The Hidden Cost of Waiting: Why Waiting Until December is Risky for Your Agency

When Interim Credentialing was introduced, it gave providers a way to begin serving under T3C while building toward the Full Credential. For many agencies, it has served as a stepping stone, giving time to adjust policies, staffing, and documentation without pausing services.

The real risk for agencies isn't Interim Credentialing; it's waiting until December to get started. The July 2025 T3C Blueprint makes it clear that December 2025 is the final deadline to apply for an Interim Credential. After that, agencies that have not applied will only be eligible to apply for Full Credentialing.

Here’s why waiting until December to act is risky:

1. The Line Will Be Long

DFPS has stated in the July Blueprint that it will prioritize the review of Interim and Full Credential applications based on Service Packages that meet the greatest statewide need, not simply the order submitted. Waiting until December could put your agency at a disadvantage if your packages don’t align with high-priority needs.

2. No More Interim “Safety Net”

If you miss the December deadline, the Interim pathway is closed. You’ll face the higher bar of applying directly for Full Credential, which requires significantly more documentation and operational proof.

3. The Workload Is Heavier Than It Looks

Full Credentialing involves more than policies on paper; it requires evidence of CQI cycles, staffing structures, IT coordination, and audit-ready systems aligned with the July Blueprint. These can’t be built overnight.

Closing Thought

December 2025 is not just another date on the calendar. It marks the end of the Interim pathway. Agencies that wait until the deadline risk falling into processing backlogs or being forced into a direct Full Credential application before they are ready.

Interim was never meant to be just a waiting room. It is a training ground for agencies to stretch, learn, and strengthen their systems before stepping fully into T3C. The agencies that treat Interim as practice for compliance, team and caregiver readiness, and audit preparation will be the ones that thrive when Full Credentialing becomes the only option.

The clear takeaway for leaders: do not treat Interim as merely something to “get through.” Treat it as the season to sharpen your readiness. The agencies utilizing this time to test their CQI loops, document placement practices, and engage staff in real-time compliance will be best positioned for long-term success under T3C.