Response to Public Comment

0938-1035

Summary of 60-day Public Comments

Comment:

One commenter stated that “Section 1871(a)(1) and 1871 (a)(2) require that CMS pursue Notice and Comment rule making for this type of substantive policy change.  Moreover, existing regulations found in 42CFR 424.500 - 570 require an actual signature on the Medicare enrollment application.  I respectively request that CMS use Notice and Comment rule making prior to adopting any type of surrogate authorization form for the Medicare enrollment application.” 

Response:

CMS is not altering any of its current regulations.  The Medicare enrollment application will still require an actual signature from the individual provider or the Authorized/Delegated Official of the organization.  The Security Consent and Surrogate Authorization form only allows a surrogate or third party to submit the enrollment application on the provider’s behalf.  It does not change who is responsible for signing the Medicare enrollment application.