(a) Basis for appeal. An intermediary adversely affected by any of the following actions shall be granted an opportunity for a hearing:

(1) Assignment or reassignment of providers to another intermediary.

(2) Designation of a national or regional intermediary to serve a class of providers.

(3) Termination of the agreement.

(b) Request for hearing. The intermediary shall file the request with CMS within 20 days from the date on the notice of intended action.

(c) Hearing procedures. The hearing officer shall be a representative of the Secretary and not otherwise a party to the initial administrative decision. The intermediary may be represented by counsel and may present evidence and examine witnesses. A complete recording of the proceedings at the hearing will be made and transcribed.

(d) Judicial review. An adverse hearing decision concerning action under paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section is subject to judicial review in accordance with 5 U.S.C. chapter 7.

(e) As specified in § 421.118, contracts awarded under the experimental authority of CMS are not subject to the provisions of this section.

(f) Exception. An intermediary adversely affected by the designation of a regional intermediary or an alternative regional intermediary for HHAs, or an intermediary for hospices, under § 421.117 of this subpart is not entitled to a hearing or judicial review concerning adverse effects caused by the designation of an intermediary.