Contractor Advisory Committee (CAC)

13.2.4.3 – Contractor Advisory Committee (CAC) (Rev. 863; Issued: 02-12-19; Effective: 10-03-18; Implementation: 01-08-19) MACs shall establish one CAC per state or have the option of establishing one CAC per jurisdiction or multi-jurisdictional CAC with representation from each state. It is expected that if a MAC chooses to have one CAC per jurisdiction or multi-jurisdictional CAC, the MAC shall endeavor to ensure that each state has a full committee and the opportunity to discuss the quality of evidence used to make a determination. The purpose of the CAC is to provide a formal mechanism for healthcare professionals to be informed of the evidence used in developing the LCD and promote communications between the MAC and the healthcare community. CAC members should serve in an advisory capacity as representatives of their constituency to review the quality of the evidence used in the development of an LCD. The CAC is advisory in nature, with the final decision on all issues resting with MACs. Accordingly, the advice rendered by the CAC is most useful when it results from a process of full scientific inquiry and thoughtful discussion with careful framing of recommendations and clear identification of the basis of those recommendations. The CAC is to be composed of healthcare professionals, beneficiary representatives, and representatives of medical organizations. The CAC is used to supplement the MAC’s internal expertise and to ensure an unbiased and contemporary consideration of "state of the art" technology and science. CAC members are valued for their background, education, experience and/or expertise in a wide variety of scientific, clinical, and other related fields. The MAC shall endeavor to ensure each specialty that serves on the CAC shall have at least one member and a designated alternate approved by the MAC. If the CAC member or alternate cannot attend the CAC meeting, a substitute may attend if the MAC is notified and approved at least 1 week prior to the meeting. MACs shall work with CAC members to select a meeting location that will optimize participation. MACs shall keep a copy of the number of CAC attendees and make a copy available to CMS BFL and COR upon request. MACs shall record (video, audio or both) the CAC meetings and as part of the LCD record, assure the recording is maintained on their contractor website. Contractors have the option of hosting in-person and/or telephonic/video/on- line conference/etc. meetings. All CAC meetings will be open to the public to attend and observe Portions of the meeting not discussing evidence for a proposed LCD, such as provider practice trend reporting or discussions related to fraud and abuse, may be closed to the public. Participation in the CAC is considered voluntary. MACs do not provide an honorarium or other forms of compensation to members. Expenses are the responsibility of the individuals or the associations they represent.