1. (a) Eligible persons will not be denied a meal because they will not or cannot contribute to the cost of this service.
2. (b) All but Home and Community-Based Services Medicaid Waiver clients shall be given an opportunity to voluntarily contribute to the cost of this service.
3. (c) Subcontractors shall develop a suggested contribution schedule for participants, taking into account income ranges of eligible individuals in the community.

4. (d)

   1. (1) The provider shall establish a guest meal charge.
   2. (2) The charge must be at least the total cost of providing the meal.
5. (e) The suggested contribution schedule and guest meal charge shall be posted in a conspicuous place.

6. (f)

   1. (1) Procedures must be established by subcontractors to protect each participant's privacy with respect to their contribution.
   2. (2) HDM participants shall be provided with a blank or an agency addressed envelope that does not identify the participant.
7. (g) Area agencies on aging shall consult with service providers and older individuals about the best method for accepting contributions.

8. (h)

   1. (1) Procedures must be established by subcontractors for collecting, handling, safeguarding, depositing, and accounting for contributions.
   2. (2) Contributions are to be counted and recorded daily by at least two (2) people, one (1) of whom is a program participant.
   3. (3) Contributions shall be reported by the area agency on aging to the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services of the Department of Human Services.
9. (i) Nutrition program contributions shall be used to increase the number of meals (program expansion).

Codification Notes: This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows: “1-1-96”