; (B) develop and test methods of payment or delivery as it may consider necessary or promising for the evaluation, or for the improvement, of the operation of this Act; and (C) develop methodological standards for evidence-based policymaking. (c) Audits (1) In general The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an audit of the Board every fifth fiscal year following the effective date of this Act to determine the effectiveness of the program in carrying out the duties under subsection (a). (2) Reports The Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a report to Congress concerning the results of each audit conducted under this subsection. 402. Consultation The Secretary shall consult with Federal agencies, Indian tribes and urban Indian health organizations, and private entities, such as professional societies, national associations, nationally recognized associations of experts, medical schools and academic health centers, consumer groups, and labor and business organizations in the formulation of guidelines, regulations, policy initiatives, and information gathering to ensure the broadest and most informed input in the administration of this Act. Nothing in this Act shall prevent the Secretary from adopting guidelines developed by such a private entity if, in the Secretary’s judgment, such guidelines are generally accepted as reasonable and prudent and consistent with this Act. 403. Regional administration (a) Coordination with regional offices The Secretary shall establish and maintain regional offices to promote adequate access to, and efficient use of, tertiary care facilities, equipment, and services. Wherever possible, the Secretary shall incorporate regional offices of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for this purpose. (b) Appointment of regional and State directors In each such regional office there shall be— (1) one regional director appointed by the Secretary; (2) for each State in the region, a deputy director