Status update on previous terms of clearance

Status update on previous terms of clearance (7/21/2011):

Question 1    Have you have transitioned to an electronic collection method. If not, elaborate why not (see OMB’s expectation in the second sentence of the TOC) and if this is still your intention. If so, when did that occur and have you or will you submit a subsequent PRA package.

Response    As described in the response to question 2 (below), CMS has not transitioned to an electronic collection method.  If a subsequent PRA package is needed, CMS will submit one in accordance with PRA requirements.

Question 2    What is the status of eSPA, the eSPA Work Group, and the Jan 2009 finalization date?

Response    The eSPA team no longer exists. There was a problem with the contract, and the eSPA system was never completed. I’m not sure that a standing State workgroup existed, but either way all the eSPA workgroups disbanded. There is a new effort to build an automated system under MACBIS (Medicaid and CHIP Business Information System).

Question 3    What are current plans for “replacing the current cumbersome and time-consuming manual process for submitting, reviewing and approving SPAs?”

Response We are in the process of a system build that will take place in phases over several years to bring automation and transparency to all Medicaid and CHIP business.  This will improve the quality and efficiency of our work and create a more authoritative source of program information.  However, the project is only partially funded, prioritizing the 2014 needs, and will need further funding to complete all phases.  Assuming funding is secured, we expect the system to have replaced all other paper-based or semi-automated systems by 2016.