AAB Proficiency Testing

CMS Requests Additional Public Comment on the Revised Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN)

CMS is proposing to combine the general and laboratory specific versions of the ABN into a single notice meeting both needs.  The proposal to change the ABN notice was published in the Federal Register on May 25, 2007, announcing the start of a second public comment period for the revised version of the ABN (CMS-R-131).  The May 25 notice requests public comments on a revised ABN package that reflects changes made after the first round of public comments.  Other proposed changes are described in the website posting.   

As required by Section 1879 of the Social Security Act, the ABN is used to inform beneficiaries of potential financial liability, except for certain institutional benefits such as home health and inpatient hospital. Physicians, practitioners, providers and suppliers already required to use ABNs, should continue using the currently approved ABNs until the revised notice is approved.

View the May 25, 2007, Federal Register, copies of the ABN, and supporting documents:

• May 25, 2007, Federal Register
• Revisions to the Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) Paperwork Reduction Act Approval Process May 2007
• Form Instructions Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) OMB Approval Number:  0938-0566
• Supporting Statement for the Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) Contained in 42 CFR § 411.404 and § 411.408
• Paperwork Reduction Act Submission Worksheet - Part I:  Information Collection Request
• Paperwork Reduction Act Submission Worksheet - Part II:  Information Collection Detail
• Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) - Forms:  CMS-R-131, CMS-R-131 - Sample G, and Form CMS-R-131 - Sample L

You may also view the announcement and requirements for submitting comments in the Federal Register.  Go to: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/advanced.html. On this page, choose "Advanced Search", then under "Search by Issue Date", choose search on the "Specific Date" and enter "05/25/2007" in the date field.  Under "Search:" enter "CMS-R-131" (include the quotation marks). To obtain copies of the ABN and supporting documents, go to: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PaperworkReductionActof1995.  On the menu on the left side of this page, click on "PRA Listing", then scroll down or search for "CMS-R-131". Alternatively, you may email your request including your name, address, phone number, OMB control number (0938-0566) and CMS document identifier (CMS-R-131) to Paperwork@cms.hhs.gov or call the Reports Clearance Office: (410) 786-1326.

In order to be accepted, comments must be sent to:

CMS, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs,
Division of Regulations Development - C
Attention:  Bonnie L. Harkless
Room C4-26-05,
7500 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850

Comments must be received by 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 24, 2007.

AAB will be drafting comments, and a copy of the comments will be forwarded for your information in advance of the June 24, 2007, deadline.

Please contact the NILA office if you have any questions.

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