1000, Introduction

Revision 17-1; Effective May 5, 2017

Federal regulations require the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) to have a security and accountability system for sensitive documents, negotiable instruments, and automation equipment used to obtain benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Medical programs.

1100 Purpose

Revision 17-1; Effective May 5, 2017

HHS has established computer security policy and procedures to protect its automated information resources. The Security and Accountability Handbook reinforces HHS' policies and procedures to account for and safeguard program benefits from fraud, abuse, and misuse. This handbook is to be used in conjunction with the Texas Works Handbook.

The policy and procedures outlined in this handbook are the minimum requirements for all HHS local/benefit offices to protect the sensitive documents, negotiable instruments, and automation equipment used to obtain program benefits. HHS regional management staff responsible for program benefits should evaluate the policy and procedures to decide whether more stringent requirements are necessary and appropriate to meet HHS local/benefit offices needs for security and accountability operations.

1200 Users

Revision 17-1; Effective May 5, 2017

The primary users of this handbook are HHS staff that are responsible for Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) operations in HHS local/benefit offices.

HHS expects all employees to:

  • accept the responsibility that comes with being a public servant charged with maintaining the public trust; and
  • make certain that program benefits are accounted for and safeguarded from fraud, abuse, and misuse.

1300 Sensitive Documents, Negotiable Instruments and Automation Equipment

Revision 17-1; Effective May 5, 2017

Sensitive documents, negotiable instruments and automation equipment used to obtain program benefits include:

  • Lone Star card;
  • PIN packet;
  • Administrative Terminal;
  • Form H1172, EBT Card, PIN and Data Entry Request; and
  • Form H1175, Authorization for Administrative Terminal Application Action.

Other items that are used to obtain program benefits but require security and accountability include

  • Form H4100, Money Receipt; and
  • Request for Lone Star Materials order form.