Section 10. Definitions

The following words and terms when used in these guidelines will have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Access device" means any card, plate, code, account number, or other means of access that can be used alone or in conjunction with another access device, to obtain payments, allotments, benefits, money, goods, or other things of value, or that can be used to initiate a transfer of funds under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 USC § 2011 et seq.), as amended.

"Administrative disqualification hearing" or "ADH" means an impartial review by a hearing officer of a household member's actions involving an alleged intentional program violation for the purpose of rendering a decision of guilty or not guilty of committing an intentional program violation (IPV).

"Authorization to participate" or "ATP" means a document authorizing a household to receive a SNAP allotment in a specific amount for a specific entitlement period from an authorized food coupon issuance agent.

"Hearing officer" means an impartial representative of the state who receives requests for administrative disqualification hearings or fair hearings. The hearing officer has the authority to conduct and control hearings and to render decisions.

"Intentional program violations" or "IPV" means any action by an individual who intentionally made a false or misleading statement to the local department, either orally or in writing, to obtain benefits to which the household is not entitled; concealed information or withheld facts to obtain benefits to which the household is not entitled; or committed any act that constitutes a violation of the Food and Nutrition Act, SNAP regulations, or any state statutes relating to the use, presentation, transfer, acquisition, receipt, or possession of food stamp coupons, authorization to participate cards, access devices, or SNAP benefits.

"Local department" means the local department of social services of any county or city in this Commonwealth.

"SNAP" means Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 23, Issue 20, eff. August 1, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. July 1, 2011.

Statutory Authority

§ 63.2-217 of the Code of Virginia.