641—73.11 (135) Health services. The WIC program shall serve in the arrangement of ongoing health services for its participants. Health services are defined to include ongoing, routine pediatric and obstetrical care, and referral for diagnosis and treatment of any other condition. Contract agencies not able to provide such health services directly shall enter into written agreements with other public health agency(ies) or private physician to ensure availability of health services.
	 73.11(1) Written agreements.
	  a.   	 Contract for services. Contract agencies shall maintain an annual written, contractual agreement with any health agency performing WIC health assessments, whether for fee or exchange of service.
	  b.   	 Memorandum of understanding. Contract agencies shall maintain a current memorandum of understanding with any health agency designated to provide ongoing health services to WIC participants and with any agency providing referral data for precertification of infants and pregnant women.
	 73.11(2) Referral procedures. The contract agency shall be responsible for referral of WIC participants to appropriate health care providers, as determined by the WIC health professional’s assessment of their condition.
	  a.   	 Authorization for release of information. Except as indicated below, before releasing medical or other personal information, including name, to an outside agency, the contract agency shall secure the participant’s or parent/legal guardian’s written authorization to release such information. A statement shall be signed for each specific provider to which information is being sent. The information contained in individual participant records shall be confidential pursuant to 7 CFR 246.26.
Referrals to the department of human services’ child protective services for investigation of potential child abuse or to a law enforcement agency conducting an active criminal investigation may be made without obtaining a written release of information. Procedures for responding to a subpoena are made in accordance with the Iowa WIC Policy and Procedure Manual.
	  b.   	 The referral form. A standard referral form, as provided by the department, shall be completed and sent to the referral agency. Documentation and follow-up are made in accord with the Iowa WIC Policy and Procedure Manual.