To encourage evidence-based use of
advanced imaging services, CMS has required the development of
appropriate use criteria (AUC) that can be recognized under 414.94
as part of the Medicare program. Organizations that use processes
meeting these requirements and want to be recognized as qualified
provider-led entities (PLEs) may apply to CMS. Expected respondents
include national medical professional specialty societies, health
systems and any other entity that meets the definition.
Applications must be submitted electronically and demonstrate how
the organization’s process meets the requirements in 414.94(c)(1)
which include: a systematic literature review of the clinical topic
and relevant imaging studies; AUC development led by at least one
multidisciplinary team with autonomous governance; a process for
identifying team members’ conflicts of interest; publication of
individual AUC on each organizations website; identification of AUC
that are relevant to priority clinical areas; identification of key
decision points for individual criterion as evidence-based or
consensus-based and strength of evidence grading per a formal,
published, and widely recognized methodology; a transparent process
for the timely and continual updating of each criterion; and a
process for developing, modifying or endorsing AUC publicly posted
on the entity’s website; disclosure of external parties involved in
the AUC development process. To be identified as a qualified PLE by
CMS, organizations must demonstrate adherence to the requirements
in their application and use the application process identified in
414.94(c)(2) which includes: only entities meeting the definition
of PLE are eligible to submit applications documenting adherence to
each AUC development requirement; applications will be accepted
annually by January 1; all approved PLEs from each year of
submissions will be posted to the CMS website by June 30; and all
qualified PLEs must re-apply every 5 years and applications must be
submitted by January 1 during the 5th year of after the PLE’s most
recent approval date.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.