Medicare may enter into an agreement with a state to survey hospitals accredited by which act?

• A. 1965 Medicare Act
• B. 1935 Social Security Act
• C. 1864 Social Security Act
• D. 1997 Balanced Budget Act

Answer: (C)

Medicare’s ability to have a state survey agency assess hospitals rests on the Social Security Act, as amended to create and govern Medicare. Under that authority, CMS may enter into agreements with a state to conduct surveys of hospitals that participate in Medicare, ensuring they meet the Conditions of Participation. Accreditation by an approved accrediting organization can satisfy those standards when CMS recognizes the accreditation process, helping streamline participation. The foundational act providing this oversight is the Social Security Act (with the Medicare provisions added in the 1960s), rather than standalone later acts or the older, unrelated 1864-era reference.