(a) General requirements. An election statement must be made by the Medicare beneficiary or his or her legal representative.
(1) The election must be a written statement that must include the following statements:
- (i) The beneficiary is conscientiously opposed to acceptance of nonexcepted medical treatment.
- (ii) The beneficiary acknowledges that the acceptance of nonexcepted medical treatment is inconsistent with his or her sincere religious beliefs.
- (iii) The beneficiary acknowledges that the receipt of nonexcepted medical treatment constitutes a revocation of the election and may limit further receipt of services in an RNHCI.
- (iv) The beneficiary acknowledges that the election may be revoked by submitting a written statement to CMS.
- (v) The beneficiary acknowledges that revocation of the election will not prevent or delay access to medical services available under Medicare Part A in facilities other than RNHCIs.
- (2) The election must be signed and dated by the beneficiary or his or her legal representative.
- (3) The election must be notarized.
- (4) The RNHCI must keep a copy of the election statement on file and submit the original to CMS with any information obtained regarding prior elections or revocations.
- (5) The election becomes effective on the date it is signed.
- (6) The election remains in effect until revoked.
(b) Revocation of election.
(1) A beneficiary's election is revoked by one of the following:
- (i) The beneficiary receives nonexcepted medical treatment for which Medicare payment is requested.
- (ii) The beneficiary voluntarily revokes the election and notifies CMS in writing.
- (2) The receipt of excepted medical treatment as defined in § 403.702 does not revoke the election made by a beneficiary.
(c) Limitation on subsequent elections.
(1) If a beneficiary's election has been made and revoked twice, the following limitations on subsequent elections apply:
- (i) The third election is not effective until 1 year after the date of the most recent revocation.
- (ii) Any succeeding elections are not effective until 5 years after the date of the most recent revocation.
- (2) CMS will not accept as the basis for payment of any claim any elections executed on or after January 1 of the calendar year in which the sunset provision described in § 403.756 becomes effective.