42 CFR § 456.241 - Purpose and general description.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t42/s456.241"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "42 CFR § 456.241 - Purpose and general description."
title_number: 42
title_name: "Public Health"
section_number: "456.241"
section_name: "Purpose and general description."
chapter_name: "CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES"
subchapter_number: "C"
subchapter_name: "MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS"
part_number: "456"
part_name: "UTILIZATION CONTROL"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "42 U.S.C. 1302."
regulatory_source: "43 FR 45266, Sept. 29, 1978, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "456"
---


# 456.241 Purpose and general description.

(a) The purpose of medical care evaluation studies is to promote the most effective and efficient use of available health facilities and services consistent with patient needs and professionally recognized standards of health care.

(b) Medical care evaluation studies—

(1) Emphasize identification and analysis of patterns of patient care; and

(2) Suggest appropriate changes needed to maintain consistently high quality patient care and effective and efficient use of services.