__**Contract State Definitions and Workflow Management**__

**Contract Lifecycle State Framework**

The contract management system utilizes a comprehensive state-based workflow to control contract progression, editing permissions, and claims processing eligibility. Each state represents a specific phase in the contract lifecycle with defined permissions and operational implications.
________________________________________

**Pre-Approval States**

__Draft Status__

**Operational Characteristics:**

  * Editing Permissions: Full modification capabilities available to contract creator
  * Claims Eligibility: Non-claimable status - no claims processing permitted
  * Business Application: Development and preparation phase for contract configuration
  * Workflow Position: Initial state for all new contract creation

__Evaluation Status__

**Operational Characteristics:**

  * Submission Status: Contract submitted by creator for formal review and approval
  * Approval Process: Pending sub-approval or final approval per Contract Approval Hierarchy
  * Claims Eligibility: Non-claimable status - claims processing remains restricted
  * Business Application: Formal review and approval workflow phase
  * Access Control: Editing permissions transferred to designated approvers
________________________________________
**Operational States**

__Approved Status__

**Operational Characteristics:**

  * Approval Completion: Final approval granted by designated authority
  * Automatic Transition: System automatically advances to Active or Expired status based on current date relative to contract timeframe
  * Claims Eligibility: Claimable status activated upon approval
  * Business Application: Contract ready for operational implementation

__Active Status__

**Operational Characteristics:**

  * Operational Status: Fully operational and claims-eligible contract
  * Date Validation: Current date falls within defined contract start and end date parameters
  * Claims Processing: Full claims processing capabilities enabled
  * Business Application: Primary operational state for ongoing contract execution

__Expired Status__

**Operational Characteristics:**

  * Temporal Status: Contract end date has passed relative to current date
  * Claims Eligibility: Maintains claimable status for historical claims processing
  * Business Application: Concluded contracts with ongoing claims processing requirements
  * Operational Continuity: Supports completion of pending claims and final reconciliation
________________________________________
**Modification and Termination States**

__Amended Status__

**Operational Characteristics:**

  * Version Control: Previous contract version superseded by newer amendment
  * Claims Eligibility: Non-claimable status - claims processing redirected to current version
  * Business Application: Historical version preservation while maintaining operational continuity
  * Audit Trail: Maintains complete contract evolution documentation

__Terminated Status__

**Operational Characteristics:**

  * Termination Authority: Available exclusively to users with both Finalizer permissions and Contract Approval Hierarchy membership
  * Eligible Source States: Termination permitted from Active or Expired status only
  * Claims Impact: Prohibits creation of new claims while preserving existing claims processing
  * Business Application: Formal contract conclusion with controlled claims closure

**Cancelled Status**

__Operational Characteristics:__

  * Cancellation Authority: Contract Creator or designated Approver authorization required
  * Eligible Source States: Cancellation permitted from Draft or Evaluation status only
  * Claims History: No claims processing history - contract never achieved claimable status
  * Business Application: Formal abandonment of contracts prior to operational implementation
________________________________________
**Business Implications and Workflow Management**

__Claims Processing Framework__

**Claimable States**: Approved, Active, Expired

**Non-Claimable States**: Draft, Evaluation, Amended, Terminated, Cancelled

__Access Control and Permissions__

**Creator Permissions**: Full editing access in Draft state

** Approver Permissions**: Review and approval authority in Evaluation state

**Finalizer Permissions**: Termination authority for operational contracts

__Audit and Compliance__

**State Transitions**: All status changes maintain comprehensive audit trails

** Version Control**: Complete contract lifecycle documentation preserved

** Regulatory Compliance**: State-based controls ensure appropriate authorization and approval processes