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N.J.A.C. 10:71-2.3 This file includes all Regulations adopted and published through the New Jersey Register, Vol. 57 No. 12, June 16, 2025 NJ - New Jersey Administrative Code > TITLE 10. HUMAN SERVICES > CHAPTER 71. MEDICAID ONLY > SUBCHAPTER 2. THE APPLICATION PROCESS § 10:71-2.3 Policy and procedure on prompt disposition (a) The maximum period of time normally essential to process an application for the aged is 45 days; for the disabled or blind, 90 days. (b) "Date of effective disposition" based upon either administrative or board action means: 1. In the case of an approved application, the effective date of the application. (Either the date of application, or the date of form PA-1C, whichever is earlier); 2. In the case of a denied application, the date on which written notification informing the applicant of his or her lack of eligibility and the reason therefor is sent to him or her; 3. In the case of a withdrawn application, the date on which written notification confirming to the client that the agency has taken cognizance of his or her voluntary withdrawal is sent to him or her; or 4. In the case of a dismissed application, the date on which written notification informing the applicant of the dismissal and the reasons therefor is sent to him or her. (c) It is recognized that there will be exceptional cases where the proper processing of an application cannot be completed within the 45/90-day period. Where substantially reliable evidence of eligibility is still lacking at the end of the designated period, the application may be continued in pending status. In each such case, the CSSA shall be prepared to demonstrate that the delay resulted from one of the following: 1. Circumstances wholly within the applicant's control; 2. A determination to afford the applicant, whose proof of eligibility has been inconclusive, a further opportunity to develop additional evidence of eligibility before final action on his or her application; 3. An administrative or other emergency that could not reasonably have been avoided; or 4. Circumstances wholly outside the control of both the applicant and CSSA. (d) When the complete processing of an application is delayed beyond 45 days for the aged or 90 days for the blind or disabled, written notification shall be sent to the applicant on or before the expiration of such period, setting forth the specific reasons for delay. (e) Each county director of welfare shall arrange operational procedures and establish appropriate operational controls within his or her staff organization to expedite the processing of applications and assure the maximum possible compliance with these standards. (f) Control records on the exceptional cases shall disclose at any time the identity of all applications that have been in pending status beyond normal limits for processing and the reason therefor. Such record shall be adequate to make possible the preparation of a report of such information at any time it might be requested by the CSSA or the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services. History