Medicare Program; Evaluation Criteria and Standards for Quality Improvement Networks Quality Improvement Program Contracts; Base and Task Orders, 78440-78442 [2014-30447]
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78440
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 30, 2014 / Notices
QIO’s performance might lead to the
erroneous perception by the public that
reviews or appeals may be biased either
toward the beneficiary (when obtaining
beneficiary feedback), or toward
providers (when obtaining provider
feedback). One commenter encouraged
CMS to carefully consider public
perception of the evaluation criterion of
beneficiary experience with the quality
of care complaints and appeal reviews.
The other commenter suggested
removing customer feedback from the
evaluation criteria.
Response: We appreciate the concern
with maintaining the integrity of public
perception of our oversight of the
performance of numerous statutory and
regulatory review functions to safeguard
beneficiaries. The evaluation criteria
and standards include safeguards to
monitor the quality of the reviews, such
as inter-rater reliability, the QIOs’
timeliness in completing the reviews
and ongoing monitoring of the BFCC–
QIO’s internal quality control program.
The beneficiary satisfaction survey
allows CMS to monitor the QIOs’ ability
to provide superior customer service
while incorporating processes that
engage beneficiaries and their
representatives in ways that are patient
and family centered. With appropriate
monitoring and safeguards, we benefit
from consideration of beneficiaries’
experience with the review and appeals
process while maintaining consistently
high levels of program integrity.
Comment: One commenter agreed
with the importance of instituting
rigorous standards for inter-rater
reliability and suggested that CMS
consider developing evaluation
standards that assess the accuracy as
well as reliability of reviews.
Response: We agree with the
importance of reliable and accurate
reviews relating to the execution of the
numerous statutory and regulatory
review functions to safeguard
beneficiaries. The evaluation criteria
includes annual (and at the 54th month)
assessment of minimum performance
criteria for inter-rater reliability.
Additionally, we will monitor the
quality program in place at each BFCC–
QIO to ensure that the work is both
reliable and accurate. We agree on the
merits of developing more formal
evaluation standards and criteria for
assessing the validity of work by BFCC–
QIO reviewers. We intend to investigate
suitable measures for consideration in
the future.
Comment: Both commenters noted the
potential for external factors and
perhaps the outcome of the review or
appeal itself to influence the
beneficiaries’ experience and their
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willingness to participate in the survey
process. One commenter stated that
there should be careful consideration of
these factors in the evaluation standards
and criteria; the other commenter
recommended not using beneficiary
participation in the survey as part of the
evaluation.
Response: We believe that the BFCC–
QIOs must exercise diplomacy,
professionalism and compassion in their
performance of numerous statutory and
regulatory review functions to safeguard
beneficiaries. Our monitoring of the
internal quality control processes of the
BFCC–QIOs and ongoing monitoring
activities focuses in part on the
professionalism in their interactions
with beneficiaries and their
representatives. We recognize that
external factors may, to some limited
extent, have an impact on the
beneficiaries’ willingness to participate
in the survey of their experience with
the appeal or review process. However,
based on previous experience with these
surveys, we are confident that the
proficiency of the work by the BFCC–
QIO with beneficiaries or their
representatives will be the dominant
factor that impacts the willingness by
beneficiaries or their representatives to
participate in the survey.
Comment: Both commenters indicated
that although the BFCC–QIO is
primarily responsible for its
performance on the evaluation
standards and criteria, external factors
outside the control of the BFCC–QIO
may also impact performance on
measures such as timeliness (of
Beneficiary Complaints and Other
Quality of Care Reviews, Discharge/
Service Termination Reviews, and
EMTALA and Higher-Weighted
Diagnosis Related Group Reviews). Both
commenters suggested that we consider,
if appropriate, factors outside the
control of the contractors.
Response: We agree with the
commenters that there are certain
factors, such as natural calamities, for
example, hurricanes or earthquakes, in
addition to transitional issues at the
beginning and end of the contract cycle
that may, despite the best mitigating
efforts, have an impact on the BFCC–
QIO’s ability to conduct work in specific
regions. We are confident that these
extraordinary circumstances can be
addressed using our intervention and
evaluation standards and criteria.
Comment: One commenter noted the
importance of the BFCC–QIO’s Internal
Quality Control (IQC) Program but
recommended that we consider only
whether the BFCC–QIO had a process in
place and not the quality and
competence of the execution of the IQC.
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Response: We agree with the
importance of the BFCC–QIO instituting
an IQC Program. However, we believe
that it is in the Government’s and
beneficiaries’ best interest to conduct
ongoing monitoring to ensure that the
IQC is kept current and accurately
reflects the competent execution of the
BFCC–QIO’s performance of numerous
statutory and regulatory review
functions to safeguard beneficiaries. We
plan to use ongoing monitoring of the
IQC as a critical element to inform
discussions with the BFCC–QIO on their
improvement efforts.
IV. Provisions of the Final Notice
We have analyzed these comments
and determined that it is appropriate to
finalize without modification the
provisions set forth in the July 28, 2014
notice with comment period entitled,
‘‘Evaluation Criteria and Standards for
Beneficiary and Family Centered Care
Quality Improvement Organization
Contracts.’’ (79 FR 43747 through
43749).
V. Collection of Information
Requirements
This document does not impose
information collection requirements,
that is, reporting, recordkeeping or
third-party disclosure requirements.
Consequently, there is no need for
review by the Office of Management and
Budget under the authority of the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
VI. Regulatory Impact Statement
In accordance with the provisions of
Executive Order 12866, this notice was
not reviewed by the Office of
Management and Budget.
Dated: November 19, 2014.
Marilyn Tavenner,
Administrator, Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services.
[FR Doc. 2014–30448 Filed 12–29–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services
[CMS–3300–FN]
RIN 0938–ZB15
Medicare Program; Evaluation Criteria
and Standards for Quality
Improvement Networks Quality
Improvement Program Contracts; Base
and Task Orders
Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.
AGENCY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 30, 2014 / Notices
ACTION:
Final notice.
This final notice announces
the general criteria we will use to
evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency
of Quality Innovation Network (QIN)
Quality Improvement Organizations
(QIOs) that entered into contracts with
CMS under the 11th Statement of Work
(SOW) in July 2014. (The activities for
the QIN–QIO SOW began August 1,
2014). In addition, this notice addresses
public comments on the August 11,
2014 notice with comment period
entitled, ‘‘Evaluation Criteria and
Standards for Quality Improvement
Networks Quality Improvement Program
Contracts [Base and Task Order(s)]’’
DATES: Effective Dates: August 1, 2014
to July 31, 2019.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Alfreda Staton, (410) 786–4194.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
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I. Background
Section 1153(h)(2) of the Social
Security Act (the Act) requires the
Secretary of the Department of Health
and Human Services (the Secretary) to
publish in the Federal Register the
general criteria and standards that will
be used to evaluate the effective and
efficient performance of contract
obligations by the Quality Improvement
Organizations (QIOs), and to provide the
opportunity for public comment with
respect to these criteria and standards.
II. Provisions of the Notice With
Comment Period
On August 11, 2014, we published a
notice with comment period in the
Federal Register (79 FR 46830 through
46835) entitled, ‘‘Evaluation Criteria
and Standards for Quality Improvement
Networks Quality Improvement Program
Contracts [Base and Task Order(s)]’’ to
announce the general criteria that we
would use to evaluate performance of
the Quality Innovation Network (QIN)—
QIOs under the QIN–QIO 11th
Statement of Work (SOW) contract
beginning August 1, 2014. (Solicitation
Number: HHSM–500–2014–RFP–QIN–
QIO). That notice summarized the tasks
of the QIN–QIOs and the criteria to be
used for annual performance
evaluations during the 5-year term of
the contract.
The evaluation of a QIN QIO’s
performance related to their SOW will
be based on evaluation criteria specified
for the tasks and subtasks set forth in
Section C.5 of the QIN–QIO Base
Contract and Attachment J–1(b) of the
QIN–QIO Task Order. The general
criteria that will be used to evaluate the
QIN–QIOs under the QIN–QIO 11th
SOW contract beginning August 1, 2014,
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21:42 Dec 29, 2014
Jkt 235001
include performance of the following
Tasks:
• Improving Cardiac Health and
Reducing Cardiac Healthcare
Disparities.
• Reducing Disparities in Diabetes
Care.
• Improving Prevention Coordination
through Meaningful Use of Health
Information Technology (HIT) and
Collaborating with Regional Extension
Centers (RECs).
• Reducing Healthcare-Associated
Infections in Hospitals.
• Reducing Healthcare-Acquired
Conditions in Nursing Homes.
• Improving Coordination of Care,
Quality Improvement through ValueBased Payment, Quality Reporting, and
the Physician Feedback Reporting
Program.
• Quality Improvement Initiatives.
The Table at Attachment J.1(b) of the
SOW lists performance measures by the
following Tasks:
• B.1. Improving Cardiac Health
• B.2. Everyone with Diabetes Counts
• B.3. (Reserved)
• B.4. Meaningful Use of HIT and
Collaborating With RECs
• C.1. Reducing Healthcare-Acquired
Infections (HAIs) in Hospitals
• C.2. Reducing Healthcare-Acquired
Conditions in Nursing Homes
• C.3. Coordination of Care
• D.1. Quality Improvement through
Physician Value-Based Modifiers
• E.1. Technical Assistance—Quality
Improvement Initiatives (QIIs)
Evaluation Criteria. Annual (12, 24,
36, 48th month) and 54th month
Evaluation Criteria are defined in
Attachment J–1(b) of the QIN–QIO
SOW.
Additional details provided in the
notice are posted at: https://
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-08-11/
pdf/2014-18901.pdf.
III. Analysis of and Responses to Public
Comments on the Notice With Comment
Period
A commenter affiliated with a private
healthcare quality improvement entity
submitted several comments concerning
the general criteria we would use to
evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency
of QIN–QIOs that entered into contracts
with CMS under the 11th SOW.
A summary of the comments and our
responses are as follows:
Comment: The commenter expressed
appreciation for the opportunity to
submit comments on the general
evaluation criteria and standards and
noted the importance of the three-part
aim in the QIN–QIO SOW of better
health, better healthcare, and lower
costs through improved quality for
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Frm 00061
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
78441
Medicare enrollees. The commenter
suggested that CMS continue its efforts
to assess the effectiveness of the QIN–
QIOs using measures of: improved
patient quality and safety, improved
population health, reduction of
avoidable costs, engagement of patients,
families and consumers in care and
population health improvement and
improved coordination of care and
integrative services.
Response: We agree with the
commenter that the QIN–QIO contract
and the general evaluation criteria and
standards focus on strategic initiatives
including the three part aim and the
projects identified in the QIN–QIO Task
Order support our goals of the three
broad aims of better healthcare, better
health, and lower healthcare costs
through improvement for all Medicare
beneficiaries. Measures for better
healthcare include those for the Aim,
Better Healthcare for Communities:
Beneficiary-Centered, Reliable,
Accessible, and Safe Care and includes
measures for Tasks C.1 Reducing
Healthcare-Associated Infections in
Hospitals,C.2, Reducing HealthcareAcquired Conditions in Nursing Homes,
and C.3, Promote Effective
Communication and Coordination of
Care. Measures for the better health
include those for the Aim, Healthy
People, Healthy Communities:
Improving the Health Status of
Communities and include Tasks B.1,
Improving Cardiac Health and Reducing
Cardiac Healthcare Disparities, B.2,
Reducing Disparities in Diabetes Care:
Everyone with Diabetes Counts, and B.4,
Improving Prevention Coordination
through Meaningful Use of HIT and
Collaborating with Regional Extension
Centers. Measures for lower healthcare
costs include Aim D, Better Care at
Lower Cost and Task D.1, Quality
Improvement through Value-Based
Payment, Quality Reporting, and the
Physician Feedback Reporting Program.
These efforts will likely have a
secondary effect of aiding in the
transformation of the healthcare system.
Comment: The commenter stated that
CMS should provide QIN–QIOs with
timely communication after award of
the contract regarding operational and
implementation issues that may arise
over the 5-year period of performance.
Response: We agree with the need for
timely, systematic documentation of
questions and answers to each QIN–QIO
regarding all aspects of the SOW,
including deliverables and the
evaluation measures. We established an
electronic system for submitting and
documenting responses to contract
performance concerns and questions;
E:\FR\FM\30DEN1.SGM
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78442
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 30, 2014 / Notices
this system was made available to each
of the QIN–QIOs.
IV. Comment Outside the Scope of the
Notice
A second commenter submitted a
comment suggesting that CMS provide
beneficiaries with an option to pay
annually rather than only monthly for
the Part D benefit. This comment is
outside the scope of the notice of
evaluation standards and criteria for the
QIN–QIO SOW therefore, we are not
providing a response to that comment.
V. Provisions of the Final Notice
We have analyzed these comments
and determined that it is appropriate to
finalize without modification the
provisions set forth in the August 11,
2014 notice with comment period
entitled, ‘‘Evaluation Criteria and
Standards for Quality Improvement
Networks Quality Improvement Program
Contracts [Base and Task Order(s)].’’ (79
FR 46830 through 46835).
VI. Collection of Information
Requirements
This document does not impose
information collection requirements,
that is, reporting, recordkeeping or
third-party disclosure requirements.
Consequently, there is no need for
review by the Office of Management and
Budget under the authority of the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
collection, ACF seeks to gain an indepth, systematic understanding of the
characteristics of two-parent families
participating in or eligible to receive
VII. Regulatory Impact Statement
TANF, the variety of services two-parent
In accordance with the provisions of
families receive through TANF, how
Executive Order 12866, this notice was
state policies may help or hinder
not reviewed by the Office of
participation in TANF among twoManagement and Budget.
parent families, and how the beliefs of
staff and eligible families help or hinder
Dated: November 19, 2014.
two-parent families’ participation in
Marilyn Tavenner,
TANF.
Administrator, Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services.
The proposed information collection
[FR Doc. 2014–30447 Filed 12–29–14; 8:45 am]
consists of semi-structured interviews
BILLING CODE 4120–01–P
with key State and local staff,
community-based organization
representatives, and adult members of
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
two-parent TANF or likely eligible
HUMAN SERVICES
families on questions of TANF policies,
service delivery, and program context,
Administration for Children and
as well as focus groups with adult
Families
members of two-parent TANF or likely
eligible families.
Proposed Information Collection
Activity; Comment Request
Respondents: State- and local-level
TANF administrators and staff,
Title: Temporary Assistance for Needy
representatives from community-based
Families Two-Parent Study.
organizations, and adults from twoOMB No.: New Collection.
parent families on or likely eligible for
Description: The Administration for
TANF.
Children and Families (ACF) is
proposing an information collection
Annual Burden Estimates
activity as part of the Temporary
Information collection will be
Assistance for Needy Families Twocompleted within one year.
Parent Study. Through this information
Total/annual
number of
respondents
Instrument
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Discussion
Discussion
Discussion
Discussion
Discussion
Discussion
Guide for use with state TANF directors ....................................
Guide for use with local TANF directors .....................................
Guide for use with local TANF front-line staff .............................
Guide for use with community-based organizations ...................
Guide for use with client focus groups .......................................
guide for use with client interviews .............................................
Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: 236.
In compliance with the requirements
of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
Administration for Children and
Families is soliciting public comment
on the specific aspects of the
information collection described above.
Copies of the proposed collection of
information can be obtained and
comments may be forwarded by writing
to the Administration for Children and
Families, Office of Planning, Research
and Evaluation, 370 L’Enfant
Promenade SW., Washington, DC 20447,
Attn: OPRE Reports Clearance Officer.
Email address: OPREinfocollection@
acf.hhs.gov. All requests should be
identified by the title of the information
collection.
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21:42 Dec 29, 2014
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10
5
15
5
112
25
The Department specifically requests
comments on (a) whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary
for the proper performance of the
functions of the agency, including
whether the information shall have
practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information; (c)
the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and (d)
ways to minimize the burden of the
collection of information on
respondents, including through the use
of automated collection techniques or
other forms of information technology.
Consideration will be given to
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Frm 00062
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 9990
Number of
responses
per respondent
Average burden
hours per
response
Annual burden
hours
1.5
1.5
1
1
1.5
1
15
8
15
5
168
25
1
1
1
1
1
1
comments and suggestions submitted
within 60 days of this publication.
Karl Koerper,
Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2014–30470 Filed 12–29–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184–73–P
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 249 (Tuesday, December 30, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78440-78442]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-30447]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
[CMS-3300-FN]
RIN 0938-ZB15
Medicare Program; Evaluation Criteria and Standards for Quality
Improvement Networks Quality Improvement Program Contracts; Base and
Task Orders
AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.
[[Page 78441]]
ACTION: Final notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This final notice announces the general criteria we will use
to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of Quality Innovation
Network (QIN) Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) that entered
into contracts with CMS under the 11th Statement of Work (SOW) in July
2014. (The activities for the QIN-QIO SOW began August 1, 2014). In
addition, this notice addresses public comments on the August 11, 2014
notice with comment period entitled, ``Evaluation Criteria and
Standards for Quality Improvement Networks Quality Improvement Program
Contracts [Base and Task Order(s)]''
DATES: Effective Dates: August 1, 2014 to July 31, 2019.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alfreda Staton, (410) 786-4194.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
Section 1153(h)(2) of the Social Security Act (the Act) requires
the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (the
Secretary) to publish in the Federal Register the general criteria and
standards that will be used to evaluate the effective and efficient
performance of contract obligations by the Quality Improvement
Organizations (QIOs), and to provide the opportunity for public comment
with respect to these criteria and standards.
II. Provisions of the Notice With Comment Period
On August 11, 2014, we published a notice with comment period in
the Federal Register (79 FR 46830 through 46835) entitled, ``Evaluation
Criteria and Standards for Quality Improvement Networks Quality
Improvement Program Contracts [Base and Task Order(s)]'' to announce
the general criteria that we would use to evaluate performance of the
Quality Innovation Network (QIN)--QIOs under the QIN-QIO 11th Statement
of Work (SOW) contract beginning August 1, 2014. (Solicitation Number:
HHSM-500-2014-RFP-QIN-QIO). That notice summarized the tasks of the
QIN-QIOs and the criteria to be used for annual performance evaluations
during the 5-year term of the contract.
The evaluation of a QIN QIO's performance related to their SOW will
be based on evaluation criteria specified for the tasks and subtasks
set forth in Section C.5 of the QIN-QIO Base Contract and Attachment J-
1(b) of the QIN-QIO Task Order. The general criteria that will be used
to evaluate the QIN-QIOs under the QIN-QIO 11th SOW contract beginning
August 1, 2014, include performance of the following Tasks:
Improving Cardiac Health and Reducing Cardiac Healthcare
Disparities.
Reducing Disparities in Diabetes Care.
Improving Prevention Coordination through Meaningful Use
of Health Information Technology (HIT) and Collaborating with Regional
Extension Centers (RECs).
Reducing Healthcare-Associated Infections in Hospitals.
Reducing Healthcare-Acquired Conditions in Nursing Homes.
Improving Coordination of Care, Quality Improvement
through Value-Based Payment, Quality Reporting, and the Physician
Feedback Reporting Program.
Quality Improvement Initiatives.
The Table at Attachment J.1(b) of the SOW lists performance
measures by the following Tasks:
B.1. Improving Cardiac Health
B.2. Everyone with Diabetes Counts
B.3. (Reserved)
B.4. Meaningful Use of HIT and Collaborating With RECs
C.1. Reducing Healthcare-Acquired Infections (HAIs) in
Hospitals
C.2. Reducing Healthcare-Acquired Conditions in Nursing
Homes
C.3. Coordination of Care
D.1. Quality Improvement through Physician Value-Based
Modifiers
E.1. Technical Assistance--Quality Improvement Initiatives
(QIIs)
Evaluation Criteria. Annual (12, 24, 36, 48th month) and 54th month
Evaluation Criteria are defined in Attachment J-1(b) of the QIN-QIO
SOW.
Additional details provided in the notice are posted at: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-08-11/pdf/2014-18901.pdf.
III. Analysis of and Responses to Public Comments on the Notice With
Comment Period
A commenter affiliated with a private healthcare quality
improvement entity submitted several comments concerning the general
criteria we would use to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of
QIN-QIOs that entered into contracts with CMS under the 11th SOW.
A summary of the comments and our responses are as follows:
Comment: The commenter expressed appreciation for the opportunity
to submit comments on the general evaluation criteria and standards and
noted the importance of the three-part aim in the QIN-QIO SOW of better
health, better healthcare, and lower costs through improved quality for
Medicare enrollees. The commenter suggested that CMS continue its
efforts to assess the effectiveness of the QIN-QIOs using measures of:
improved patient quality and safety, improved population health,
reduction of avoidable costs, engagement of patients, families and
consumers in care and population health improvement and improved
coordination of care and integrative services.
Response: We agree with the commenter that the QIN-QIO contract and
the general evaluation criteria and standards focus on strategic
initiatives including the three part aim and the projects identified in
the QIN-QIO Task Order support our goals of the three broad aims of
better healthcare, better health, and lower healthcare costs through
improvement for all Medicare beneficiaries. Measures for better
healthcare include those for the Aim, Better Healthcare for
Communities: Beneficiary-Centered, Reliable, Accessible, and Safe Care
and includes measures for Tasks C.1 Reducing Healthcare-Associated
Infections in Hospitals,C.2, Reducing Healthcare-Acquired Conditions in
Nursing Homes, and C.3, Promote Effective Communication and
Coordination of Care. Measures for the better health include those for
the Aim, Healthy People, Healthy Communities: Improving the Health
Status of Communities and include Tasks B.1, Improving Cardiac Health
and Reducing Cardiac Healthcare Disparities, B.2, Reducing Disparities
in Diabetes Care: Everyone with Diabetes Counts, and B.4, Improving
Prevention Coordination through Meaningful Use of HIT and Collaborating
with Regional Extension Centers. Measures for lower healthcare costs
include Aim D, Better Care at Lower Cost and Task D.1, Quality
Improvement through Value-Based Payment, Quality Reporting, and the
Physician Feedback Reporting Program. These efforts will likely have a
secondary effect of aiding in the transformation of the healthcare
system.
Comment: The commenter stated that CMS should provide QIN-QIOs with
timely communication after award of the contract regarding operational
and implementation issues that may arise over the 5-year period of
performance.
Response: We agree with the need for timely, systematic
documentation of questions and answers to each QIN-QIO regarding all
aspects of the SOW, including deliverables and the evaluation measures.
We established an electronic system for submitting and documenting
responses to contract performance concerns and questions;
[[Page 78442]]
this system was made available to each of the QIN-QIOs.
IV. Comment Outside the Scope of the Notice
A second commenter submitted a comment suggesting that CMS provide
beneficiaries with an option to pay annually rather than only monthly
for the Part D benefit. This comment is outside the scope of the notice
of evaluation standards and criteria for the QIN-QIO SOW therefore, we
are not providing a response to that comment.
V. Provisions of the Final Notice
We have analyzed these comments and determined that it is
appropriate to finalize without modification the provisions set forth
in the August 11, 2014 notice with comment period entitled,
``Evaluation Criteria and Standards for Quality Improvement Networks
Quality Improvement Program Contracts [Base and Task Order(s)].'' (79
FR 46830 through 46835).
VI. Collection of Information Requirements
This document does not impose information collection requirements,
that is, reporting, recordkeeping or third-party disclosure
requirements. Consequently, there is no need for review by the Office
of Management and Budget under the authority of the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995.
VII. Regulatory Impact Statement
In accordance with the provisions of Executive Order 12866, this
notice was not reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.
Dated: November 19, 2014.
Marilyn Tavenner,
Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
[FR Doc. 2014-30447 Filed 12-29-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P