Sec. 403. Regional administration
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/bill/116/hr/1384/ih/section-403·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Secretary shall establish and maintain regional offices for purposes of carrying out the duties specified in subsection
(c)and promoting adequate access to, and efficient use of, tertiary care facilities, equipment, and services by individuals enrolled under this Act. Wherever possible, the Secretary shall incorporate regional offices of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for this purpose. In each such regional office there shall be— one regional director appointed by the Secretary; and one deputy director appointed by the regional director to represent the Indian and Alaska Native tribes in the region, if any. Each regional director shall— provide an annual health care needs assessment with respect to the region under the director’s jurisdiction to the Secretary after a thorough examination of health needs and in consultation with public health officials, clinicians, patients, and patient advocates; recommend any changes in provider reimbursement or payment for delivery of health services determined appropriate by the regional director, subject to the provisions of title VI; and establish a quality assurance mechanism in each such region in order to minimize both underutilization and overutilization of health care items and services and to ensure that all providers meet quality standards established pursuant to this Act.