Approval Process

In an effort to keep stakeholders apprised of the status of HCBS Statewide Transition Plans (STP), the following documents will be posted on the Statewide Transition Plans page, as they become available or are sent to states:

1. Proposed Plan URL: The URL link to the STP the state submitted to CMS.
2. CMIA: Clarifications and/or Modifications required for Initial Approval: The communication CMS sends to the state notifying the state that public comment, input and summary requirements are met, but CMS has identified issues that must be resolved in the STP prior to initial approval.
3. Initial Approval with Milestones and a Resubmission Date: The communication CMS sends to the state notifying the state that public comment, input and summary requirements are met, the STP is sufficient, but systemic and/or site-specific assessments are not yet completed.  The response to the state will vary dependent on whether the state has or has not identified settings that are presumed to have institutional characteristics and any information the state may wish CMS to consider under the heightened scrutiny process.  
4. Final Approval:  The communication CMS sends to the state notifying the state that public comment, input and summary requirements are met, the STP has provided all necessary information including but not limited to; systemic assessment, site specific assessment, settings presumed to have institutional characteristics, information regarding heightened scrutiny or the state’s decision to let the presumption stand, and clear remedial steps with milestones are delineated.  
5. Approved Plan:  The CMS approved STP is posted on the Statewide Transition Plans page.