Frequently Asked Questions

Local WIC Providers

What is a LWP?
What is the WOM?
What is the HANDS system?
What is a WIC Clerical?
What is a HPA?
What is a WIC Certifier?
What is a CPA?
What is a Nutrition Coordinator?
What is a WIC Coordinator?
What is the FIC or Assistant FIC?
What makes a participant eligible for WIC?
What is Adjunct Income Eligibility?
What is a WIC vendor?
How can I find contact information on other Local WIC Providers?
How do I file a complaint about a LWP? 
Who do I call if I have additional questions?

What is a LWP?
Local WIC Providers (LWP) are local organizations that contract with the State to provide WIC services in their communities.  Most are Local Public Health Agencies (LPHA), but some are Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and Hospitals.

What is the WOM?
WIC Operation Manual (WOM) is an electronic document used to obtain current information about policy and procedures for operating a LWP in the Missouri WIC Program.  The WOM should be installed on all WIC computers.  The disc is updated periodically and mailed to the local agencies with instructions on how to reinstall.

What is the HANDS system?
The Health Agency Network Data System (HANDS) is the current computer system used by the Missouri WIC program to track participant information and better manage the program.  It operates as a part of the DSS Mainframe system.  Access to this system is granted by DSS after a background check based on an approved ASAP request.  Electronic ASAP forms can be found on the Departments Intranet.

What is a WIC Clerical?
The WIC clerical is authorized to complete administrative work functions.  Some examples of Clinic Functions: Assessing income, completing participant common information on certification forms, keying certification and nutrition education forms, printing, writing and issuing food instruments, explaining how to use the food instruments, food Instrument accountability on registers and scheduling appointments.  WIC Clerical staff is required to complete WIC Basic Orientation: Clerical Training.

What is a HPA?
The Health Professional Assistant (HPA) is trained to assist the CPA by performing specific duties such as obtaining and plotting height/length, weight and head circumference measurements, and obtaining diet histories.  HPAs are required to complete WIC Basic Orientation: HPA Training.

What is a WIC Certifier?
The WIC Certifier is trained to certify participant for eligibility into the WIC program, including assignment of risk factor(s), providing initial nutrition education and prescribing standard food packages under the supervision of the WIC Nutritionist.  WIC Certifiers are required to complete WIC Basic Orientation: WIC Certifier Training. This is not a state required position for all local WIC agencies. 

What is a CPA?
The Competent Professional Authority (CPA) is authorized to determine nutritional risks and prescribe supplemental foods.  Physicians, registered dietitians, registered nurses and nutritionists are all examples of CPAs.  CPAs are required to complete WIC Basic Orientation: CPA Training.

What is a Nutrition Coordinator?
The Nutrition Coordinator is responsible to coordinate nutrition services and provides nutrition education and counseling.  The Nutritionist is the most appropriate staff member to counsel high-risk participants. 

What is a WIC Coordinator?
The WIC Coordinator plans and coordinates all WIC activities and staff to ensure the program operates within program rules and meets goals. 

What is the FIC or Assistant FIC?
The Food Instrument Custodian and Assistant Custodian is responsible for doing a monthly physical FI inventory and accounting of all FI’s.  No “one person” should ever conduct the duties or perform the monthly inventory.  This position requires additional access to the HANDS system. Each agency is required to have a staff person designated as FIC and another staff person as assistant FIC.  Completion of the FIC guidebook or FIC Training is required for the FIC and the Assistant FIC.

What makes a participant eligible for WIC?
An applicant is considered eligible for WIC when they are determined categorically, residentially and income eligible. 
Being Categorical Eligible includes:

• Women who are
• Prenatal (Program Code = P)
• Breastfeeding Postpartum, nursing a baby up to one year old (Program Code = B)
• Non-Breastfeeding postpartum, up to 6 months after a pregnancy has ended (Program Code = N)
• Infants, a child under one year old (Program Code = I)
• Children, from 1 year old up to age 5 (Program Code = C)

Categorical Eligibility can be self-declared for participants unless you have reason to doubt a participant.  In addition to Categorical Eligibility participants must be residents (as defined in WOM ER# 3.01800) and within income guidelines.  These items must be documented on the WIC-30 along with a proof of ID.  A Nutritional Risk is now assumed for all WIC participants.

What is Adjunct Income Eligibility?
Applicants or participants are adjunct income eligible that prove that they are eligible for Medicaid or MC+; or who have presumptive eligibility for Temporary Medicaid and TANF; or are members of a household eligible for TANF or Food Stamps; or are members of a household with a prenatal or infant eligible for Medicaid.  Adjunct Income Eligibility only applies to income eligibility

What is a WIC vendor?
A WIC vendor is a grocery store or pharmacy that has been approved by the WIC program to accept WIC food instruments for WIC-approved foods. Check our vendor webpage for additional information.

How can I find contact information on other Local WIC Providers?
In Missouri you can use the interactive Missouri map. USDA maintains a listing of other state agencies contacts and websites that can helpful when trying to find out contact information for dealing with transfers.

How do I file a complaint about a LWP?
Contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Who do I call if I have additional questions?
That depends on the type of question you have.  This guidance is provided to help you know who to call.  If you have questions about:

• entering data in the HANDS system call the HANDS Help Desk (800) 554-2544.
• resetting passwords or having trouble with printers call the ITSD Help Desk at (800) 347-0887.
• the HANDS system being down in your office call the DSS Help Desk (800) 392-8725.
• Nutrition Issues call your State District Nutritionist at (800) 392-8209. 
• Policy or Clinic Management call the WIC Health Program Representative III in your District or call the WIC Technical Assistance Coordinator at (800) 392-8209.

A color-coded map is available of who is providing Technical Assistance in your district.