641—73.22 (135) Caseload management. The statewide caseload (number of participants) shall be managed by the department in accord with funding limitations and federal regulations or directives. The federally established priority categories of participant shall be followed when limitation of services is necessary in accord with 7 CFR 246.7(d)3. In addition the following rules shall apply:
	 73.22(1) A contract agency shall maintain a waiting list only when the department determines that sufficient funds are not available to meet demand.
	 73.22(2) When a waiting list has been authorized, contract agencies shall certify applicants of potential highest priority first (e.g., women and infants) and potential lower priority second (children). Within these priority groups, applicants shall be offered certification appointments in the order of placement on the list.
	 73.22(3) When insufficient funds are available to serve all priority categories, the department shall provide instructions to contract agencies regarding which priority categories may continue to be certified.
	 73.22(4) When necessitated by federal funding restrictions, the department reserves the right to terminate or temporarily suspend benefits for categories of participants prior to the end of their certification period. Each participant shall be advised in writing 15 days before the effective date of the reasons for the action and of the right to a fair hearing.