Medicare program; Medicare Integrity Program, fiscal intermediary and carrier functions, and conflict of interest requirements. Final rule

This final rule establishes the Medicare Integrity Program (MIP) and implements program integrity activities that are funded from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. This final rule sets forth the definitions related to eligible entities; services to be procured; competitive requirements based on Federal acquisition regulations and exceptions (guidelines for automatic renewal); procedures for identification, evaluation, and resolution of conflicts of interest; and limitations on contractor liability. This final rule brings certain sections of the Medicare regulations concerning fiscal intermediaries (FIs) and carriers into conformity with the Social Security Act (the Act). The rule distinguishes between those functions that the statute requires to be included in agreements with FIs and those that may be included in the agreements. It also provides that some or all of the functions may be included in carrier contracts.