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(Added 09/15)
Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP) vendors must retain records related to the program. Records must be retained for a minimum of five years from the date of the voucher exchange, and include records on the purchase of the specialized telecommunications equipment or service exchanged, and the distribution or delivery of specialized telecommunications equipment or service to the voucher recipient.
STAP vendors must:
- allow the HHSC Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) to conduct an audit, investigation, and/or program oversight of their business;
- authorize HHSC DHHS, the State Auditor’s Office, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC), or their successor agencies to conduct an audit or investigation of the STAP vendor in connection with funds received for reimbursement of a voucher during the five-year retention period;
- provide any books, documents, papers, and records that are directly related to the exchange of a voucher for the purpose of conducting audits, examinations, or investigations or for making excerpts and transcriptions;
- cooperate fully in an audit, examination, investigation, and funds validation efforts, or in the making of excerpts and transcriptions;
- provide documentation from third parties reflecting equipment or services purchased, the purchase price, and records showing sales to non-STAP consumers;
- permit HHSC DHHS to conduct monitoring on-site to review financial documents, other records, and management control systems relevant to the exchange of a voucher;
- remedy within 30 calendar days any weaknesses, deficiencies, or program noncompliance found as a result of a review, audit, investigation, performance or fiscal exception found by HHSC DHHS, the State Auditor's Office, the PUC, or their successor agencies or any of their duly authorized representatives; and
- refund disallowed costs or billed amounts, and pay any other appropriate sanctions or penalties imposed by HHSC DHHS to the Texas Universal Service Fund (TUSF).