November 2012

AgendaOverview of one year certification periodsRationale for changeProcedures for one year certificationsTimeline

OverviewOne-year certification periods

New for ChildrenBreastfeeding Women (Current but guidance

new) Infants (current)

Similar to requirements for one year certification of infants. Option for states to utilize. Transfers from other states may have 6 month

certification periods

Certification PeriodsInfant: To the last day of the month the

infant turns one year oldBreastfeeding Woman: To the last day of

the month in which her infant turns one year old or until the woman stops breastfeeding

Child: Yearly ending with the last day of the month in which the child turns five years old

Why extend certification periods?Increase time spent on providing nutrition

servicesCritical to achieving mission of WIC Program

Prevent nutrition-related health problemsImprove health status

Not intended as a cost saving measure

Mid Certification AppointmentsOne year certifications must include midpoint

nutrition assessmentSimilar to infant mid certification

Components of Mid CertificationsAnthropometric measurementsBloodwork (when necessary)Health and Nutrition AssessmentImmunization check or follow upNutrition counseling or educationReferrals, if neededFood package changes, if needed

Not RequiredProof of IncomeProof of AddressProof of IDRights and Responsibilities

Height and WeightCollect at mid certificationReferral data less than 60 days old

acceptable

BloodworkAccording to bloodwork scheduleInfants: screening between 9-12 months of ageChildren over 1:

6 months after infant test Around 15-18 months of age Most vulnerable time for children to manifest iron

deficiency anemia2-5 Years Old: Yearly, if normal

Breastfeeding women: At CertificationFollow up for low hemoglobinReferral data acceptable

Health and Diet AssessmentAbbreviated assessment to identify major changes in

health statusFound at end of each VENA Tab listing of questionsIncludes

Review of last certification information (1st question)New concerns of participantNew medical diagnosisChanges in eating pattern/food intakeChanges in physical activityCheck on immunizations, if appropriate

Follow up on nutrition risks identified at certification

Other componentsNutrition educationReferralsFood Package

Enhancement to HuBERT

Mid Certification Assessment screenSimilar to CGS

Only Height, Weight, Blood required linkOthers to help guide appointment

HuBERT GuidanceEnter information via the participant folder

Height, Weight and Blood TabVENA TabReferral, if neededNutrition educationFood package, if needed

Benefit issuance

Timing of Mid CertificationsInfants: at 9 months SAMEChildren: 6th month of certification (5-7

month time frame)Breastfeeding women: 6th month of

certification OR with Infant’s mid-certification appointment

1. Income verification is not a part of the mid certification appointment.

2. An infant certified on his birthday will be certified for one year.

3. The Infant Mid Cert appointment should take place at 6 months.

4. All of the questions asked at certification should also be asked at the mid certification appointment.

5. Bloodwork will never be required at a mid cert appointment.