Even though many people may not need to appeal, several of you have asked before about how to appeal your Independent Assessment if you aren’t satisfied with your tier placement. We asked DHS for the appeal policy.

Watch for more resources on how to appeal, tips, and what your rights are!

DHS says that below is the information that you will receive with your Independent Assessment results packet.  Each person will receive this notice after his/her IA has been scored.  These results packets began going out Friday.  Some individuals began receiving PASSE services prior to the receipt of their results packets. 

 If you do not agree with your assessment results:

You, your representative, and your provider have the right to request a hearing.

Requirements for the request:

1. the request must be received at the DHS Office of Appeals and Hearings’ address below no later than (date calculated from notice mailing date [35 days + mailing date])
2. Please put your request for a hearing and for any services in writing. With your request, please include a

copy of this letter and mail it to:
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Office of Appeals & Hearings
P.O. Box 1437, Slot N401
Little Rock, AR 72203
Division of Medical Services

If you ask for a hearing, these are your rights, per DHS:

• You may go to the hearing
• You may be represented by a lawyer or any other person you choose
• Before the hearing, you have the right to see your record and any other evidence to be used at the hearing
• You have the right to present your own evidence
• You have the right to bring your own witnesses
• You have the right to question any witness against you
• You have the right to request, if applicable, certain current services continue “as is” pending an appeal decision if your request is received at the Office of Appeals and Hearings’ address listed above by (date calculated from notice mailing date [15 days + mailing date])

You may be able to get free legal aid.

If you need legal help, DHS sends these recommendations:

• Call the Arkansas Legal Services Helpline Center at 501-376-3423 (Pulaski County only) or 800-952-9243
• Go to www.arkansaslegalservices.org. Click on the Helpline icon.

 DHS also recommended the following link might be helpful to review:  http://humanservices.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/occ/DHSPolicy1098.pdf to understand the process.

Watch for more resources on how to appeal, tips, and what your rights are!

MSL has attended presentations by other community resources such as Disabily Rights Arkansas who have explained in more detail what to put in your letter and tips you might need. One very important thing to do is MAKE SURE TO KEEP EVERYTHING MAILED TO YOU AS WELL AS ALL ASSESSMENTS OR THINGS THAT COULD BE USED AT THE HEARING. We will be collaborating with these other organizations to release more resources as soon as we can!