Documentation of Universe and Sampling Frame

8.4.4.4.1 - Documentation of Universe and Sampling Frame (Rev. 11962; Issued: 04-21-23; Effective: 05-22-23; Implementation: 05-22-23) An explicit statement of how the universe is defined and elements included shall be made and maintained in writing. Further, the sampling frame and specific details as to the period covered, definition of the sampling unit(s), identifiers for the sampling units (e.g., claim numbers, carrier control numbers), and dates of service and source shall be specified and recorded in the contractor’s record of how the sampling was done. If the sampling frame does not contain the elements used to define the universe because the sampling unit does not permit it, then an electronic copy of the universe will be kept by the contractor. A record shall be kept of the random numbers used (if used) in the sample and how they were selected. Documentation shall be kept in sufficient detail so that the sampling frame can be re-created should the methodology be challenged. The contractor shall keep an electronic copy of the sampling frame.