R406-100-8. Vendor Monitoring

The standards of 7 CFR 246.12(i) are adopted and incorporated by reference with the following exceptions:

(1) The State WIC Office may conduct vendor monitoring on all high risk vendors.

(2) The State WIC Office shall determine high risk vendors based on the following criteria:

(a) vendor's redeemed prices are higher than price list;

(b) unusually large percentage of high priced food instruments by vendor;

(c) participant complaints or complaints from the clinic or other vendors;

(d) food instrument redemption errors;

(e) accumulation of five or more sanctioning points as listed in each vendor's signed contract under the heading Vendor Sanctions;

(f) vendor out of compliance during monitoring visit/redemption analysis;

(g) complaints involving possible overcharging, fraud or any violation that would cause disqualification for food stamps.

(3) The United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Instruction 806-4, which clarifies 7 CFR 246.12(f), and states that federal agencies have immunity from state claims or review. The Department of Health will not conduct on-site monitoring reviews of commissaries or require claims to be paid.

(4) Copies of Instruction 806-4 are available at the State WIC Office.