[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 42, Volume 2] [Revised as of October 1, 2002] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 42CFR421.116] [Page 819] TITLE 42--PUBLIC HEALTH HUMAN SERVICES PART 421--INTERMEDIARIES AND CARRIERS--Table of Contents Subpart B--Intermediaries Sec. 421.116 Designation of national or regional intermediaries. (a) After considering intermediary performance measured against the criteria and standards specified in Secs. 421.120 and 421.122, CMS may designate a particular intermediary to serve a class of providers nationwide or in any geographic area it defines. CMS may make this designation if it determines that the designation will result in a greater degree of effectiveness and efficiency in the administration of the Medicare program than could be achieved by an assignment of providers to an intermediary preferred by the providers. (b) No designation may be made until the affected providers and intermediaries are given an explanation and the intermediaries are advised of their right to a hearing and judicial review as specified in Sec. 421.128. This provision does not apply to experimental contracts awarded under Sec. 421.118. (c) To designate an intermediary, CMS may establish classes of providers on the basis of-- (1) The type of provider, for example, hospital, skilled nursing facility, home health agency; or (2) Common characteristics. [45 FR 42179, June 23, 1980, as amended at 49 FR 3660, Jan. 30, 1984] [[Page 820]]