(a)

(1) A QIO must not disclose its deliberations except to—

(i) CMS; or

(ii) The Office of the Inspector General, and the Government Accountability Office as necessary to carry out statutory responsibilities.

(2) QIO deliberations are not disclosable, either in written form or through oral testimony, in connection with the administrative hearing or review of a beneficiary's claim.

(b) Reasons for QIO decisions.

(1) A QIO may disclose to those who have access to QIO information under other provisions of this subpart, the reasons for QIO decisions pertaining to that information provided that the opinions or judgements of a particular individual or practitioner cannot be identified.

(2) A QIO must disclose, if requested in connection with the administrative hearing or review of a beneficiary's claim, the reasons for QIO decisions. The QIO must include the detailed facts, findings and conclusions supporting the QIO's determination. The QIO must insure that the opinions or judgements of a particular individual or practitioner cannot be identified through the materials that are disclosed.

[50 FR 15359, Apr. 17, 1985,, as amended at 76 FR 26547, May 6, 2011; 77 FR 68564, Nov. 15, 2012]