Laws 1984, c. 161, § 1, emerg. eff. May 1, 1984.

§56328.  Division of Vocational Rehabilitation  Transfer to Commission for Rehabilitation Services - Retirement system - Merit system.

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation of the State Board for Vocational Education, or of the State Board of Education, including all personnel thereof and all property and assets belonging to such Division, is hereby transferred to the Commission for Rehabilitation Services; and all powers, duties and responsibilities of the State Board for Vocational Education relating to vocational rehabilitation shall hereafter be exercised by the Commission for Rehabilitation Services.  Employees of the Division who are members of the Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma and who continue as employees of the Division after such transfer may retain their membership in such Teachers' Retirement System.  The Governor may, by an Executive Order, place the Division and employees thereof under the Merit System of Personnel Administration.

Added by Laws 1968, c. 46, § 1, operative July 1, 1968.  Amended by Laws 1993, c. 364, § 14, emerg. eff. June 11, 1993.

§56329.  Section of Services to the Blind - Transfer to Commission for Rehabilitation Services - Merit system - Functions of Section.

A.  The Section of Services to the Blind of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, including all personnel thereof and all property and assets belonging to such Section, is hereby transferred to, and shall be a section of, the Commission for Rehabilitation Services; and all powers, duties and responsibilities of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education relating to services to the blind shall hereafter be exercised by the Commission for Rehabilitation Services.  Employees of the Section who are members of the Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma and who continue as employees of the Section after such transfer may retain their membership in such Teachers' Retirement System.  The Governor may, by an Executive Order, place the Section and employees thereof under the Merit System of Personnel Administration.

B.  The Section of Services to the Blind shall provide, to blind and visually impaired persons, rehabilitation services, rehabilitation teaching services, optical aids, and special library services, including Braille and recorded books; administer the vending facility program maintained for blind and visually impaired persons, and the merchandising fund; plan and develop a comprehensive rehabilitation center and services for blind and visually impaired persons; and coordinate its services with other public agencies and private agencies providing services to the blind.

Added by Laws 1968, c. 46, § 2, operative July 1, 1968.  Amended by Laws 1993, c. 364, § 15, emerg. eff. June 11, 1993; Laws 2001, c. 329, § 3, emerg. eff. June 1, 2001.

§56330.  Use of monies  Federal funds  Commission as sole state agency.

The Commission for Rehabilitation Services shall use such monies as may be necessary to operate and maintain the State Department of Rehabilitation Services, and to earn the maximum federal funds available to this state for vocational rehabilitation and services to the blind.  The Commission shall be the sole agency of the State of Oklahoma to cooperate with, and to receive and administer grants and other funds from, the U.S. Department of Education, or any other federal agency, in programs for the vocational rehabilitation of disabled persons and for services to the blind.

Added by Laws 1968, c. 46, § 3, operative July 1, 1968.  Amended by Laws 1988, c. 326, § 18, emerg. eff. July 13, 1988; Laws 1993, c. 364, § 16, emerg. eff. June 11, 1993.

§56-331.  Repealed by Laws 1980, c. 68, § 1, emerg. eff. April 10, 1980.

§56-332.  Renumbered as § 1422 of Title 10 by Laws 1982, c. 312, § 48, emerg. eff. May 28, 1982.

§56-333.  Renumbered as § 1423 of Title 10 by Laws 1982, c. 312, § 48, emerg. eff. May 28, 1982.

§56-334.  Repealed by Laws 1980, c. 68, § 1, emerg. eff. April 10, 1980.

§56335.  Outpatient services for former patients of Taft State Hospital.

The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services shall provide outpatient services within the county in which Taft State Hospital was located, for former patients of the Taft State Hospital and mentally ill persons residing in the area formerly served by the Taft State Hospital.

Added by Laws 1970, c. 133, § 3, emerg. eff. April 7, 1970.  Amended by Laws 1990, c. 51, § 118, emerg. eff. April 9, 1990.

§56-336.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-337.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-338.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-339.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-340.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-341.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-342.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56343.  Basic medical services programs at schools for mentally retarded.

The Commission for Human Services and the University Hospitals Authority shall enter into cooperative agreements between the University Hospitals Authority and the state schools for the mentally retarded in the development of basic medical services programs at the schools for the mentally retarded; provided, that the University Hospitals Authority shall not have the responsibility for implementing such programs or for providing medical services at the schools for the mentally retarded.

Added by Laws 1973, c. 44, § 8, operative July 1, 1973.  Amended by Laws 1983, c. 283, § 16, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 1988, c. 326, § 24, emerg. eff. July 13, 1988; Laws 1993, c. 330, § 24, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-344.  Renumbered as § 3222 of Title 63 by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 31, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-345.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-346.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56347.  Guardian and conservator services.

The Department of Human Services is hereby authorized to contract for the services of guardians and conservators who will act on behalf of individuals that are recipients of services through the agency's programs including, but not limited to, the program for the mentally retarded and the adult protective services program.  The Department is authorized to reimburse such guardians and conservators for any expenses determined to be reimburseable by the Department and incurred as a result of their services as guardian or conservator.

Added by Laws 1985, c. 291, § 8, emerg. eff. July 23, 1985.

§56-401.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-402.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-403.  Repealed by Laws 1986, c. 247, § 34, emerg. eff. June 13, 1986.

§56-404.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-405.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-406.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-407.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-408.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-409.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-410.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56411.  Deceased child or retarded person  Funeral arrangements and expenses.

A.  Except as otherwise provided by subsection B of this section, the Department of Human Services is authorized to make the necessary funeral arrangements and pay any reasonable burial expenses incurred upon the death of a child or a retarded person who is either in the custody of the Department or is a resident of an institution under the jurisdiction of the Department.  When possible, the Department shall make such arrangements with any funeral home located in the same vicinity as the institution or in the same vicinity of the child's or retarded person's place of residence or home town.

B.  The Department of Human Services is not authorized to make such funeral arrangements or make such burial payments if the deceased child or deceased retarded person has any relatives or next of kin who is financially able to make the funeral arrangements and make the burial payments.

Added by Laws 1986, c. 9, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1986.

§56-412.  Repealed by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-412.1.  Renumbered as § 3221.1 of Title 63 by Laws 1994, c. 283, § 21, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

§56-413.  Repealed by Laws 1995, c. 263, § 9.

§56-501.  Repealed by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 30, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-504.  Repealed by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 30, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-504.1.  Renumbered as § 5030.1 of Title 63 by Laws 1996, c. 221, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.

§56-505.  Repealed by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 30, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-506.  Repealed by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 30, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-507.  Repealed by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 30, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-508.  Repealed by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 30, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-509.  Repealed by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 30, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-510.  Repealed by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 30, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-511.  Repealed by Laws 1997, c. 414, § 30, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§56-515.  Repealed by Laws 1984, c. 226, § 16, eff. Oct. 1, 1985 and Laws 1985, c. 357, § 5, operative Oct. 1, 1985.

§56-521.  Renumbered as § 3223 of Title 63 by Laws 1993, c. 330, § 31, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-530.1.  Short title.

Sections 7 through 13 of this act shall be known and may be cited as the "Oklahoma Adult Companion Home Certification Act".

Added by Laws 1993, c. 159, § 6, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-530.2.  Purpose and policy of act - Maintenance of minimum standards - Certificate required.

A.  It is the purpose and policy of the Oklahoma Adult Companion Home Certification Act to ensure maintenance of minimum standards for the care and protection of mentally retarded or developmentally disabled adults, and to encourage and assist adult companion homes in achieving maximum standards.

B.  In order to provide care for mentally retarded or developmentally disabled adults in adult companion homes, a certificate shall be obtained from the Department of Human Services.  Such certificate shall be issued on the basis of meeting minimum standards which are essential for the health and welfare of any mentally retarded or developmentally disabled adult placed for care in such home.

Added by Laws 1993, c. 159, § 7, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-530.3.  Definitions.

For purposes of the provisions of the Oklahoma Adult Companion Home Certification Act:

1.  "Department" means the Department of Human Services; and

2.  "Adult companion home" means any home or establishment, funded and certified by the Department of Human Services, which provides homelike residential accommodations and supportive assistance to three or fewer mentally retarded or developmentally disabled adults.

Added by Laws 1993, c. 159, § 8, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-530.4.  Application for certificate - Provisional certificate.

A.  Beginning January 1, 1994, no adult companion home shall be operated or maintained unless certified by the Department of Human Services.  No new adult companion home may be established without the prior approval of the Department, which shall be granted only after the Department is satisfied that such adult companion home will meet known needs for the services proposed to be provided and that the adult companion home will meet minimum standards.

B.  An application for a certificate shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department.  Before issuing a certificate, the Department shall investigate the activities and standards of care of the applicant and, if satisfied that the applicant meets the requirements as provided in the Oklahoma Adult Companion Home Certification Act, a certificate shall be issued.  A provisional certificate may be issued to any applicant whose services are needed but which is temporarily unable to conform to all the rules of the Department.  All certificates shall be in force for one (1) year from date of issuance unless sooner revoked as authorized by the Oklahoma Adult Companion Home Certification Act, and shall be reissued annually upon application.  A provisional certificate may be in force for not more than one (1) year, unless an emergency exists that, in the discretion of the Department, necessitates an extension thereof.

Added by Laws 1993, c. 159, § 9, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-530.5.  Rules.

A.  The Department of Human Services shall promulgate rules prescribing minimum standards for adult companion homes.

B.  In promulgating rules prescribing such standards the Department shall consult with the State Department of Health, the State Bureau of Investigation and the State Fire Marshal.

Added by Laws 1993, c. 159, § 10, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-530.6.  Investigations, examinations, and inspections - Authority of state agencies - Confidentiality.

A.  The Department of Human Services shall have authority at any reasonable time to investigate and examine the conditions of any home which receives and cares for mentally retarded or developmentally disabled adults.  The Department shall have authority at any time to require the home to provide information pertaining to mentally retarded or developmentally disabled adults in its care.

B.  The State Department of Health may visit any home at the request of the Department to advise on matters affecting the health of mentally retarded or developmentally disabled adults and to inspect the sanitation of the buildings used for their care.

C.  The State Bureau of Investigation and the State Fire Marshal shall visit any home at the request of the Department to advise on matters affecting the safety of mentally retarded or developmentally disabled adults and to inspect the condition of the buildings in which their care is provided.

D.  Information obtained by the Department from any home regarding mentally retarded or developmentally disabled adults shall be deemed confidential, and shall be properly safeguarded, and shall not be accessible to anyone except as herein provided unless upon order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

Added by Laws 1993, c. 159, § 11, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-530.7.  Revocation or refusal to renew certificate - Notice and hearing.

The Department of Human Services may revoke or refuse to renew any certificate issued pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Adult Companion Home Certification Act if the home has violated any of the provisions of the Oklahoma Adult Companion Home Certification Act or the standards promulgated by the Department.  No certificate shall be revoked or renewal refused unless the holder of such certificate shall have been given at least thirty (30) days' notice in writing of the grounds of such proposed revocation or refusal.  If such revocation or refusal is protested to the Commission for Human Services, in writing, within thirty (30) days of receipt of said notice the Commission, or the Department, shall conduct a hearing at which an opportunity is given to the owner or operator of such home to present testimony and confront witnesses.  Notice of such hearing shall be given to said owner or operator of such home by personal service or by delivery to the proper address by registered mail, at least two (2) weeks prior to the date thereof.  If notice of the proposed revocation or refusal is not so protested, the certification may thereupon be revoked or renewal thereof refused.

Added by Laws 1993, c. 159, § 12, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-530.8.  Appeals - Injunctions - Violations.

A.  Any certificate holder aggrieved by the decision of the Department of Human Services pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Adult Companion Home Certification Act, within ten (10) days after the revocation or refusal to issue or renew the certification, may take an appeal de novo to the district court of the county in which the home is maintained and operated by filing with the clerk of the court a verified petition.  Notice of such appeal shall be served on the Director of the Department within five (5) days of the date of its filing.

B.  The Department, within ten (10) days of the service of such notice, shall file with the clerk of said court a transcript of the proceedings had before it.  The district court shall thereupon be vested with jurisdiction to hear and determine the questions of law and fact involved, as in an appeal de novo.  If the Department prevails, the judgment of the district court shall be that the decision of the Department be affirmed.  If the owner or operator of a home prevails, the judgment of the court shall be that the revocation be set aside or the certification issued or renewed, as the case may be.  Pending the hearing of the appeal, the action of the Department revoking or refusing renewal of the certification or the granting thereof shall be stayed.

C.  Any person or owner or operator of a home may be enjoined from maintaining and operating such home for violations of any provisions of the Oklahoma Adult Companion Home Certification Act by suit brought in the name of the state by the Attorney General of the State of Oklahoma or by a district attorney.

D.  Any person or agent, representative, or officer of any home who violates any of the provisions of the Oklahoma Adult Companion Home Certification Act, upon conviction, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.  Whenever any agent, representative, or officer of any home is convicted under authority of the Oklahoma Adult Companion Home Certification Act, such conviction shall be sufficient grounds for the revocation of the certificate to operate a home.

Added by Laws 1993, c. 159, § 13, eff. July 1, 1993.

§56-601.  Short title.

Sections 2 through 8 of this act shall be known and may be cited as the "Oklahoma Family Support Act".

Added by Laws 1992, c. 277, § 1, eff. July 1, 1992.

§56-602.  Definitions.

As used in the Oklahoma Family Support Act:

1.  "Department" means the Department of Human Services;

2.  "Family" means a family member and his or her parent or legal guardian; and

3.  "Family member" means a person less than eighteen (18) years of age with mental retardation or other developmental disability as defined in Section 1408 of Title 10 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

Added by Laws 1992, c. 277, § 2, eff. July 1, 1992.

§56-603.  Legislative intent.

The Oklahoma Family Support Act is intended to:

1.  Keep families together;

2.  Facilitate the return of children with developmental disabilities from out-of-home placements to their families' homes;

3.  Prevent or delay the out-of-home placement of children with severe developmental disabilities who reside in their families' homes.

Added by Laws 1992, c. 277, § 3, eff. July 1, 1992.

§56-604.  Family Support Program - Eligibility criteria.

The Director of the Department of Human Services shall, within the constraints of funding appropriated to the Department, maintain a Family Support Program for children with severe developmental disabilities who reside in their family homes in accordance with the following criteria:

1.  The family member resides with the family;

2.  The family resides in the State of Oklahoma;

3.  The gross adjusted income of the family for the year immediately preceding the date of application for the assistance did not exceed Forty-five Thousand Dollars ($45,000.00);

4.  The family is headed by a biological parent, adoptive parent, or legal guardian of the eligible family member; provided, however, that if the eligible family member lives with an adoptive parent or parents who already receive adoption subsidy from any source on behalf of the applicant, the family cannot receive family support assistance authorized by this section; and

5.  The family or family member does not receive Medicaid Home and Community-based Waiver Services.

Added by Laws 1992, c. 277, § 4, eff. July 1, 1992.  Amended by Laws 1997, c. 407, § 19, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.

§56-605.  Rules and regulations.

The Director of the Department shall promulgate necessary rules to ensure the proper and efficient operation of the Family Support Program.

Added by Laws 1992, c. 277, § 5, eff. July 1, 1992.

§56-606.  Assistance payments.

If an application for family support assistance pursuant to the Oklahoma Family Support Act is approved by the Department of Human Services and Developmental Disabilities Services Division:

1.  A family support assistance payment shall be paid to the parent or legal guardian on behalf of a family member and shall be considered a benefit to the family member;

2.  The family support assistance payment shall be used to meet the special needs of the family associated with the family member.  Except as otherwise provided in the Oklahoma Family Support Act, this assistance payment is intended to complement, not to supplant, public assistance or other social service benefits based on economic need, available through governmental programs;

3.  The amount of the family support assistance payment shall be a maximum of Four Hundred Dollars ($400.00) per month.  Increases to this amount shall be determined annually by legislative appropriation.  In addition, the parent or legal guardian of a family member who is in an out-of-home placement at the time of application may receive a one-time, lump-sum advance payment of twice the monthly family support assistance amount for the purpose of meeting the special needs of the family to prepare for the placement or return of the family member to in-home care.

4.  The parent or legal guardian who receives a family support assistance payment shall report, in writing, at least the following information to the Department:

a. not less than annually, a statement and any supporting documentation requested by the Department that the family support assistance payment was used to meet the special needs of the family,

b. immediately, if the parent or legal guardian requests termination of the family support assistance,

c. immediately, upon the occurrence of any event listed in Section 7 of this act.

Added by Laws 1992, c. 277, § 6, eff. July 1, 1992.

§56-607.  Termination of assistance.

The family support assistance shall terminate if any of the following occurs:

1.  The family member dies;

2.  The family no