12VAC5-195-610: Participant access

A. Prior to taking disqualification actions against an authorized retailer, the state agency shall complete a participant access assessment (7 CFR 246.12). This type of assessment is completed for denied authorizations if an informal settlement meeting or full administrative review is requested by a retailer applicant. Participant convenience is not a valid consideration for the state agencies in making any adequate access decisions.

B. Participant access will be a factor considered by the state agency in deciding if a retailer shall be assessed a civil monetary penalty in lieu of disqualification or when a retailer applicant is eligible as an authorization exception.

C. The state agency shall use the same criteria established for making authorization exceptions in deciding if adequate participant access exists.

D. The participant access analysis completed by the state agency contains confidential information. A copy of this internal work document shall not be given to retailers or their representatives.