Okla. Stat. tit. 74, § 74-5023: Federal block grant programs - Equal access to programs

and services - Proposals.

All state agencies providing services through federal block

grant programs shallinclude, as part of their proposals for federal

block grant programs, assurances to guarantee equal access to

program services and resources, including contracted services, and

guarantee the public uniform rights to appeal and appeal procedures.

It is the intent of the Legislature that services maintain a

commitment to the efficient delivery of vital services to the most

needy persons in the state and that any changes in eligibility

criteria be identified in a comprehensive plan. The proposals for

federal block grant programs shall specify a process to guarantee

that each person seeking services shall:

1. Have the right to file formal application for services or

resources upon request;

2. Be afforded an opportunity to have private and confidential

interviews pertaining to the case;

3. Not be denied assistance on the basis of race, color,

gender, creed, religion, age, political preference or physical

affliction;

4. Receive timely approval or disapproval of the application;

and

5. Receive written notification of appeal and appeal

procedures, including notice that:

a. all aggrieved parties shall be afforded a

reasonable opportunity for a fair hearing,

b. the applicant or the representative of the

applicant shall have access to records relevant to the appeal

process, and

c. the applicant shall have the right to a timely

determination and prompt notice of hearing decisions.