Data that the committee uses to perform studies must be obtained from one or more of the following sources:

1. (a) Medical records or other appropriate hospital data.
2. (b) External organizations that compile statistics, design profiles, and produce other comparative data.

3. (c) Cooperative endeavors with—

   1. (1) QIOs;
   2. (2) Fiscal agents;
   3. (3) Other service providers; or
   4. (4) Other appropriate agencies.

[43 FR 45266, Sept. 29, 1978, as amended at 51 FR 43198, Dec. 1, 1986]