Disability benefits algorithm audit (Department of Social Services)
| Tracking # |
R004692-041123 |
| Multi Request | Disability benefits algorithm audit |
| Submitted | March 14, 2023 |
| Est. Completion | None |
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Communications
From: Todd Feathers
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, I request the following records regarding algorithmic tools used by your agency to guide decision making for the administration of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and/or supplemental state disability benefits:
For the purposes of this request, the term algorithmic tools refers to computer software or code that employs machine learning techniques (sometimes described as artificial intelligence or predictive analytics). It does not apply to other types of algorithms, such as Excel formulas.
My request applies to all algorithmic tools developed in-house by your agency, purchased for use by your agency, or otherwise used by your agency since Jan. 1, 2018 to help administer Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and/or supplemental state disability benefits. Such algorithmic tools include, but are not limited to, models for:
- Fraud detection
- Rate setting
- Benefit use prediction (e.g., models that predict for how long individuals will require benefits or what the total cost will be)
- Enrollment prediction (e.g., models that predict enrollment rates among the larger population)
- Case management (e.g., models that group similar cases together or determine caseloads for adjudicators)
- Investigations (e.g., models that prioritize complaints for investigation or flag claims for additional review)
- Advertising/outreach prioritization (e.g. models used to decide where or to which groups to advertise)
For each algorithmic tool your agency has used since Jan. 1, 2018, I request the following records:
1) Executive summaries, project overviews, or comparable records that describe the scope and purpose of the algorithmic tool.
2) Contracts, statements of work, successful RFP submissions and bid packets, or comparable records that describe the purchase and/or construction of the algorithmic tool.
3) User handbooks, guides, training manuals, agency policies, or comparable records that describe the tool’s functions and its appropriate uses..
I ask that all fees be waived as I am a journalist and intend to use the requested records to publish articles in the public interest. In the event you choose to impose fees, I request a detailed breakdown of the fees, including the hourly wage of the lowest-paid employee capable of processing the request and an explanation justifying the employee hours required to complete the request.
Should you choose to reject this request or redact portions of it, I ask that you provide a detailed breakdown of the statutory exemptions and associated case law underlying your decision to withhold each/any portion from public review.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 calendar days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Todd Feathers
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following California Public Records Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 14, 2023. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following California Public Records Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 14, 2023. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From:
April 11, 2023 MuckRock News DEPT MR 142857 263 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115 SUBJECT: Confirmation of Request Being Received Received on March 14, 2023 CDSS Reference No.: R004692-041123 This is to confirm the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is in receipt of your request. CDSS will process your request in accordance with the California Government Code. Your request has been received by the CDSS as of 3/14/2023 and given the reference number R004692-041123 for tracking purposes. Records Requested: Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, I request the following records regarding algorithmic tools used by your agency to guide decision making for the administration of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and/or supplemental state disability benefits:
For the purposes of this request, the term algorithmic tools refers to computer software or code that employs machine learning techniques (sometimes described as artificial intelligence or predictive analytics). It does not apply to other types of algorithms, such as Excel formulas.
My request applies to all algorithmic tools developed in-house by your agency, purchased for use by your agency, or otherwise used by your agency since Jan. 1, 2018 to help administer Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and/or supplemental state disability benefits. Such algorithmic tools include, but are not limited to, models for:
- Fraud detection
- Rate setting
- Benefit use prediction (e.g., models that predict for how long individuals will require benefits or what the total cost will be)
- Enrollment prediction (e.g., models that predict enrollment rates among the larger population)
- Case management (e.g., models that group similar cases together or determine caseloads for adjudicators)
- Investigations (e.g., models that prioritize complaints for investigation or flag claims for additional review)
- Advertising/outreach prioritization (e.g. models used to decide where or to which groups to advertise)
For each algorithmic tool your agency has used since Jan. 1, 2018, I request the following records:
1) Executive summaries, project overviews, or comparable records that describe the scope and purpose of the algorithmic tool.
2) Contracts, statements of work, successful RFP submissions and bid packets, or comparable records that describe the purchase and/or construction of the algorithmic tool.
3) User handbooks, guides, training manuals, agency policies, or comparable records that describe the tool’s functions and its appropriate uses. Your request will be forwarded to the relevant CDSS division(s) to locate the information you seek and to determine the volume and any costs associated with satisfying your request. You will be contacted about the availability and/or provided with copies of the records in question. Please be aware that the Public Records Act does not require the Department to create new information, to do legal research, or to answer questions other than providing records already held and/or maintained by CDSS. If you have any questions, you may message us via a direct reply to this email or access this request via the Portal and create a new message.
Sincerely,
Public Records Act Unit
Department of Social Services To monitor the progress or update this request please log into the Public Records Act and Service of Process Portal (https://u8387778.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=6HtRfOYLt5fXvpttM-2FU1HZ8TE-2BfgV6ENEJ-2FIdk4-2BG-2BapocEWGioGY3v3RJp8csTTYh7EtAfl-2BUAX1REGLpgI-2Fw-3D-3DZ1dg_HTxQ5qFHeQiZRKu7VTxeI8vBJ5dlGqfyy-2FwdZkIb5Rkjf35-2BohjShiUzYk8azni5rtbZh-2BX1VvLlECcvcpdFAa3qzm3G-2BryRzKFdQL5RhkIqA8Z-2BHml9wPcYUyLi-2FHg18OVBwbw0dR-2BlcQfeok97RG46f08auePPbRBGgYTlaeOS2azyRM4IHa4ahIvCzGbLaMOHhTZf0dywHlUpZG-2BJkZZrGiPZY7-2BM5Z8evQf1xAg-3D) https://cdss.govqa.us/WEBAPP//_rs/RequestEdit.aspx?rid=8951
From: Department of Social Services
Hello MuckRock News,
Please see the attached response related to you Public Records Act request.
Thank you,
Raj Shandil
Staff Services Manager
California Department of Social Services
Public Affairs and Outreach Program
744 P Street
Sacramento, California 95814
Phone (916) 657-2268
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