Case and Procedural Error Rate (CAPER)
A CAPER formerly known as a negative case action, is defined as any adverse action in which benefits are affected in a negative manner. Such actions include, but are not limited to, cases with a discontinued, denied, terminated, cancelled or suspended case status.
The State defines errors cited for cases with a negative case action as a "CAPER error rate."
Thorough Documentation
One method of achieving a low negative error rate is to ensure the case record contains accurate documentation in case journal, thoroughly explaining what led to the negative case action.
In order to verify the accuracy of the negative case action, any person reviewing the case record must be able to easily determine why the negative action was taken.
The State and Federal Quality Control Reviewers may select a case for a CAPER review. All case record information that was used to make the decision for the negative case action will be reviewed. The case must provide enough detail to allow a reviewer to determine the validity of the negative case action.
CAPER Cases Returned By ASB QC
Cases which are identified as having a CAPER (or invalid negative action) will be returned for correction to the Eligibility Worker (EW) who took action, thus creating an erroneous denial and/or discontinuance.
If the EW is no longer located in that particular unit, the case will be reassigned within the unit where the EW was previously assigned. In the event the unit has been disbanded, the case will be assigned to an EW within that particular district office, as per district office policy.
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