[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: 42CFR424.10]

[Page 934]
 
                         TITLE 42--PUBLIC HEALTH
 
                             HUMAN SERVICES
 
PART 424--CONDITIONS FOR MEDICARE PAYMENT--Table of Contents
 
       Subpart B--Certification and Plan of Treatment Requirements
 
Sec. 424.10  Purpose and scope.


    (a) Purpose. The physician has a major role in determining 
utilization of health services furnished by providers. The physician 
decides upon admissions, orders tests, drugs, and treatments, and 
determines the length of stay. Accordingly, sections 1814(a)(2) and 
1835(a)(2) of the Act establish as a condition for Medicare payment that 
a physician certify the necessity of the services and, in some 
instances, recertify the continued need for those services.

Section 1814(a)(2) of the Act also permits nurse practitioners or 
clinical nurse specialists to certify and recertify the need for post-
hospital extended care services.
    (b) Scope. This subpart sets forth the timing, content, and 
signature requirements for certification and recertification with 
respect to certain Medicare services furnished by providers.

[60 FR 38271, July 26, 1995]