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. • The Lead Agency does not pay for reasonable mandatory registration fees that the provider charges to private-paying parents, as required by 98.45(m)(4). (Plan Question 4.4.2b) Overall Target Completion Date: 08/01/2026 Action Step Number Action Step Description Target Completion Date 1 Submit change request to NC FAST. 05/30/2024 2 Develop policy and procedures for program. 08/29/2025 3 Finalize business requirements for NC FAST. 11/01/2025 4 Release functionality in NC FAST and new policy to DSS/LPA workers via written policy document, share during Economic Programs Committee with DSS agencies, and incorporate training for new policy into county TA meetings and territory trainings. Provide written notice of the policy change to providers and recipients. 08/01/2026