The facility must have in effect a written utilization review plan that is implemented at least each quarter, to assess the necessity of services and promotes the most efficient use of services provided by the facility.
(a) Standard: Utilization review committee. The utilization review committee, consisting of the group of professional personnel specified in Sec. 485.56(c), a committee of this group, or a group of similar composition, comprised by professional personnel not associated with the facility, must carry out the utilization review plan.
(b) Standard: Utilization review plan. The utilization review plan must contain written procedures for evaluating--
(1) Admissions, continued care, and discharges using, at a minimum, the criteria established in the patient care policies;
(2) The applicability of the plan of treatment to established goals; and
(3) The adequacy of clinical records with regard to--
(i) Assessing the quality of services provided; and
(ii) Determining whether the facility's policies and clinical practices are compatible and promote appropriate and efficient utilization of services.