Each application must contain—

(a) The specific State application requirements (including certifications, descriptions, methods, and policies and procedures) required in §§ 303.201 through 303.212; and

(b) The assurances required in §§ 303.221 through 303.227.

Each application must include the name of the State lead agency, as designated under § 303.120, that will be responsible for the administration of funds provided under this part.

Each application must include a certification to the Secretary that the arrangements to establish financial responsibility for the provision of part C services among appropriate public agencies under § 303.511 and the lead agency's contracts with EIS providers regarding financial responsibility for the provision of part C services both meet the requirements in subpart F of this part (§§ 303.500 through 303.521) and are current as of the date of submission of the certification.

Each application must include —

(a) A description of services to be provided under this part to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families through the State's system;

(b) The State's policies and procedures regarding the identification and coordination of all available resources within the State from Federal, State, local, and private sources as required under subpart F of this part and including—

(1) Policies or procedures adopted by the State as its system of payments that meet the requirements in §§ 303.510, 303.520 and 303.521 (regarding the use of public insurance or benefits, private insurance, or family costs or fees); and

(2) Methods used by the State to implement the requirements in § 303.511(b)(2) and (b)(3); and

(c) The State's rigorous definition of developmental delay as required under §§ 303.10 and 303.111.

If the State provides services under this part to at-risk infants and toddlers through the statewide system, the application must include—

(a) The State's definition of at-risk infants and toddlers with disabilities who are eligible in the State for services under part C of the Act (consistent with §§ 303.5 and 303.21(b)); and

(b) A description of the early intervention services provided under this part to at-risk infants and toddlers with disabilities who meet the State's definition described in paragraph (a) of this section.

(a) General. Each State application must include a description of the uses for funds under this part for the fiscal year or years covered by the application. The description must be presented separately for the lead agency and the Council and include the information required in paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section.

(b) State administration funds including administrative positions. For lead agencies other than State educational agencies (SEAs), each application must include the total—

(1) Amount of funds retained by the lead agency for administration purposes, including the amount in paragraph (b)(2) of this section; and

(2) Number of full-time equivalent administrative positions to be used to implement part C of the Act, and the total amount of salaries (including benefits) for those positions.

(c) Maintenance and implementation activities. Each application must include a description of the nature and scope of each major activity to be carried out under this part, consistent with § 303.501, and the approximate amount of funds to be spent for each activity.

(d) Direct services. Each application must include a description of any direct services that the State expects to provide to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families with funds under this part, consistent with § 303.501, and the approximate amount of funds under this part to be used for the provision of each direct service.

(e) Activities by other public agencies. If other public agencies are to receive funds under this part, the application must include—

(1) The name of each agency expected to receive funds;

(2) The approximate amount of funds each agency will receive; and

(3) A summary of the purposes for which the funds will be used.

Each application must include the State's policies and procedures that require the referral for early intervention services under this part of specific children under the age of three, as described in § 303.303(b).

Each application must include a description of the procedure used by the State to ensure that resources are made available under this part for all geographic areas within the State.

(a) Application. At least 60 days prior to being submitted to the Department, each application for funds under this part (including any policies, procedures, descriptions, methods, certifications, assurances and other information required in the application) must be published in a manner that will ensure circulation throughout the State for at least a 60-day period, with an opportunity for public comment on the application for at least 30 days during that period.

(b) State Policies and Procedures. Each application must include a description of the policies and procedures used by the State to ensure that, before adopting any new policy or procedure (including any revision to an existing policy or procedure) needed to comply with part C of the Act and these regulations, the lead agency—

(1) Holds public hearings on the new policy or procedure (including any revision to an existing policy or procedure);

(2) Provides notice of the hearings held in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this section at least 30 days before the hearings are conducted to enable public participation; and

(3) Provides an opportunity for the general public, including individuals with disabilities, parents of infants and toddlers with disabilities, EIS providers, and the members of the Council, to comment for at least 30 days on the new policy or procedure (including any revision to an existing policy or procedure) needed to comply with part C of the Act and these regulations.

(a) Application requirements. Each State must include the following in its application:

(1) A description of the policies and procedures it will use to ensure a smooth transition for infants and toddlers with disabilities under the age of three and their families from receiving early intervention services under this part to—

(i) Preschool or other appropriate services (for toddlers with disabilities); or

(ii) Exiting the program for infants and toddlers with disabilities.

(2) A description of how the State will meet each of the requirements in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section.

(3)(i)(A) If the lead agency is not the SEA, an interagency agreement between the lead agency and the SEA; or

(B) If the lead agency is the SEA, an intra-agency agreement between the program within that agency that administers part C of the Act and the program within the agency that administers section 619 of the Act.

(ii) To ensure a seamless transition between services under this part and under part B of the Act, an interagency agreement under paragraph (a)(3)(i)(A) of this section or an intra-agency agreement under paragraph (a)(3)(i)(B) of this section must address how the lead agency and the SEA will meet the requirements of paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section (including any policies adopted by the lead agency under § 303.401(d) and (e)), § 303.344(h), and 34 CFR 300.101(b), 300.124, 300.321(f), and 300.323(b).

(4) Any policy the lead agency has adopted under § 303.401(d) and (e).

(b) Notification to the SEA and appropriate LEA. (1) The State lead agency must ensure that—

(i) Subject to paragraph (b)(2) of this section, not fewer than 90 days before the third birthday of the toddler with a disability if that toddler may be eligible for preschool services under part B of the Act, the lead agency notifies the SEA and the LEA for the area in which the toddler resides that the toddler on his or her third birthday will reach the age of eligibility for services under part B of the Act, as determined in accordance with State law;

(ii) Subject to paragraph (b)(2) of this section, if the lead agency determines that the toddler is eligible for early intervention services under part C of the Act more than 45 but less than 90 days before that toddler's third birthday and if that toddler may be eligible for preschool services under part B of the Act, the lead agency, as soon as possible after determining the child's eligibility, notifies the SEA and the LEA for the area in which the toddler with a disability resides that the toddler on his or her third birthday will reach the age of eligibility for services under part B of the Act, as determined in accordance with State law; or

(iii) Subject to paragraph (b)(2) of this section, if a toddler is referred to the lead agency fewer than 45 days before that toddler's third birthday and that toddler may be eligible for preschool services under part B of the Act, the lead agency, with parental consent required under § 303.414, refers the toddler to the SEA and the LEA for the area in which the toddler resides; but, the lead agency is not required to conduct an evaluation, assessment, or an initial IFSP meeting under these circumstances.

(2) The State must ensure that the notification required under paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii) of this section is consistent with any policy that the State has adopted, under § 303.401(e), permitting a parent to object to disclosure of personally identifiable information.

(c) Conference to discuss services. The State lead agency must ensure that—

(1) If a toddler with a disability may be eligible for preschool services under part B of the Act, the lead agency, with the approval of the family of the toddler, convenes a conference, among the lead agency, the family, and the LEA not fewer than 90 days—and, at the discretion of all parties, not more than 9 months—before the toddler's third birthday to discuss any services the toddler may receive under part B of the Act; and.

(2) If the lead agency determines that a toddler with a disability is not potentially eligible for preschool services under part B of the Act, the lead agency, with the approval of the family of that toddler, makes reasonable efforts to convene a conference among the lead agency, the family, and providers of other appropriate services for the toddler to discuss appropriate services that the toddler may receive.

(d) Transition plan. The State lead agency must ensure that for all toddlers with disabilities—

(1)(i) It reviews the program options for the toddler with a disability for the period from the toddler's third birthday through the remainder of the school year; and

(ii) Each family of a toddler with a disability who is served under this part is included in the development of the transition plan required under this section and § 303.344(h);

(2) It establishes a transition plan in the IFSP not fewer than 90 days—and, at the discretion of all parties, not more than 9 months—before the toddler's third birthday; and

(3) The transition plan in the IFSP includes, consistent with § 303.344(h), as appropriate—

(i) Steps for the toddler with a disability and his or her family to exit from the part C program; and

(ii) Any transition services that the IFSP Team identifies as needed by that toddler and his or her family.

(e) Transition conference and meeting to develop transition plan. Any conference conducted under paragraph (c) of this section or meeting to develop the transition plan under paragraph (d) of this section (which conference and meeting may be combined into one meeting) must meet the requirements in §§ 303.342(d) and (e) and 303.343(a).

(f) Applicability of transition requirements. (1) The transition requirements in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii), (c)(1), and (d) of this section apply to all toddlers with disabilities receiving services under this part before those toddlers turn age three, including any toddler with a disability under the age of three who is served by a State that offers services under § 303.211.

(2) In a State that offers services under § 303.211, for toddlers with disabilities identified in § 303.209(b)(1)(i), the parent must be provided at the transition conference conducted under paragraph (c)(1) of this section:

(i) An explanation, consistent with § 303.211(b)(1)(ii), of the toddler's options to continue to receive early intervention services under this part or preschool services under section 619 of the Act.

(ii) The initial annual notice referenced in § 303.211(b)(1).

(3) For children with disabilities age three and older who receive services pursuant to § 303.211, the State must ensure that it satisfies the separate transition requirements in § 303.211(b)(6)(ii).

(a) Each application must contain a description of State efforts to promote collaboration among Head Start and Early Head Start programs under the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9801, et seq., as amended), early education and child care programs, and services under this part.

(b) The State lead agency must participate, consistent with section 642B(b)(1)(C)(viii) of the Head Start Act, on the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care established under the Head Start Act.

(a) General. (1) Subject to paragraphs (a)(2) and (b) of this section, a State may elect to include in its application for a grant under this part a State policy, developed and implemented jointly by the lead agency and the SEA, under which a parent of a child with a disability who is eligible for preschool services under section 619 of the Act and who previously received early intervention services under this part, may choose the continuation of early intervention services under this part for his or her child after the child turns three until the child enters, or is eligible under State law to enter, kindergarten or elementary school.

(2) A State that adopts the policy described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section may determine whether it applies to children with disabilities—

(i) From age three until the beginning of the school year following the child's third birthday;

(ii) From age three until the beginning of the school year following the child's fourth birthday; or

(iii) From age three until the beginning of the school year following the child's fifth birthday.

(3) In no case may a State provide services under this section beyond the age at which the child actually enters, or is eligible under State law to enter, kindergarten or elementary school in the State.

(b) Requirements. If a State's application for a grant under this part includes the State policy described in paragraph (a) of this section, the system must ensure the following:

(1) Parents of children with disabilities who are eligible for services under section 619 of the Act and who previously received early intervention services under this part will be provided an annual notice that contains—

(i) A description of the rights of the parents to elect to receive services pursuant to this section or under part B of the Act; and

(ii) An explanation of the differences between services provided pursuant to this section and services provided under part B of the Act, including—

(A) The types of services and the locations at which the services are provided;

(B) The procedural safeguards that apply; and

(C) Possible costs (including the costs or fees to be charged to families as described in §§ 303.520 and 303.521), if any, to parents of children eligible under this part.

(2) Consistent with § 303.344(d), services provided pursuant to this section will include an educational component that promotes school readiness and incorporates preliteracy, language, and numeracy skills.

(3) The State policy ensures that any child served pursuant to this section has the right, at any time, to receive FAPE (as that term is defined at § 303.15) under part B of the Act instead of early intervention services under part C of the Act.

(4) The lead agency must continue to provide all early intervention services identified in the toddler with a disability's IFSP under § 303.344 (and consented to by the parent under § 303.342(e)) beyond age three until that toddler's initial eligibility determination under part B of the Act is made under 34 CFR 300.306. This provision does not apply if the LEA has requested parental consent for the initial evaluation under 34 CFR 300.300(a) and the parent has not provided that consent.

(5) The lead agency must obtain informed consent from the parent of any child with a disability for the continuation of early intervention services pursuant to this section for that child. Consent must be obtained before the child reaches three years of age, where practicable.

(6)(i) For toddlers with disabilities under the age of three in a State that offers services under this section, the lead agency ensures that the transition requirements in § 303.209(b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii), (c)(1), and (d) are met.

(ii) For toddlers with disabilities age three and older in a State that offers services under this section, the lead agency ensures a smooth transition from services under this section to preschool, kindergarten or elementary school by—

(A) Providing the SEA and LEA where the child resides, consistent with any State policy adopted under § 303.401(e), the information listed in § 303.401(d)(1) not fewer than 90 days before the child will no longer be eligible under paragraph (a)(2) of this section to receive, or will no longer receive, early intervention services under this section;

(B) With the approval of the parents of the child, convening a transition conference, among the lead agency, the parents, and the LEA, not fewer than 90 days—and, at the discretion of all parties, not more than 9 months—before the child will no longer be eligible under paragraph (a)(2) of this section to receive, or no longer receives, early intervention services under this section, to discuss any services that the child may receive under part B of the Act; and

(C) Establishing a transition plan in the IFSP not fewer than 90 days—and, at the discretion of all parties, not more than 9 months—before the child will no longer be eligible under paragraph (a)(2) of this section to receive, or no longer receives, early intervention services under this section.

(7) In States that adopt the option to make services under this part available to children ages three and older pursuant to this section, there will be a referral to the part C system, dependent upon parental consent, of a child under the age of three who directly experiences a substantiated case of trauma due to exposure to family violence, as defined in section 320 of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, 42 U.S.C. 10401, et seq.

(c) Reporting requirement. If a State includes in its application a State policy described in paragraph (a) of this section, the State must submit to the Secretary, in the State's report under § 303.124, the number and percentage of children with disabilities who are eligible for services under section 619 of the Act but whose parents choose for their children to continue to receive early intervention services under this part.

(d) Available funds. The State policy described in paragraph (a) of this section must describe the funds—including an identification as Federal, State, or local funds—that will be used to ensure that the option described in paragraph (a) of this section is available to eligible children and families who provide the consent described in paragraph (b)(5) of this section, including fees, if any, to be charged to families as described in §§ 303.520 and 303.521.

(e) Rules of construction. (1) If a statewide system includes a State policy described in paragraph (a) of this section, a State that provides services in accordance with this section to a child with a disability who is eligible for services under section 619 of the Act will not be required to provide the child FAPE under part B of the Act for the period of time in which the child is receiving services under this part.

(2) Nothing in this section may be construed to require a provider of services under this part to provide a child served under this part with FAPE.

Each application must contain—

(a) A description of the steps the State is taking to ensure equitable access to, and equitable participation in, the part C statewide system as required by section 427(b) of GEPA; and

(b) Other information and assurances as the Secretary may reasonably require.

Each application must contain assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that the State has met the requirements in §§ 303.221 through 303.227.

The State must ensure that Federal funds made available to the State under section 643 of the Act will be expended in accordance with the provisions of this part, including §§ 303.500 and 303.501.

The State must ensure that it will comply with the requirements in §§ 303.510 and 303.511 in subpart F of this part.

The State must ensure that—

(a) The control of funds provided under this part, and title to property acquired with those funds, will be in a public agency for the uses and purposes provided in this part; and

(b) A public agency will administer the funds and property.

The State must ensure that it will—

(a) Make reports in the form and containing the information that the Secretary may require; and

(b) Keep records and afford access to those records as the Secretary may find necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of this part, the correctness and verification of reports, and the proper disbursement of funds provided under this part.

(a) Each application must provide satisfactory assurance that the Federal funds made available under section 643 of the Act to the State:

(1) Will not be commingled with State funds; and

(2) Will be used so as to supplement the level of State and local funds expended for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families and in no case to supplant those State and local funds.

(b) To meet the requirement in paragraph (a) of this section, the total amount of State and local funds budgeted for expenditures in the current fiscal year for early intervention services for children eligible under this part and their families must be at least equal to the total amount of State and local funds actually expended for early intervention services for these children and their families in the most recent preceding fiscal year for which the information is available. Allowance may be made for—

(1) A decrease in the number of infants and toddlers who are eligible to receive early intervention services under this part; and

(2)) Unusually large amounts of funds expended for such long-term purposes as the acquisition of equipment and the construction of facilities.

(c) Requirement regarding indirect costs. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, a lead agency under this part may not charge indirect costs to its part C grant.

(2) If approved by the lead agency's cognizant Federal agency or by the Secretary, the lead agency must charge indirect costs through either—

(i) A restricted indirect cost rate that meets the requirements in 34 CFR 76.560 through 76.569; or

(ii) A cost allocation plan that meets the non-supplanting requirements in paragraph (b) of this section and 34 CFR part 76 of EDGAR.

(3) In charging indirect costs under paragraph (c)(2)(i) and (c)(2)(ii) of this section, the lead agency may not charge rent, occupancy, or space maintenance costs directly to the part C grant, unless those costs are specifically approved in advance by the Secretary.

The State must ensure that fiscal control and fund accounting procedures will be adopted as necessary to ensure proper disbursement of, and accounting for, Federal funds paid under this part.

The State must ensure that policies and practices have been adopted to ensure—

(a) That traditionally underserved groups, including minority, low-income, homeless, and rural families and children with disabilities who are wards of the State, are meaningfully involved in the planning and implementation of all the requirements of this part; and

(b) That these families have access to culturally competent services within their local geographical areas.

(a) Subsequent State application. If a State has on file with the Secretary a policy, procedure, method, or assurance that demonstrates that the State meets an application requirement in this part, including any policy, procedure, method, or assurance filed under this part (as in effect before the date of enactment of the Act, December 3, 2004), the Secretary considers the State to have met that requirement for purposes of receiving a grant under this part.

(b) Modification of application. An application submitted by a State that meets the requirements of this part remains in effect until the State submits to the Secretary such modifications as the State determines necessary. This section applies to a modification of an application to the same extent and in the same manner as this paragraph applies to the original application.

(c) Modifications required by the Secretary. The Secretary may require a State to modify its application under this part to the extent necessary to ensure the State's compliance with this part if—

(1) An amendment is made to the Act or to a Federal regulation issued under the Act;

(2) A new interpretation of the Act is made by a Federal court or the State's highest court; or

(3) An official finding of noncompliance with Federal law or regulations is made with respect to the State.

If the Secretary determines that a State is eligible to receive a grant under part C of the Act, the Secretary notifies the State of that determination.

The Secretary does not disapprove an application under this part unless the Secretary determines, after notice and opportunity for a hearing in accordance with the procedures in §§ 303.231 through 303.236, that the application fails to comply with the requirements of this part.

(a) General. (1) The Secretary does not make a final determination that a State is not eligible to receive a grant under part C of the Act until providing the State—

(i) Reasonable notice; and

(ii) An opportunity for a hearing.

(2) In implementing paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, the Secretary sends a written notice to the lead agency by certified mail with a return receipt requested.

(b) Content of notice. In the written notice described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the Secretary—

(1) States the basis on which the Secretary proposes to make a final determination that the State is not eligible;

(2) May describe possible options for resolving the issues;

(3) Advises the lead agency that it may request a hearing and that the request for a hearing must be made not later than 30 days after it receives the notice of the proposed final determination that the State is not eligible; and

(4) Provides the lead agency with information about the hearing procedures that will be followed.

(a) If the lead agency requests a hearing, the Secretary designates one or more individuals, either from the Department or elsewhere, not responsible for or connected with the administration of this program, to conduct a hearing.

(b) If more than one individual is designated, the Secretary designates one of those individuals as the Chief Hearing Official of the Hearing Panel. If one individual is designated, that individual is the Hearing Official.

(a) As used in §§ 303.231 through 303.235, the term party or parties means any of the following:

(1) A lead agency that requests a hearing regarding the proposed disapproval of the State's eligibility under this part.

(2) The Department official who administers the program of financial assistance under this part.

(3) A person, group, or agency with an interest in, and having relevant information about, the case that has applied for and been granted leave to intervene by the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel.

(b) Within 15 days after receiving a request for a hearing, the Secretary designates a Hearing Official or Hearing Panel and notifies the parties.

(c) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may regulate the course of proceedings and the conduct of the parties during the proceedings. The Hearing Official or Panel takes all steps necessary to conduct a fair and impartial proceeding, to avoid delay, and to maintain order, including the following:

(1) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may hold conferences or other types of appropriate proceedings to clarify, simplify, or define the issues or to consider other matters that may aid in the disposition of the case.

(2) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may schedule a prehearing conference with the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel and the parties.

(3) Any party may request the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel to schedule a prehearing or other conference. The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel decides whether a conference is necessary and notifies all parties.

(4) At a prehearing or other conference, the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel and the parties may consider subjects such as—

(i) Narrowing and clarifying issues;

(ii) Assisting the parties in reaching agreements and stipulations;

(iii) Clarifying the positions of the parties;

(iv) Determining whether an evidentiary hearing or oral argument should be held; and

(v) Setting dates for—

(A) The exchange of written documents;

(B) The receipt of comments from the parties on the need for oral argument or an evidentiary hearing;

(C) Further proceedings before the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel, including an evidentiary hearing or oral argument, if either is scheduled;

(D) Requesting the names of witnesses each party wishes to present at an evidentiary hearing and an estimation of time for each presentation; and

(E) Completion of the review and the initial decision of the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel.

(5) A prehearing or other conference held under paragraph (c)(4) of this section may be conducted by telephone conference call.

(6) At a prehearing or other conference, the parties must be prepared to discuss the subjects listed in paragraph (c)(4) of this section.

(7) Following a prehearing or other conference, the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may issue a written statement describing the issues raised, the action taken, and the stipulations and agreements reached by the parties.

(d) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may require the parties to state their positions and to provide all or part of their evidence in writing.

(e) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may require the parties to present testimony through affidavits and to conduct cross-examination through interrogatories.

(f) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may direct the parties to exchange relevant documents, information, and lists of witnesses, and to send copies to the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel.

(g) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may receive, rule on, exclude, or limit evidence at any stage of the proceedings.

(h) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may rule on motions and other issues at any stage of the proceedings.

(i) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may examine witnesses.

(j) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may set reasonable time limits for submission of written documents.

(k) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may refuse to consider documents or other submissions if they are not submitted in a timely manner unless good cause is shown.

(l) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel may interpret applicable statutes and regulations but may not waive them or rule on their validity.

(m)(1) The parties must present their positions through briefs and the submission of other documents and may request an oral argument or evidentiary hearing. The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel must determine whether an oral argument or an evidentiary hearing is needed to clarify the positions of the parties.

(2) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel gives each party an opportunity to be represented by counsel.

(n) If the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel determines that an evidentiary hearing would materially assist the resolution of the matter, the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel gives each party, in addition to the opportunity to be represented by counsel—

(1) An opportunity to present witnesses on the party's behalf; and

(2) An opportunity to cross-examine witnesses either orally or with written questions.

(o) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel accepts any evidence that it finds is relevant and material to the proceedings and is not unduly repetitious.

(p)(1) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel—

(i) Arranges for the preparation of a transcript of each hearing;

(ii) Retains the original transcript as part of the record of the hearing; and

(iii) Provides one copy of the transcript to each party.

(2) Additional copies of the transcript are available on request and with payment of the reproduction fee.

(q) Each party must file with the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel all written motions, briefs, and other documents and must at the same time provide a copy to the other parties to the proceedings.

(a) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel prepares an initial written decision that addresses each of the points in the notice sent by the Secretary to the lead agency under § 303.231, including any amendments to or further clarification of the issues under § 303.233(c).

(b) The initial decision of a Hearing Panel is made by a majority of Hearing Panel members.

(c) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel mails, by certified mail with return receipt requested, a copy of the initial decision to each party (or to the party's counsel) and to the Secretary, with a notice stating that each party has an opportunity to submit written comments regarding the decision to the Secretary.

(d) Each party may file comments and recommendations on the initial decision with the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel within 15 days of the date the party receives the Panel's decision.

(e) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel sends a copy of a party's initial comments and recommendations to the other parties by certified mail with return receipt requested. Each party may file responsive comments and recommendations with the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel within seven days of the date the party receives the initial comments and recommendations.

(f) The Hearing Official or Hearing Panel forwards the parties' initial and responsive comments on the initial decision to the Secretary who reviews the initial decision and issues a final decision.

(g) The initial decision of the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel becomes the final decision of the Secretary unless, within 25 days after the end of the time for receipt of written comments, the Secretary informs the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel and the parties to a hearing in writing that the decision is being further reviewed for possible modification.

(h) The Secretary rejects or modifies the initial decision of the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel if the Secretary finds that it is clearly erroneous.

(i) The Secretary conducts the review based on the initial decision, the written record, the transcript of the Hearing Official's or Hearing Panel's proceedings, and written comments.

(j) The Secretary may remand the matter to the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel for further proceedings.

(k) Unless the Secretary remands the matter as provided in paragraph (j) of this section, the Secretary issues the final decision, with any necessary modifications, within 30 days after notifying the Hearing Official or Hearing Panel that the initial decision is being further reviewed.

(a) Any written submission by a party under §§ 303.230 through 303.236 must be filed with the Secretary by hand-delivery, by mail, or by facsimile transmission. The Secretary discourages the use of facsimile transmission for documents longer than five pages.

(b) The filing date under paragraph (a) of this section is the date the document is—

(1) Hand-delivered;

(2) Mailed; or

(3) Sent by facsimile transmission.

(c) A party filing by facsimile transmission is responsible for confirming that a complete and legible copy of the document was received by the Department.

(d) If a document is filed by facsimile transmission, the Secretary, the Hearing Official, or the Panel, as applicable, may require the filing of a follow-up hard copy by hand-delivery or by mail within a reasonable period of time.

(e) If agreed upon by the parties, service of a document may be made upon the other party by facsimile transmission.

If a State is dissatisfied with the Secretary's final decision with respect to the eligibility of the State under part C of the Act, the State may, not later than 60 days after notice of that decision, file with the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit in which that State is located a petition for review of that decision. A copy of the petition must be transmitted by the clerk of the court to the Secretary. The Secretary then files in the court the record of the proceedings upon which the Secretary's action was based, as provided in 28 U.S.C. 2112.