Effective immediately, providers can apply for a National Provider Identifier (NPI). The application is available on the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) website at http:// nppes.cms.hhs.gov/ NPPES/Welcome.do.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published the Medicare Subpart Expectations policy paper, describing Medicare Program expectations and determination of subparts for NPI assignment. This policy paper is available on the CMS website at www.cms.hhs.gov/ NationalProvIdentStand/06_implementation.asp#TopOfPage NationalProvIdentStand/06_implementation.asp#TopOfPage.

Additional NPI information, resources, and announcements are available on the CMS website at www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand.