These are the main stages in the single technology appraisal process used before April 2018.

It applies to evaluations that started before 1 February 2022. 

In April 2018, following the publication of our new methods, processes and topic selection manualswe implemented a new STA process. The new manuals apply to evaluations that began after this date.

View the new processView the timeline for multiple technology appraisals

Timings are approximate. For a full description of the appraisal process, please see our process guide and methods guide.

Topics are referred to us by Ministers following the topic selection process.

Timeline

  • wk0

    Development starts

    We invite relevant stakeholders (known as consultees and commentators) to take part in the appraisal. 

    All non-company consultees have 8 weeks to submit a statement on the potential clinical and cost-effectiveness of treatment.

    Find out more about consultee submissions

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

  • wk0

    Request for evidence

    We ask the intervention technology company to produce a report of all relevant evidence - published and unpublished - for the appraisal.

    They have 8 weeks to produce the report. 

    Find out more about evidence submissions

  • wk0

    Key information added to the NICE 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.

  • wk2

    Request for clinical, commissioning and patient experts 

    We ask the consultees and commentators to send in their nominations. The NICE team and the chair of the Appraisal Committee select experts from those nominated.

    Experts can submit statements and attend the appraisal committee meeting to present their views.

  • wk8

    Deadline for evidence submissions

  • wk9

    Evidence review begins

    An independent academic centre (called the Evidence Review Group) critiques the company's evidence submission and prepares a report on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the technology. This is called the ERG report.

  • wk10

    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.

  • wk12

    Request for clarification sent to company

    If the evidence submission is incomplete, we consult with the Evidence Review Group and send a letter of clarification to the company.

    The company has 10 days to respond.

  • wk17

    Evidence report (ERG) received by NICE

  • wk18

    ERG report sent to company for information

  • wk18

    Deadline for receipt of the expert statements

  • wk19

    Key documents sent to the appraisal committee

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

    We send attendees:

    • the ERG report and any comments
    • the company submission
    • written submissions from non-company consultees
    • personal statements from patient, clinical and commissioning experts
    • a pre-meeting briefing written by NICE's technical lead for the appraisal
    • the final scope of the appraisal and the list of consultees and commentators.
  • wk21

    Appraisal committee meets to consider the evidence

    We hold an appraisal committee meeting to consider the committee papers and hear from nominated clinical, patient and NHS commissioning experts.

    The committee will decide to develop an appraisal consultation document (ACD) or final appraisal document (FAD).

    The ACD contains the draft recommendations from the Appraisal Committee. The FAD is the final draft of the guidance and includes the committee's final recommendations.

    We produce an ACD when the recommendations from the Appraisal Committee don’t recommend the use of the technology, or limit the use of the technology beyond the specifications in the marketing authorisation.

    If an ACD isn’t needed we move straight to developing the final appraisal document (FAD) (see week 29).

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

    Register to attend a meeting

    For non-cancer topics, the committee meeting cannot go ahead until the CHMP opinion is published.

  • wk24

    Appraisal consultation document (ACD) and supporting documents sent out for comment

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

  • wk25

    Public consultation on the ACD 

    The ACD 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

  • wk26

    Final appraisal document (FAD) sent out to consultees and commentators  (if no ACD produced)

    Consultees have 15 days to appeal.

    Find out more about the appeals process

  • wk27

    Final appraisal document (FAD) published on website (if no ACD produced)

  • wk26

    Final appraisal document (FAD) sent out to consultees and commentators  (if no ACD produced)

    Consultees have 15 days to appeal.

    Find out more about the appeals process

  • wk27

    Final appraisal document (FAD) published on website (if no ACD produced)

  • wk26

    Final appraisal document (FAD) sent out to consultees and commentators  (if no ACD produced)

    Consultees have 15 days to appeal.

    Find out more about the appeals process

  • wk27

    Final appraisal document (FAD) published on website (if no ACD produced)

  • wk28

    Consultation on the ACD ends

  • wk29

    Appraisal committee meets to develop the FAD

    The Appraisal Committee considers the comments received on the ACD, then makes its final recommendations on how the technology should be used in the NHS in England. This is the FAD.

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

    Register to attend a meeting

  • wk30

    Guidance issued (if no ACD produced)

    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.

  • wk34

    FAD and supporting documents sent to consultees and commentators

    Consultees have 15 working days to appeal against the final recommendations in the FAD.

    Find out more about the appeals process

  • wk35

    FAD published

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

  • wk37

    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.

  • wk43

    Technology appraisal published

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

    The technology appraisal is published on the NICE website and incorporated into NICE Pathways. Registered stakeholders are notified by email.

    When the guidance is published we give a date for it to be reviewed. This is when we consult with relevant organisations about whether the guidance needs to be updated.

    Find out more about the review process