Data that the committee uses to perform studies must be obtained from one or more of the following sources:

(a) Medical records or other appropriate hospital data.

(b) External organizations that compile statistics, design profiles, and produce other comparative data.

(c) Cooperative endeavors with—

(1) QIOs;

(2) Fiscal agents;

(3) Other service providers; or

(4) Other appropriate agencies.

[43 FR 45266, Sept. 29, 1978, as amended at 51 FR 43198, Dec. 1, 1986]