(1) In selecting new local agencies, the department will apply the criteria in 7 CFR 246.5(a) through (f) together with the following criteria:

(a) whether the program is located to be accessible to participants;

(b) whether the program exhibits sufficient financial integrity and solvency to assure its ability to continue program operations; and

(c) whether there are documented, written procedures for making referrals to and coordinating with the following services and programs which are operating in the service area of the local agency: prenatal care, immunizations, postnatal care, family planning, well-child services, early periodic screening and development testing, schools, dental screening, private physicians, health maintenance organizations, hospitals, expanded food and nutrition education program, community relief agencies, USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Children's Special Health Care Services, and maternal and child health services.

(2) The department adopts and incorporates by reference 7 CFR 246.5(a) through (f), which is a federal agency rule setting forth requirements and procedures for local agency selection and the expansion, reduction, and disqualification of participating local agencies. Copies of 7 CFR 246.5(a) through (f) may be obtained from the Department of Public Health and Human Services, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children (WIC), P.O. Box 202951, Helena, MT 59620-2951.