02.01.12 The state's public health office is addressing shortfalls in complying with federal guidelines for administering the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

J.T. Lane, assistant secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals' Office of Public Health, said his staff has started to implement corrective action in response to findings cited in a report by Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera last week.

The findings included a failure to have a formal hearing process for those denied WIC access, failure to properly monitor WIC to prevent fraud or abuse and failure to properly identify and record equipment purchased with WIC funds.