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file. Such proof can include a statement signed by the homeowner or an electronic signature, <br />if applicable. <br />4. Privacy Policy.r Contractor must provide to all clients a copy of its privacy policy. Proof that <br />the client received the policy must be maintained in the file. Such proof can include a <br />statement signed by the homeowner or an electronic signature, if applicable. Although it is a <br />best practice to provide the client with the privacy policy at the time of counseling, the <br />Contractor may elect to share the privacy policy after the counseling occurs. If that is the <br />case, Contractor must keep on file proof that the policy was sent to the homeowner via e-mail, <br />fax, or postal mail. Having access to the privacy policy on Contractor's website does not <br />satisfy this requirement unless there is affirmative confirmation and documented proof that <br />the client has reviewed the olicy in the file Clients that choose to opt -out and not share their <br />information with affiliated third -parties cannot be uploaded into the DCS for payment. <br />5. Budget. Contractor must develop a budget for each client based on client's oral representation <br />of their expenses, debts, and available sources of income. One example of a worksheet <br />Contractor may use to develop this budget can be found on the NFMC members' website at <br />www.nfmomembers.org. <br />6. Action Plan. Contractor must develop a written Action Plan for follow-up activities to be <br />taken by the client and review this Action Plan with the client. The Action Plan must be <br />clearly labeled in the client file. When developing this Action Plan, it is expected that the <br />Contractor will do a comprehensive analysis of the homeowner's situation and recommend a <br />best plan of action. The Action Plan must include the counselor's assessment of the client's <br />situation with a client -specific recommendation for a counseling plan of action. A general <br />handout with a variety of workout options or "Actions" is not acceptable. If the assessment <br />and recommendation are part of the counselor notes, IHCDA requires that the information is <br />transferred to a form titled Action Plan so that the assessment and course of action are clearly <br />defined for the client and for compliance testing. The National Industry Standards provide <br />guidance on what should be included in an Action Plan. (See www.nw.org/nfmc) NFMC has <br />also created a template Action Plan which is available on the NFMC members' website; use <br />of this template is not required. However, Contractor must have a conforming Action Plan in <br />each client file. <br />Making Horne Affordable Program Eligibility. Contractor must determine and document if <br />client is eligible for assistance through the Making Home Affordable Program for all intakes <br />conducted prior to the program expiration (Currently M14A is expected to expire on December <br />31, 2016) even if the client seeking counseling does not ask about the program. <br />Documentation that a screening occurred for each type of available assistance should be <br />included in the Action Plan and client file. NFMC has created a template screening checklist <br />which can be found on the NFMC members' website. Information on the Making Home <br />Affordable Program ("MHA') can be found at www.makinghomeaffordable.gov. Available <br />products in the MHA are subject to changes mandated by the U.S. Department of Treasury, <br />I It is acceptable for Contractor to combine the Authorization Form, Disclosure Statement, and Privacy Policy into a single <br />document which the client signs and the Contractor maintains in the client file. <br />{00024811-1} <br />Page 24 of 39 <br />