Program Innovation Provision

(1) Review of Program Innovation Applications. A community health center may apply for a prospective adjustment of its payment rates under 101 CMR 304.00 or establishment of a rate separate from its payment rates under 101 CMR 304.00 in order to implement a program innovation that advances a high priority policy initiative of the Commonwealth. EOHHS will review and act on such a request within 60 days after receipt of a program innovation application consisting of, but not limited to, a description of the purpose and scope of the program innovation, including number of personnel involved and proposed implementation process and timeline, and a detailed budget of expected additional costs and project volume associated with the program innovation. (2) Criteria. An application pursuant to 101 CMR 304.06(1) may be submitted on the basis of implementing a program innovation that advances a current high priority policy initiative of a state agency. (3) Implementation Schedule. EOHHS will not approve an application submitted pursuant to 101 CMR 304.06(1) unless the community health center demonstrates that it will implement the program innovation within three months of the effective date of the adjustment of its payment rates or the effective date of the separate rate. EOHHS reserves the right to lower the rate retroactive to the date on which the program innovation became effective if the program innovation is not implemented or if actual costs are lower than projected. (4) Authority to Issue Additional Guidance. EOHHS reserves the right to issue an administrative bulletin on this program innovation provision including, but not limited to, an administrative bulletin to specify requirements related to applications, evaluation, use of funds, recordkeeping, and reporting.