The notices are required under '1866(a)(1)(M) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. '1395cc(a)(1)(M), and 42 C.F.R. ''466.78, 489.20, 489.27, 489.34, 411.404, 412.42, 417,440, 422.620. Useful information about the notices is available from HCFA's website at http://www.hcfa.gov/regs/prdact95.htm.
These notices are important in exercising the beneficiary's appeal rights when hospital services are denied, reduced, or terminated. These notices, particularly when given at the time the hospital or managed care organization intends to discharge the patient, become essential to securing expedited review while still in the hospital.