equal-access-payment-practices

Reason(s) for non-compliance: • The Lead Agency does not pay all provider types prospectively or alternatively does not demonstrate that it is not a generally-accepted practice for all provider types, as required by 98.45(m)(1). (Plan Question 4.4.1a). Please note the Lead Agency has an approved waiver for this requirement through August 1, 2026. • The Lead Agency does not pay based on enrollment or alternatively does not provide justification that this is impracticable or is not a generally-accepted practice, as required by 98.45(m)(2). (Plan Question 4.4.1b). Please note the Lead Agency has an approved waiver for this requirement through August 1, 2026. Overall Target Completion Date: 07/31/2026 Action Step Number Action Step Description Target Completion Date 1 Waiver approved for Plan Question 4.4.1a, Paying Providers Prospectively. 11/22/2024 2 Draft proposed language in DEL’s Long-Range Program Plan (LRPP), including an amended Legislative Budget Request (LBR), to incorporate new CCDF Final Rule requirements. Obtain agency head approval. Coordinate with Legislature. Seek legislative approval. 01/31/2026 3 Engage in rulemaking to amend Rule 6M-4.500, F.A.C., Child Attendance and Provider Reimbursements, to require payment prior to delivery of services. 04/30/2026 4 Update system requirements and test functionality of the single statewide information system. 06/30/2026 5 Implement amended rule. 07/01/2026 6 Submit CCDF plan amendment. 07/31/2026 7 Waiver approved for Plan Question 4.4.1b, Paying Providers Based on Enrollment 11/22/2024 8 Draft proposed language in DEL’s Long-Range Program Plan (LRPP), including an amended Legislative Budget Request (LBR), to incorporate new CCDF Final Rule requirements. Obtain agency head approval. Coordinate with Legislature. Seek legislative approval. 01/31/2026 9 Engage in rulemaking to amend Rule 6M-4.500, F.A.C., Child Attendance and Provider Reimbursements to require paying providers based on enrollment. 04/30/2026 10 Update system requirements and test functionality of the single statewide information system. 06/30/2026 11 Implement amended rule. 07/01/2026 12 Submit CCDF plan amendment. 07/31/2026