CMS Extends Timeline for Publishing Final Rule on PRRB Procedures

On June 22, 2007, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a Notice in the Federal Register, which extended the timeline for publishing the final rule updating the guidelines and procedures for Provider Reimbursement Review Board (PRRB) appeals until June 25, 2008.

On June 25, 2004, CMS published a Proposed Rule in the Federal Register that would update the guidelines and procedures for PRRB appeals.  On December 11, 2006, the Department of Health and Human Services published its Semiannual Regulatory Agenda indicating that a final rule would be published in June 2007.  However, the Notice indicates that the timeline is being extended because of the public comments received, the complex policy and legal issue raised in those comments, and the need for extensive consultation and analysis.

Currently, the PRRB's guidelines and procedures are found in the PRRB's March 1, 2002 Instructions, Section 1878 of the Social Security Act, and 42 C.F.R. 405-1835-1873.