Question 17. Were referral decisions based on verified capacity and quality data, or on informal relationships and customary...? The 2023 report raises a concern, not a finding. People served: A beneficiary may have informed-choice, accessible-notice, hearing, and qualified-provider protections, subject to program limits. David Medeiros: Reporting possible steering can be protected speech or statutory activity only if each required element is proved. ABI Resources: Beneficiary choice does not give ABI a constitutional right to referrals, volume, renewal, or a state contract. Constitutional claims need state action; beneficiary choice does not guarantee ABI referrals or a contract. Classify the issue before choosing a remedy. Preserve the full referral ledger, provider options shown, reasons, dates, decision-makers, and outcomes. Apply Constitution, statute, regulation, contract, then record.