Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS); Clarification of the CHAMPUS Exclusion of Unproven Drugs, Devices and Medical Treatments and Procedures

This final rule clarifies the CHAMPUS exclusion of unproven drugs, devices and medical treatments and procedures and describes the process that the Office of CHAMPUS follows in determining when such drugs, devices, treatments and procedures have moved from the status of unproven to the position of proven medical effectiveness. This clarification is necessary to ensure the CHAMPUS beneficiary and provider population understand the process the Office of CHAMPUS (OCHAMPUS) follows prior to endorsement by CHAMPUS of a new emerging medical technology, drug, or device for which the safety and efficacy have been proven.