Measuring Improper Authorizations for Payment in the Child Care Program:
Improper Authorization for Payment Data Collection Instructions [Approved August 31, 2007]
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I. Introduction
This document provides instructions for implementing the required error rate methodology for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and successfully submitting the State Improper Authorization for Payment Report to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These submissions will assist HHS in complying with the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 (IPIA). The IPIA requires Federal agencies to annually review programs and activities they administer, identify those that may be susceptible to significant improper payments, and submit a report on actions taken to reduce improper payments. Per the IPIA, agencies must adhere to guidance prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The provisions in this document comply with OMB Circular A-123, Appendix C that provides guidance for implementing the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 (IPIA). These instructions also comply with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 45 – Public Welfare - Parts 98 and 99, the official regulations for the Child Care and Development Fund. 45 CFR 98 Subpart K - Error Rate Reporting - requires States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico (States) to measure, calculate, and report improper payments as well as identify strategies for reducing future improper payments.
This instruction package provides:
- An overview of the improper authorization for payment review methodology, focusing on client methodology
- Instructions for completing each State component of the review methodology
- A glossary of terms used in the instruction package (Appendix A)
- A required Record Review Worksheet (ACF-400) (Attachment 1)
- A required Data Entry Form (ACF-401), with instructions (Attachment 2)
- A required State Improper Authorization for Payment Report (ACF-402), with instructions (Attachment 3)