Which term describes guidelines written by administrative agencies (such as CMS) that are based on laws passed by legislative bodies?

The term that describes guidelines written by administrative agencies, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), based on laws passed by legislative bodies is "regulations." Regulations are rules established by governmental agencies to enforce and implement the laws enacted by legislatures. They provide the detailed procedures and standards necessary for the application of laws to specific situations and help ensure compliance within the industry.

Regulations arise from the authority granted to administrative agencies by the legislatures, allowing these agencies to create guidelines that govern the actions of individuals and organizations within their jurisdiction. This is crucial in fields like health insurance, where adherence to such regulations ensures that services are provided legally and ethically.

In contrast, statutes are laws enacted by legislative bodies themselves, while subpoenas and interrogatories are legal processes related to investigations and legal proceedings rather than guidelines created by administrative agencies. Understanding this distinction is vital for those working in health insurance billing and compliance.