For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
By signing an application or recertification form for TANF or POWER benefits, an applicant or recipient shall consent to the disclosure, to the extent permitted under District law, of all information concerning the applicant or recipient that is required by DHS to determine or redetermine eligibility or to provide services to the applicant or recipient.
If a TANF or POWER applicant or recipient, the applicant's or recipient's currently authorized representative, or a person acting on the applicant's or recipient's behalf makes a written request to review material and information contained in the applicant's or recipient's case file, the material and information contained in the case file shall be made available for inspection during normal business hours, upon reasonable notice.
DHS may withhold confidential information, such as the names of individuals who have disclosed information about the household without the household's knowledge, or the nature or status of pending criminal prosecutions.
A TANF or POWER applicant or recipient may execute a written waiver of his or her privilege of confidentiality.
No employee of the District government or an entity contracting with the District government may release information concerning the applicant or recipient (including name, address, or other identifying information), unless a TANF or POWER applicant signs a written waiver; except as expressly permitted in Section 904 of the District of Columbia Public Assistance Act of 1982, as amended.
A person who lawfully receives confidential information concerning a TANF or POWER applicant or recipient shall adequately protect the information against disclosure to any persons or for purposes not authorized by law.
No person shall disclose, inspect, or use documents or records in violation of this section.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 29, r. 29-5803