This proposed rule amends a number of existing provisions in the WIC program regulations. In response to issues raised by WIC state agencies and other members of the WIC community, the United States Department of Agriculture (the Department) proposes two principal changes.
First, this rulemaking would streamline the federal requirements for financial and participation reporting by state agencies. Second, it would clarify the rules on confidentiality of WIC information in order to strengthen coordination with organizations and private physicians, and to provide guidance to state agencies on responding to subpoenas and other court-ordered requests for confidential information.
These two provisions are intended to strengthen services to WIC participants, improve program administration, and increase state agency flexibility in managing the program. The other provisions in this rule have been designed to improve program administration or to incorporate program policies that have been in effect for some time into regulations.