CMS Pub. 100-08, ch. 13, § 13.2.4.4

After the proposed LCD is made public, MACs shall hold open meetings to discuss the review of

the evidence and the rationale for the proposed LCD(s) with stakeholders in their jurisdiction.

The open meeting should endeavor to accommodate some in-person attendance, subject to

limitations based on venue. Interested parties (generally those that would be affected by the

LCD, including providers, physicians, vendors, manufacturers, beneficiaries, caregivers, etc.)

can make presentations of information related to the proposed LCDs. MACs should provide an

email address on their contractor website where all interested parties shall submit their

presentation materials. However, all formal comments must be submitted in writing to the MAC.

Contractors shall remain sensitive to parties that may have an interest in an issue and endeavor

to invite them to participate in meetings at which a related LCD is being discussed. In

recognition that the efficient use of resources may require several proposed LCDs to be

discussed during one meeting, time for presentation by interested parties may be limited. The

presentation time shall be equally divided amongst the LCDs discussed at the meeting. Members

of the CAC may also attend these open meetings. MACs shall keep a copy of the number of

attendees and make a copy available to CMS BFL and COR upon request. MACs shall record

(video, audio or both) the Open Meetings and as part of the LCD record, assure the recording is

maintained on their contractor website.

MACs are required to notify the public about the dates, times, and location for the open meeting.

MACs have the option of setting up email listservs to announce this information or may use other

education methods to inform the public. The listserv or other method should clearly identify the

location, times, dates and telephone/video/on-line conference information for the open meeting

to ensure that this information is clearly distinguished from the information for the CAC

meetings. MACs shall post the planned agenda for the open meeting a minimum of two weeks

prior to the event on their contractor website and will inform the public that the agenda has been

posted.