Oversight of AOs

40.3.1 - Oversight of AOs (Rev. 117, Issued: 08-08-14, Effective: 08-08-14, Implementation: 08-08-14) 42 CFR §422.157(d) After approving an AO for deeming authority, CMS provides oversight of the AOs’ performance. CMS has a number of mechanisms available to fulfill its oversight responsibilities, including: 1. Conducting equivalency reviews if CMS or the AO adds or changes requirements; 2. Conducting validation surveys to examine the results of the AO’s survey; 3. Conducting onsite observations of the AO’s operations and offices to verify the organization’s representation and assess the organization’s compliance with its own policies and procedures; and 4. Investigating accredited MAOs in response to serious complaints. If CMS staff detects a pattern of complaints in deemed areas, they contact the appropriate AO.