The proposed rule entitled Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC): Food Delivery Systems was published in the Federal Register (64 FR 32308-32343) on June 16, 1999. This action extends the public comment period to Oct. 14, 1999.
This proposed rule would strengthen the requirements for operation of vendor management systems by establishing mandatory selection criteria; limitation of vendors; training requirements; criteria to be used to identify high- risk vendors; and monitoring requirements, including compliance buys. In addition, the rule would strengthen food instrument accountability and sanctions for participants who violate program regulations. It would also streamline the vendor appeals process.
This proposed rule would amend regulations governing the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to provide that hematological tests for anemia no longer be a mandatory part of each WIC applicant's certification intake process, so long as at least one nutrition risk factor is present for the applicant.
This rule proposes to revise both the food and the nutrition services and administration funding formulas to improve the effectiveness of WIC funds distribution now that WIC is in a relatively stable funding environment.
This proposed rule would require WIC state agencies to award infant formula rebate contracts based on the lowest net price, allowing highest gross rebate as a basis of award only when retail prices of the different brands of infant formula vary, on average, by 5 percent or less.
This proposed rule would amend regulations governing the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children to implement a mandate of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, which requires the disqualification of WIC vendors who are disqualified from the Food Stamp Program.
This rule proposes revisions to funding and funds allocation procedures for the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in order to simplify and update the funding process in anticipation of a fully funded program.