MTA process timeline

These are the main stages in the multiple technology appraisal (MTA) process.

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.

Timeline

  • wk1

    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. 

  • wk1

    Key information 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.

  • wk9

    Stakeholder information meeting (SIM) may be held

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

  • wk15

    Deadline for the receipt of consultee submissions

  • wk16

    Evidence review begins

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

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

  • wk17

    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.

  • wk29

    External Assessment Group report received by NICE

  • wk31

    External Assessment Report sent to the consultees and commentators for comment

  • wk31

    External Assessment Report published on our website for information

  • wk33

    Deadline for receipt of the expert statements

  • wk35

    Deadline for the consultee and commentator comments on the External Assessment Report

  • wk36

    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.

  • wk38

    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 an DG isn’t needed we move straight to developing the FDG (see week 43).

    Part 1 of this meeting is open to members of the public and press.

    Register to attend a meeting

  • wk41

    Draft guidance and supporting documents sent out for comment

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

  • wk42

    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

  • wk43

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

    Consultees have 15 days to appeal.

    Find out more about the appeals process

  • wk45

    Public consultation on the ACD ends

  • wk46

    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

  • wk48

    Guidance issued (if no DG)

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

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

  • wk52

    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

  • wk53

    FDG published

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

  • wk55

    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.

  • wk61

    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.