Multiple technology appraisal process timeline

Timings are approximate. For a full description of the multiple technology appraisal process please see our health technology evaluation manual.

Topics are referred to us by Ministers following the NICE-wide topic prioritisation process.

Our previous process

For a full description of the appraisal process we used before April 2018, please see our previous process guide and previous methods guide.

Timeline

Please note all timings are approximate.

Week 1

Development starts

• We invite relevant stakeholders (known as consultees and commentators) to take part in the appraisal and to nominate clinical, commissioning and patient experts.

• We ask consultees to submit any relevant information about the topic.

• They have 14 weeks to send in their submissions. Find out more about consultee submissions.

• Organisations can apply to become a consultee or commentator at any point in the process.

Key information is added to our website

• We add the remit, scope and a list of consultees and commentators to the website.

• The remit is the brief for the appraisal. The scope sets out what the technology appraisal will cover and the questions that need to be addressed.

Week 9

Stakeholder information meeting (SIM) may be held

All consultees and commentators can send up to 2 representatives to the meeting.

Week 15

Deadline for the receipt of consultee submissions

Week 16

Evidence review begins

• We send the consultee submissions to an independent academic centre (called the Assessment Group).

• They use the consultee submissions to help write the assessment report on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the technology(ies).

Week 17

Expert invitations

• We invite the selected clinical, commissioning and patient experts to attend the appraisal committee.

• We ask them to submit a statement on the technology and how it should be used in the NHS in England.

Week 29

External Assessment Group report received by NICE

Week 31

External Assessment Report sent to the consultees and commentators for comment

Week 31

External Assessment Report published on our website for information

Week 33

Deadline for receipt of the expert statements

Week 35

Deadline for the consultee and commentator comments on the assessment report

Week 37

Key documents sent to the appraisal committee

The appraisal committee is an independent advisory committee that makes the recommendations.

We send attendees (except members of the public):

• A link to the final scope of the evaluation and the stakeholder list.

• The external assessment report, clarification comments and responses, comments from technical engagement (if held) and the technical team's summary of them.

• The evidence submissions from organisations and experts.

• If produced, the managed access or further evidence generation assessment report.

• If produced, the draft data collection agreement.

Find out more about the committee and how you can attend a meeting.

Week 38

Appraisal committee meets to consider the evidence

We hold an appraisal committee meeting to consider the written evidence and verbal evidence, drawn from discussions with experts, EAG representatives and national clinical directors or advisers.

The committee decides whether to produce draft recommendations known as draft guidance (DG) or final recommendations, known as final draft guidance (FDG)

We produce draft guidance when the recommendations from the appraisal committee don’t recommend use of the technology, or limit the use of the technology beyond the specifications in the marketing authorisation.

Final draft of the guidance includes the committee's final recommendations.

If DG isn’t needed we move straight to developing the final draft guidance (FDG) (see week 43).

• Part 1 of this meeting is open to members of the public and press. Register to attend a meeting.

Week 41

Draft Guidance (DG) and supporting documents sent out for comment

Consultees and commentators have 20 working days to submit their comments on the draft recommendations.

Week 42

Public consultation on the DG

• The DG and supporting documents are published on the website for comment. The consultation is open for 15 working days.

• Anyone can submit comments during consultation. View open consultations.

Week 43

Final guidance document (FDD) sent to consultees and commentators for comment (if no DG produced)

• Consultees have 15 days to appeal.

• Anyone can submit comments during consultation. Find out more about the appeals process.

Week 45

Public consultation on the ACD ends

Week 46

Appraisal committee meet to develop the FDG

• The appraisal committee considers the comments received on the DG, then makes its final recommendations on how the technology should be used in the NHS in England. This is the FDG. Find out more about the appeals process.

• Part 1 of the meeting is open to members of the public and press. Register to attend a meeting.

Week 48

Guidance issued (if no DG)

• If no DG was produced and no appeals have been received, the topic is published.

• This is the earliest possible point that final guidance can be issued.

Week 52

FDG and supporting documents sent to consultees and commentators

Consultees have 15 days to appeal against the final recommendations in the FAD. Find out more about the appeals process.

Week 53

FDG published

We publish the FDG and supporting documents on the website for information.

Week 55

Close of appeal period

If no appeals have been received, the guidance is prepared for publication. If appeals have been received, the appeals process is followed.

Week 61

Technology appraisal publishes

• If there are no appeals the final recommendations are issued as NICE guidance.

• The technology appraisal is published on the NICE website. Registered stakeholders are notified by email.