Health Care for Certain Children of Vietnam Veterans and Certain Korea Veterans-Covered Birth Defects and Spina Bifida, 19887-19891 [2016-07897]
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 66 / Wednesday, April 6, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS
38 CFR Part 17
RIN 2900–AP09
Health Care for Certain Children of
Vietnam Veterans and Certain Korea
Veterans—Covered Birth Defects and
Spina Bifida
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Final rule.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
This rule adopts as final a
proposed rule of the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) to amend its
regulations concerning the provision of
health care to birth children of Vietnam
veterans and veterans of covered service
in Korea diagnosed with spina bifida,
except for spina bifida occulta, and
certain other birth defects. In the
proposed rule published on May 15,
2015, VA proposed changes to more
clearly define the types of health care
VA provides, including day health care
and health-related services, which we
defined as homemaker or home health
aide services that provide assistance
with Activities of Daily Living or
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
that have therapeutic value. We also
proposed changes to the list of health
care services that require
preauthorization by VA. This final rule
addresses comments received from the
public and adopts as final the proposed
rule, without change.
DATES: Effective Date: This rule is
effective on May 6, 2016.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Karyn Barrett, Director, Program
Administration Directorate, Chief
Business Office Purchased Care
(10NB3), Veterans Health
Administration, Department of Veterans
Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave. NW.,
Washington, DC 20420, (303) 331–7500.
(This is not a toll-free number.)
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Chapter
18 of title 38, United States Code,
provides for benefits for certain birth
children of Vietnam veterans and
veterans of covered service in Korea
who have been diagnosed with spina
bifida, except spina bifida occulta, and
certain other birth defects. These
benefits include: (1) Monthly monetary
allowances for various disability levels;
(2) health care; and (3) vocational
training and rehabilitation. VA’s
regulations concerning health care for
children authorized under this chapter
are published at 38 CFR 17.900 through
17.905.
On May 15, 2015, VA published a
proposed rule to more clearly define the
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SUMMARY:
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types of healthcare VA provides,
including day healthcare and healthrelated services, which VA would
define as homemaker or home health
aide services that provide assistance
with Activities of Daily Living or
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
that have therapeutic value; and to make
changes to the list of health care
services that require preauthorization by
VA. (80 FR 27878). The comment period
closed on June 14, 2015. We received
ten comments, which were all generally
supportive. However, the commenters
raised several issues regarding
beneficiaries covered by this
rulemaking, specific services provided,
definitions included in the proposed
rule, and provision of health care
through non-VA care (care in the
community). We respond to these
comments below and adopt as final the
proposed rule, without change.
Scope of the Rulemaking
One commenter stated that children
of Vietnam veterans who have spina
bifida may have children of their own,
and VA should also provide care to
grandchildren of Vietnam veterans who
have spina bifida. The commenter stated
that according to the US National
Library of Medicine, spina bifida is
likely caused by the interaction of
multiple genetic and environmental
factors, and that genetic changes in
individuals with spina bifida may
increase the risk of neural tube defects
in the subsequent generation. The
commenter stated that if a child with
spina bifida can establish that the
grandfather was exposed to herbicides
during the Vietnam War, that child
should also be covered.
Another commenter stated that
children of Air Force active duty
servicemembers and reservists who
were exposed to Agent Orange while
flying C–123 aircraft both during the
Vietnam War and the post-war period
should also be covered. The commenter
noted that these servicemembers flew
out of air bases in Thailand and Clark
Air Base in the Philippine Islands, and
some of the airplanes potentially
contaminated by Agent Orange
remained in service after the war.
In response to the first comment, VA
does not have statutory authority to
provide health care to grandchildren of
Vietnam veterans who may have spina
bifida. VA’s authority to provide health
care to children with spina bifida or
other covered birth defects is limited by
statute. A ‘‘child’’ covered under this
statute is defined at 38 U.S.C. 1831(1) as
an individual, regardless of age or
marital status, who is the natural child
of a Vietnam veteran, and was
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conceived after the date on which that
veteran first entered the Republic of
Vietnam during the Vietnam era; or, is
the natural child of a veteran of covered
service in Korea (as determined for
purposes of 38 U.S.C. 1821), and was
conceived after the date on which that
veteran first entered service described in
38 U.S.C. 1821(c).
With respect to the second comment,
VA also does not have the authority to
extend benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter
18 to children of veterans who did not
serve in the Republic of Vietnam during
the Vietnam era or who did not have
certain service in Korea. ‘‘Vietnam
veteran’’ is defined at 38 U.S.C. 1831(2)
to mean an individual who performed
active military, naval, or air service in
the Republic of Vietnam during the
Vietnam era, without regard to the
characterization of that individual’s
service. The ‘‘Vietnam era’’ is defined at
38 U.S.C. 1831(3) as ending on May 7,
1975. A veteran of covered service in
Korea is any individual, without regard
to the characterization of that
individual’s service, who served in the
active military, naval, or air service in
or near the Korean demilitarized zone
(DMZ), as determined by the Secretary
in consultation with the Secretary of
Defense, during the period beginning on
September 1, 1967, and ending on
August 31, 1971; and is determined by
VA, in consultation with the
Department of Defense, to have been
exposed to an herbicide agent during
such service in or near the Korean
demilitarized zone. 38 U.S.C. 1821(c).
To the extent a veteran who flew in a
C–123 is also a veteran with covered
service defined in 38 U.S.C. 1831(2) and
has a child covered by 38 U.S.C.
1831(1), however, the child would be
eligible for benefits under Chapter 18.
In further response to the comment
regarding reservists and servicemembers
who flew in C–123 aircraft, we note that
VA does have authority in certain other
circumstances to extend benefits to
veterans who did not serve in those
defined areas or time periods, but may
have been exposed to Agent Orange.
This authority is unrelated to benefits
furnished to eligible children under 38
U.S.C. Chapter 18 but we briefly discuss
it here because a recent VA rulemaking
is relevant to the second public
comment. On June 19, 2015, VA
published an interim final rule (80 FR
35248) extending the presumption of
herbicide exposure and presumption of
service connection to individuals who
performed service in the Air Force or
Air Force Reserve under circumstances
in which the individual concerned
regularly and repeatedly operated,
maintained, or served onboard C–123
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aircraft known to have been used to
spray an herbicide agent during the
Vietnam era. The June 2015 interim
final rule thus covers servicemembers
who were potentially exposed to Agent
Orange during periods after the end of
the Vietnam War, and in regions outside
of Vietnam. VA determined that the
presumption of service connection
should be extended to these
servicemembers based on a January
2015 report from the National
Academies of Sciences, Engineering,
and Medicine’s Institute of Medicine
(IOM) titled ‘‘Post-Vietnam Dioxin
Exposure in Agent Orange–
Contaminated C–123 Aircraft.’’ In that
report the IOM noted that between 1972
and 1982, approximately 1,500 to 2,100
U.S. Air Force Reserve personnel
trained and worked on C–123 aircraft
that previously had been used to spray
herbicides, including Agent Orange,
during Operation Ranch Hand. Based on
a review of the evidence, IOM
concluded that it was plausible that Air
Force reservists flying C–123 aircraft
used in Operation Ranch Hand were
exposed to Agent Orange.
We make no changes based on these
comments.
Definitions
One commenter asked whether the
proposed addition of day health care to
the list of health care services would
require the beneficiary to transfer to a
group home. In the proposed rule we
defined day health care to mean a
therapeutic program prescribed by an
approved health care provider that
provides necessary medical services,
rehabilitation, therapeutic activities,
socialization, nutrition, and
transportation services in a congregate
setting. Day health care services
contemplated under this proposal are
non-residential and equivalent to adult
day health care provided to disabled
veterans under 38 CFR 17.111(c)(1).
These would not require the beneficiary
to relocate to a group home. The
essential features are the therapeutic
focus of the day health care services and
provision of these services in a
congregate setting. The addition of day
health care to the list of covered health
care services augments rather than
contracts the options available. Day
health care is an alternative care setting
that can allow some beneficiaries who
require long term care services to
remain in their homes rather than be
institutionalized in a nursing home.
Such beneficiaries typically require
support for some, but not all, Activities
of Daily Living (ADLs), such as bathing,
dressing or feeding. In many cases, a
family member may provide the
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beneficiary with much of their care, but
require additional support for some
ADLs. By filling these gaps, day health
care can allow these beneficiaries to
remain in their homes and communities
for additional months or even years. Day
health care programs can help
caregivers to meet their other
professional and family obligations, or
provide a well-deserved respite, while
their loved ones are participating in the
program.
Two commenters urged VA to allow
payment for homemakers and home
health aides to shop for groceries
outside of the home. Homemaker and
home health aide (H/HHA) services are
health-related services. VA provides
health-related services, including H/
HHA services, to veterans under 38
U.S.C. 1720C. We proposed to provide
H/HHA services to spina bifida
beneficiaries similar to that provided to
veterans, to the extent allowed by law.
Under 38 U.S.C. 1720C, VA may
provide H/HHA to veterans in
‘‘noninstitutional settings.’’ This
includes services performed outside the
home, such as grocery shopping and
escorting the veteran to necessary
appointments. VA may not provide such
services to beneficiaries under the Spina
Bifida Health Care Benefits Program,
health-related services for spina bifida
beneficiaries are included as a
component of home care. Home care is
defined at 38 U.S.C. 1803(c)(3) as
outpatient care, habilitative and
rehabilitative care, preventive health
services, and health-related services
furnished to an individual in the
individual’s home or other place of
residence. This definition specifically
limits the provision of health-related
services under 38 U.S.C. 1803 to those
services furnished within the home or
other place of residence. Grocery
shopping, which is an H/HHA type of
health-related service performed outside
the home or other place of residence,
cannot be provided due to this statutory
restriction that applies to the Spina
Bifida Health Care Benefits Program, but
not to VA’s authorities to provide care
to veterans.
One commenter supported the
proposed rule, but urged us to amend
the definition of ‘‘other place of
residence.’’ As noted above, home care,
including health-related services such
as H/HHA services, is provided in the
individual’s home or other place of
residence. We proposed to define other
place of residence to include an assisted
living facility or residential group home.
Assisted living facilities and residential
group homes are appropriate for
individuals who do not require the level
of care provided in a nursing home, and
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VA believes that providing home care in
assisted living facilities and residential
group homes will allow individuals to
retain a greater level of independence
and quality of life, and delay or prevent
any need for nursing home care. While
VA may provide services to an
individual residing in an assisted living
facility or residential group home, we
do not have the statutory authority to
pay for placement in such facility. The
types of alternatives to home care that
VA may provide under 38 U.S.C. 1803
are nursing home care, hospital care,
and respite care. The commenter
suggested amending the definition of
‘‘other place of residence’’ to state that
‘‘placement in such facility or home is
covered to the extent that the facility or
home provides covered care or
services.’’ The commenter stated that
this would clarify that VA can provide
for placement in an assisted living
facility or residential group home to the
extent that such location provides
aspects of care or services covered
under 38 U.S.C. 1803. We do not agree.
Payment for placement in an assisted
living facility or residential group home
is distinctly different than providing for
care and services rendered in such
facility. While VA cannot do the former,
we may do the latter to the extent
allowed by law. VA believes that the
suggested language would lead to
confusion as it implies that VA can
cover, to some extent, placement in an
assisted living facility or residential
group home.
One commenter asked for clarification
of what long-term care means as that
term applies to H/HHA services.
Specifically, the commenter asked
whether a spina bifida beneficiary
would be entitled to receive H/HHA
services around the clock and
indefinitely. One commenter asked
whether there would be a limit on the
number of hours of H/HHA services that
a beneficiary may receive. As noted
above, H/HHA services provided to
spina bifida beneficiaries are similar to
that provided to veterans, to the extent
allowed by law. Under 38 U.S.C. 1720C,
VA is authorized to provide veterans
with health-related services in a noninstitutional setting. The total cost of
providing such services or in-kind
assistance to any veteran in any fiscal
year may not exceed 65 percent of the
cost that would have been incurred by
VA during that fiscal year if the veteran
had been furnished, instead, nursing
home care under 38 U.S.C. 1710. See 38
U.S.C. 1720C(d). The same limitation is
applied currently to H/HHA services
provided to spina bifida beneficiaries
and will continue to apply under this
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rule. Consistent with this limitation, H/
HHA services will be provided to spina
bifida beneficiaries if medically
necessary.
The commenter also requested
clarification on what type of health care
provider must prescribe H/HHA
services. These services must be
prescribed by an approved health care
provider. Under § 17.900, ‘‘approved
health care provider’’ means a health
care provider currently approved by the
Center for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS), Department of Defense
TRICARE Program, Civilian Health and
Medical Program of the Department of
Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), Joint
Commission, or currently approved for
providing health care under a license or
certificate issued by a governmental
entity with jurisdiction.
The commenter also raised several
procedural issues that are beyond the
scope of this rulemaking.
We make no changes based on these
comments.
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Miscellaneous
One commenter stated that health
care should be provided directly by VA
health care providers rather than
through care in the community.
However, children with covered birth
defects or spina bifida require specialty
care that may not be available in a VA
medical center, and requiring the
beneficiary to commute to a VA medical
facility could impose an undue burden
on the caregiver. Here, care in the
community ensures that the beneficiary
receives necessary specialty medical
care in a timely manner, and eliminates
the need to travel to the nearest VA
medical center to obtain that care.
Based on the rationale set forth in the
preamble to the proposed rule and in
this preamble, VA is adopting the
proposed rule as a final rule, with no
changes.
Effect of Rulemaking
Title 38 of the Code of Federal
Regulations, as revised by this final
rulemaking, represents VA’s
implementation of its legal authority on
this subject. Other than future
amendments to this regulation or
governing statutes, no contrary guidance
or procedures are authorized. All
existing or subsequent VA guidance
must be read to conform with this
rulemaking if possible or, if not
possible, such guidance is superseded
by this rulemaking.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(44 U.S.C. 3507) requires that VA
consider the impact of paperwork and
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other information collection burdens
imposed on the public. Under 44 U.S.C.
3507(a), an agency may not collect or
sponsor the collection of information,
nor may it impose an information
collection requirement unless it
displays a currently valid Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) control
number. See also 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(2)(vi).
This final rule will impose the
following amended information
collection requirements.
Preauthorization from VA under 38 CFR
17.902(a) is required for certain services
or benefits under §§ 17.900 through
17.905. Information collection under
this rule is approved under OMB
control number 2900–0219. VA is
making a minor modification to this
information collection by requiring
preauthorization for mental health
services only for outpatient mental
health services, and only when those
services are provided in excess of 23
visits in a calendar year. VA also adds
day health care provided as outpatient
care and homemaker services to the list
of services or benefits that must receive
preauthorization. VA anticipates that
the decrease in the number of
beneficiaries that must request
preauthorization for mental health
services will be offset by the number of
beneficiaries that will request
preauthorization for day health care.
Therefore, we believe that there will be
little, if any, change in the total burden
hours as a result of this modification. As
required by the 44 U.S.C. 3507(d), VA
submitted these information collection
amendments to OMB for its review, and
the information collection is pending
OMB approval. Notice of OMB approval
for this information collection will be
published in a future Federal Register
document.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Secretary hereby certifies that
this final rule will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities as they are
defined in the Regulatory Flexibility
Act, 5 U.S.C. 601–612. This final rule
will directly affect only individuals and
will not directly affect small entities.
Therefore, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b),
this rulemaking is exempt from the
initial and final regulatory flexibility
analysis requirements of 5 U.S.C. 603
and 604.
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
direct agencies to assess the costs and
benefits of available regulatory
alternatives and, when regulation is
necessary, to select regulatory
approaches that maximize net benefits
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(including potential economic,
environmental, public health and safety
effects, and other advantages;
distributive impacts; and equity).
Executive Order 13563 (Improving
Regulation and Regulatory Review)
emphasizes the importance of
quantifying both costs and benefits,
reducing costs, harmonizing rules, and
promoting flexibility. Executive Order
12866 (Regulatory Planning and
Review) defines a ‘‘significant
regulatory action,’’ requiring review by
the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB), unless OMB waives such
review, as ‘‘any regulatory action that is
likely to result in a rule that may: (1)
Have an annual effect on the economy
of $100 million or more or adversely
affect in a material way the economy, a
sector of the economy, productivity,
competition, jobs, the environment,
public health or safety, or State, local,
or tribal governments or communities;
(2) Create a serious inconsistency or
otherwise interfere with an action taken
or planned by another agency; (3)
Materially alter the budgetary impact of
entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan
programs or the rights and obligations of
recipients thereof; or (4) Raise novel
legal or policy issues arising out of legal
mandates, the President’s priorities, or
the principles set forth in this Executive
Order.’’
The economic, interagency,
budgetary, legal, and policy
implications of this final rule have been
examined, and it has been determined
not to be a significant regulatory action
under Executive Order 12866. VA’s
impact analysis can be found as a
supporting document at https://
www.regulations.gov, usually within 48
hours after the rulemaking document is
published. Additionally, a copy of the
rulemaking and its impact analysis are
available on VA’s Web site at https://
www.va.gov/orpm/, by following the
link for ‘‘VA Regulations Published
From FY 2004 Through Fiscal Year to
Date.’’
Unfunded Mandates
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
of 1995 requires, at 2 U.S.C. 1532, that
agencies prepare an assessment of
anticipated costs and benefits before
issuing any rule that may result in the
expenditure by State, local, and tribal
governments, in the aggregate, or by the
private sector, of $100 million or more
(adjusted annually for inflation) in any
one year. This final rule will have no
such effect on State, local, and tribal
governments, or on the private sector.
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Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
There are no Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance numbers and titles
for the programs affected by this
document.
Signing Authority
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or
designee, approved this document and
authorized the undersigned to sign and
submit the document to the Office of the
Federal Register for publication
electronically as an official document of
the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Robert D. Snyder, Chief of Staff,
Department of Veterans Affairs,
approved this document on March 31,
2016, for publication.
List of Subjects in 38 CFR Part 17
Administrative practice and
procedure, Alcohol abuse, Alcoholism,
Claims, Day care, Dental health, Drug
abuse, Government contracts, Grant
programs-health, Grant programsveterans, Health care, Health facilities,
Health professions, Health records,
Homeless, Medical and dental schools,
Medical devices, Medical research,
Mental health programs, Nursing
homes, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Travel and transportation
expenses, Veterans.
Dated: April 1, 2016.
William F. Russo,
Director, Office of Regulation Policy &
Management, Office of the General Counsel,
Department of Veterans Affairs.
For the reasons set out in the
preamble, the Department of Veterans
Affairs amends 38 CFR part 17 as
follows:
PART 17—MEDICAL
1. The authority citation for part 17
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, and as noted in
specific sections.
2. Amend § 17.900 by:
a. In the definition of ‘‘Approved
health care provider’’ removing ‘‘Joint
Commission on Accreditation of Health
Care Organizations (JCAHO)’’ from the
first sentence and adding, in its place,
‘‘The Joint Commission’’.
■ b. Adding in alphabetical order a
definition of ‘‘Day health care’’;.
■ c. In the definition of ‘‘Health care’’
adding ‘‘long-term care,’’ to the first
sentence immediately after ‘‘hospital
care,’’.
■ d. Adding in alphabetical order
definitions of ‘‘Health-related services’’,
‘‘Home health aide services’’,
‘‘Homemaker services’’, ‘‘Long-term
care’’, and ‘‘Other place of residence’’;
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■
■
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e. In the definition of ‘‘Outpatient
care’’ adding ‘‘day health care and’’
immediately after the word ‘‘including’’;
and
■ f. Revising the definition of ‘‘Respite
care’’.
The additions and revision read as
follows:
■
§ 17.900
Definitions.
*
*
*
*
*
Day health care means a therapeutic
program prescribed by an approved
health care provider that provides
necessary medical services,
rehabilitation, therapeutic activities,
socialization, nutrition, and
transportation services in a congregate
setting. Day health care may be
provided as a component of outpatient
care or respite care.
*
*
*
*
*
Health-related services means
homemaker or home health aide
services furnished in the individual’s
home or other place of residence to the
extent that those services provide
assistance with Activities of Daily
Living and Instrumental Activities of
Daily Living that have therapeutic
value.
*
*
*
*
*
Home health aide services is a
component of health-related services
providing personal care and related
support services to an individual in the
home or other place of residence. Home
health aide services may include
assistance with Activities of Daily
Living such as: Bathing; toileting;
eating; dressing; aid in ambulating or
transfers; active and passive exercises;
assistance with medical equipment; and
routine health monitoring. Home health
aide services must be provided
according to the individual’s written
plan of care and must be prescribed by
an approved health care provider.
Homemaker services is a component
of health-related services encompassing
certain activities that help to maintain a
safe, healthy environment for an
individual in the home or other place of
residence. Such services contribute to
the prevention, delay, or reduction of
risk of harm or hospital, nursing home,
or other institutional care. Homemaker
services include assistance with
personal care; home management;
completion of simple household tasks;
nutrition, including menu planning and
meal preparation; consumer education;
and hygiene education. Homemaker
services may include assistance with
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living,
such as: Light housekeeping;
laundering; meal preparation; necessary
services to maintain a safe and sanitary
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environment in the areas of the home
used by the individual; and services
essential to the comfort and cleanliness
of the individual and ensuring
individual safety. Homemaker services
must be provided according to the
individual’s written plan of care and
must be prescribed by an approved
health care provider.
*
*
*
*
*
Long-term care means home care,
nursing home care, and respite care.
*
*
*
*
*
Other place of residence includes an
assisted living facility or residential
group home.
*
*
*
*
*
Respite care means care, including
day health care, furnished by an
approved health care provider on an
intermittent basis for a limited period to
an individual who resides primarily in
a private residence when such care will
help the individual continue residing in
such private residence.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 3. Amend § 17.902 by:
■ a. Revising the first three sentences of
paragraph (a) introductory text; and
■ b. At the end of the section, removing
‘‘2900–0578’’ from the notice of the
Office of Management and Budget
control number and adding, in its place,
‘‘2900–0219’’.
The revisions read as follows:
§ 17.902
Preauthorization.
(a) Preauthorization from VA is
required for the following services or
benefits under §§ 17.900 through
17.905: Rental or purchase of durable
medical equipment with a total rental or
purchase price in excess of $300,
respectively; day health care provided
as outpatient care; dental services;
homemaker services; outpatient mental
health services in excess of 23 visits in
a calendar year; substance abuse
treatment; training; transplantation
services; and travel (other than mileage
at the General Services Administration
rate for privately owned automobiles).
Authorization will only be given in
spina bifida cases where it is
demonstrated that the care is medically
necessary. In cases of other covered
birth defects, authorization will only be
given where it is demonstrated that the
care is medically necessary and related
to the covered birth defects. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
■ 4. Amend § 17.903 by:
■ a. In paragraph (a)(1), adding a second
sentence; and
■ b. At the end of the section, removing
‘‘2900–0578’’ from the notice of the
Office of Management and Budget
E:\FR\FM\06APR1.SGM
06APR1
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 66 / Wednesday, April 6, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
control number and adding, in its place,
‘‘2900–0219’’.
The addition reads as follows:
§ 17.903
Payme.
(a)(1) * * * For those services or
benefits covered by §§ 17.900 through
17.905 but not covered by CHAMPVA
we will use payment methodologies the
same or similar to those used for
equivalent services or benefits provided
to veterans.
*
*
*
*
*
§ 17.904
[Amended]
5. Amend § 17.904 by, at the end of
the section, removing ‘‘2900–0578’’
from the notice of the Office of
Management and Budget control
number and adding, in its place, ‘‘2900–
0219’’.
■
[FR Doc. 2016–07897 Filed 4–5–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320–01–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0338 and EPA–HQ–
OPP–2015–0339; FRL–9942–32]
Hexythiazox; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation amends
tolerances for residues of hexythiazox in
or on citrus and cotton. Gowan
Company requested these tolerances
under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective April
6, 2016. Objections and requests for
hearings must be received on or before
June 6, 2016, and must be filed in
accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also
Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION).
SUMMARY:
The dockets for this action,
identified by docket identification (ID)
number EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0338 and
EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0339, are available
at https://www.regulations.gov or at the
Office of Pesticide Programs Regulatory
Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the
Environmental Protection Agency
Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William
Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301
Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC
20460–0001. The Public Reading Room
is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, excluding legal
holidays. The telephone number for the
Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
ADDRESSES:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:28 Apr 05, 2016
Jkt 238001
and the telephone number for the OPP
Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review
the visitor instructions and additional
information about the docket available
at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Susan Lewis, Registration Division
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,
DC 20460–0001; main telephone
number: (703) 305–7090; email address:
RDFRNotices@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
You may be potentially affected by
this action if you are an agricultural
producer, food manufacturer, or
pesticide manufacturer. The following
list of North American Industrial
Classification System (NAICS) codes is
not intended to be exhaustive, but rather
provides a guide to help readers
determine whether this document
applies to them. Potentially affected
entities may include:
• Crop production (NAICS code 111).
• Animal production (NAICS code
112).
• Food manufacturing (NAICS code
311).
• Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
code 32532).
B. How can I get electronic access to
other related information?
You may access a frequently updated
electronic version of EPA’s tolerance
regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through
the Government Printing Office’s e-CFR
site at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/
40tab_02.tpl.
C. How can I file an objection or hearing
request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21
U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an
objection to any aspect of this regulation
and may also request a hearing on those
objections. You must file your objection
or request a hearing on this regulation
in accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure
proper receipt by EPA, you must
identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2015–0338 and EPA–HQ–OPP–
2015–0339 in the subject line on the
first page of your submission. All
objections and requests for a hearing
must be in writing, and must be
received by the Hearing Clerk on or
before June 6, 2016. Addresses for mail
and hand delivery of objections and
hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR
178.25(b).
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
19891
In addition to filing an objection or
hearing request with the Hearing Clerk
as described in 40 CFR part 178, please
submit a copy of the filing (excluding
any Confidential Business Information
(CBI)) for inclusion in the public docket.
Information not marked confidential
pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be
disclosed publicly by EPA without prior
notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your
objection or hearing request, identified
by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–
2015–0338 and EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–
0339, by one of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
Do not submit electronically any
information you consider to be CBI or
other information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute.
• Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental
Protection Agency Docket Center
(EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001.
• Hand Delivery: To make special
arrangements for hand delivery or
delivery of boxed information, please
follow the instructions at https://
www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
Additional instructions on commenting
or visiting the docket, along with more
information about dockets generally, is
available at https://www.epa.gov/
dockets.
II. Summary of Petitioned-for Tolerance
In the Federal Register of July 17,
2015 (80 FR 42462) (FRL–9929–13),
EPA issued a document pursuant to
FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 U.S.C.
346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of
pesticide petitions (PP 5F8346 and PP
5F8356) by Gowan Company, P.O. Box
5569, Yuma, AZ 85366–5569. The
petitions requested that tolerances
currently listed in 40 CFR 180.448 be
amended for residues of the insecticide
hexythiazox and its metabolites
containing the (4-chlorophenyl)-4methyl-2-oxo-3-thiazolidine moiety, in
or on citrus, dried pulp at 0.6 parts per
million (ppm); citrus, oil at 26 ppm;
fruit, citrus, group 10 at 0.6 ppm; cotton
gin byproducts at 15 ppm; and cotton,
undelinted seed at 0.5 ppm. That
document referenced a summary of the
petitions prepared by Gowan Company,
the registrant, which is available in the
docket, https://www.regulations.gov.
There were no comments received in
response to the notice of filing.
Based upon review of the data
supporting the petition, EPA has
revoked citrus, dried pulp tolerance as
it is covered by the recommended fruit,
citrus, group 10–10 tolerance. For citrus
oil, EPA revised the tolerance to 25 ppm
and for cotton undelinted seed to 0.4
E:\FR\FM\06APR1.SGM
06APR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 66 (Wednesday, April 6, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19887-19891]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07897]
[[Page 19887]]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
38 CFR Part 17
RIN 2900-AP09
Health Care for Certain Children of Vietnam Veterans and Certain
Korea Veterans--Covered Birth Defects and Spina Bifida
AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This rule adopts as final a proposed rule of the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) to amend its regulations concerning the provision
of health care to birth children of Vietnam veterans and veterans of
covered service in Korea diagnosed with spina bifida, except for spina
bifida occulta, and certain other birth defects. In the proposed rule
published on May 15, 2015, VA proposed changes to more clearly define
the types of health care VA provides, including day health care and
health-related services, which we defined as homemaker or home health
aide services that provide assistance with Activities of Daily Living
or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living that have therapeutic value.
We also proposed changes to the list of health care services that
require preauthorization by VA. This final rule addresses comments
received from the public and adopts as final the proposed rule, without
change.
DATES: Effective Date: This rule is effective on May 6, 2016.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karyn Barrett, Director, Program
Administration Directorate, Chief Business Office Purchased Care
(10NB3), Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans
Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20420, (303) 331-7500.
(This is not a toll-free number.)
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Chapter 18 of title 38, United States Code,
provides for benefits for certain birth children of Vietnam veterans
and veterans of covered service in Korea who have been diagnosed with
spina bifida, except spina bifida occulta, and certain other birth
defects. These benefits include: (1) Monthly monetary allowances for
various disability levels; (2) health care; and (3) vocational training
and rehabilitation. VA's regulations concerning health care for
children authorized under this chapter are published at 38 CFR 17.900
through 17.905.
On May 15, 2015, VA published a proposed rule to more clearly
define the types of healthcare VA provides, including day healthcare
and health-related services, which VA would define as homemaker or home
health aide services that provide assistance with Activities of Daily
Living or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living that have therapeutic
value; and to make changes to the list of health care services that
require preauthorization by VA. (80 FR 27878). The comment period
closed on June 14, 2015. We received ten comments, which were all
generally supportive. However, the commenters raised several issues
regarding beneficiaries covered by this rulemaking, specific services
provided, definitions included in the proposed rule, and provision of
health care through non-VA care (care in the community). We respond to
these comments below and adopt as final the proposed rule, without
change.
Scope of the Rulemaking
One commenter stated that children of Vietnam veterans who have
spina bifida may have children of their own, and VA should also provide
care to grandchildren of Vietnam veterans who have spina bifida. The
commenter stated that according to the US National Library of Medicine,
spina bifida is likely caused by the interaction of multiple genetic
and environmental factors, and that genetic changes in individuals with
spina bifida may increase the risk of neural tube defects in the
subsequent generation. The commenter stated that if a child with spina
bifida can establish that the grandfather was exposed to herbicides
during the Vietnam War, that child should also be covered.
Another commenter stated that children of Air Force active duty
servicemembers and reservists who were exposed to Agent Orange while
flying C-123 aircraft both during the Vietnam War and the post-war
period should also be covered. The commenter noted that these
servicemembers flew out of air bases in Thailand and Clark Air Base in
the Philippine Islands, and some of the airplanes potentially
contaminated by Agent Orange remained in service after the war.
In response to the first comment, VA does not have statutory
authority to provide health care to grandchildren of Vietnam veterans
who may have spina bifida. VA's authority to provide health care to
children with spina bifida or other covered birth defects is limited by
statute. A ``child'' covered under this statute is defined at 38 U.S.C.
1831(1) as an individual, regardless of age or marital status, who is
the natural child of a Vietnam veteran, and was conceived after the
date on which that veteran first entered the Republic of Vietnam during
the Vietnam era; or, is the natural child of a veteran of covered
service in Korea (as determined for purposes of 38 U.S.C. 1821), and
was conceived after the date on which that veteran first entered
service described in 38 U.S.C. 1821(c).
With respect to the second comment, VA also does not have the
authority to extend benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 18 to children of
veterans who did not serve in the Republic of Vietnam during the
Vietnam era or who did not have certain service in Korea. ``Vietnam
veteran'' is defined at 38 U.S.C. 1831(2) to mean an individual who
performed active military, naval, or air service in the Republic of
Vietnam during the Vietnam era, without regard to the characterization
of that individual's service. The ``Vietnam era'' is defined at 38
U.S.C. 1831(3) as ending on May 7, 1975. A veteran of covered service
in Korea is any individual, without regard to the characterization of
that individual's service, who served in the active military, naval, or
air service in or near the Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ), as
determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of
Defense, during the period beginning on September 1, 1967, and ending
on August 31, 1971; and is determined by VA, in consultation with the
Department of Defense, to have been exposed to an herbicide agent
during such service in or near the Korean demilitarized zone. 38 U.S.C.
1821(c). To the extent a veteran who flew in a C-123 is also a veteran
with covered service defined in 38 U.S.C. 1831(2) and has a child
covered by 38 U.S.C. 1831(1), however, the child would be eligible for
benefits under Chapter 18.
In further response to the comment regarding reservists and
servicemembers who flew in C-123 aircraft, we note that VA does have
authority in certain other circumstances to extend benefits to veterans
who did not serve in those defined areas or time periods, but may have
been exposed to Agent Orange. This authority is unrelated to benefits
furnished to eligible children under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 18 but we
briefly discuss it here because a recent VA rulemaking is relevant to
the second public comment. On June 19, 2015, VA published an interim
final rule (80 FR 35248) extending the presumption of herbicide
exposure and presumption of service connection to individuals who
performed service in the Air Force or Air Force Reserve under
circumstances in which the individual concerned regularly and
repeatedly operated, maintained, or served onboard C-123
[[Page 19888]]
aircraft known to have been used to spray an herbicide agent during the
Vietnam era. The June 2015 interim final rule thus covers
servicemembers who were potentially exposed to Agent Orange during
periods after the end of the Vietnam War, and in regions outside of
Vietnam. VA determined that the presumption of service connection
should be extended to these servicemembers based on a January 2015
report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and
Medicine's Institute of Medicine (IOM) titled ``Post-Vietnam Dioxin
Exposure in Agent Orange-Contaminated C-123 Aircraft.'' In that report
the IOM noted that between 1972 and 1982, approximately 1,500 to 2,100
U.S. Air Force Reserve personnel trained and worked on C-123 aircraft
that previously had been used to spray herbicides, including Agent
Orange, during Operation Ranch Hand. Based on a review of the evidence,
IOM concluded that it was plausible that Air Force reservists flying C-
123 aircraft used in Operation Ranch Hand were exposed to Agent Orange.
We make no changes based on these comments.
Definitions
One commenter asked whether the proposed addition of day health
care to the list of health care services would require the beneficiary
to transfer to a group home. In the proposed rule we defined day health
care to mean a therapeutic program prescribed by an approved health
care provider that provides necessary medical services, rehabilitation,
therapeutic activities, socialization, nutrition, and transportation
services in a congregate setting. Day health care services contemplated
under this proposal are non-residential and equivalent to adult day
health care provided to disabled veterans under 38 CFR 17.111(c)(1).
These would not require the beneficiary to relocate to a group home.
The essential features are the therapeutic focus of the day health care
services and provision of these services in a congregate setting. The
addition of day health care to the list of covered health care services
augments rather than contracts the options available. Day health care
is an alternative care setting that can allow some beneficiaries who
require long term care services to remain in their homes rather than be
institutionalized in a nursing home. Such beneficiaries typically
require support for some, but not all, Activities of Daily Living
(ADLs), such as bathing, dressing or feeding. In many cases, a family
member may provide the beneficiary with much of their care, but require
additional support for some ADLs. By filling these gaps, day health
care can allow these beneficiaries to remain in their homes and
communities for additional months or even years. Day health care
programs can help caregivers to meet their other professional and
family obligations, or provide a well-deserved respite, while their
loved ones are participating in the program.
Two commenters urged VA to allow payment for homemakers and home
health aides to shop for groceries outside of the home. Homemaker and
home health aide (H/HHA) services are health-related services. VA
provides health-related services, including H/HHA services, to veterans
under 38 U.S.C. 1720C. We proposed to provide H/HHA services to spina
bifida beneficiaries similar to that provided to veterans, to the
extent allowed by law. Under 38 U.S.C. 1720C, VA may provide H/HHA to
veterans in ``noninstitutional settings.'' This includes services
performed outside the home, such as grocery shopping and escorting the
veteran to necessary appointments. VA may not provide such services to
beneficiaries under the Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program,
health-related services for spina bifida beneficiaries are included as
a component of home care. Home care is defined at 38 U.S.C. 1803(c)(3)
as outpatient care, habilitative and rehabilitative care, preventive
health services, and health-related services furnished to an individual
in the individual's home or other place of residence. This definition
specifically limits the provision of health-related services under 38
U.S.C. 1803 to those services furnished within the home or other place
of residence. Grocery shopping, which is an H/HHA type of health-
related service performed outside the home or other place of residence,
cannot be provided due to this statutory restriction that applies to
the Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program, but not to VA's
authorities to provide care to veterans.
One commenter supported the proposed rule, but urged us to amend
the definition of ``other place of residence.'' As noted above, home
care, including health-related services such as H/HHA services, is
provided in the individual's home or other place of residence. We
proposed to define other place of residence to include an assisted
living facility or residential group home. Assisted living facilities
and residential group homes are appropriate for individuals who do not
require the level of care provided in a nursing home, and VA believes
that providing home care in assisted living facilities and residential
group homes will allow individuals to retain a greater level of
independence and quality of life, and delay or prevent any need for
nursing home care. While VA may provide services to an individual
residing in an assisted living facility or residential group home, we
do not have the statutory authority to pay for placement in such
facility. The types of alternatives to home care that VA may provide
under 38 U.S.C. 1803 are nursing home care, hospital care, and respite
care. The commenter suggested amending the definition of ``other place
of residence'' to state that ``placement in such facility or home is
covered to the extent that the facility or home provides covered care
or services.'' The commenter stated that this would clarify that VA can
provide for placement in an assisted living facility or residential
group home to the extent that such location provides aspects of care or
services covered under 38 U.S.C. 1803. We do not agree. Payment for
placement in an assisted living facility or residential group home is
distinctly different than providing for care and services rendered in
such facility. While VA cannot do the former, we may do the latter to
the extent allowed by law. VA believes that the suggested language
would lead to confusion as it implies that VA can cover, to some
extent, placement in an assisted living facility or residential group
home.
One commenter asked for clarification of what long-term care means
as that term applies to H/HHA services. Specifically, the commenter
asked whether a spina bifida beneficiary would be entitled to receive
H/HHA services around the clock and indefinitely. One commenter asked
whether there would be a limit on the number of hours of H/HHA services
that a beneficiary may receive. As noted above, H/HHA services provided
to spina bifida beneficiaries are similar to that provided to veterans,
to the extent allowed by law. Under 38 U.S.C. 1720C, VA is authorized
to provide veterans with health-related services in a non-institutional
setting. The total cost of providing such services or in-kind
assistance to any veteran in any fiscal year may not exceed 65 percent
of the cost that would have been incurred by VA during that fiscal year
if the veteran had been furnished, instead, nursing home care under 38
U.S.C. 1710. See 38 U.S.C. 1720C(d). The same limitation is applied
currently to H/HHA services provided to spina bifida beneficiaries and
will continue to apply under this
[[Page 19889]]
rule. Consistent with this limitation, H/HHA services will be provided
to spina bifida beneficiaries if medically necessary.
The commenter also requested clarification on what type of health
care provider must prescribe H/HHA services. These services must be
prescribed by an approved health care provider. Under Sec. 17.900,
``approved health care provider'' means a health care provider
currently approved by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services
(CMS), Department of Defense TRICARE Program, Civilian Health and
Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), Joint
Commission, or currently approved for providing health care under a
license or certificate issued by a governmental entity with
jurisdiction.
The commenter also raised several procedural issues that are beyond
the scope of this rulemaking.
We make no changes based on these comments.
Miscellaneous
One commenter stated that health care should be provided directly
by VA health care providers rather than through care in the community.
However, children with covered birth defects or spina bifida require
specialty care that may not be available in a VA medical center, and
requiring the beneficiary to commute to a VA medical facility could
impose an undue burden on the caregiver. Here, care in the community
ensures that the beneficiary receives necessary specialty medical care
in a timely manner, and eliminates the need to travel to the nearest VA
medical center to obtain that care.
Based on the rationale set forth in the preamble to the proposed
rule and in this preamble, VA is adopting the proposed rule as a final
rule, with no changes.
Effect of Rulemaking
Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as revised by this
final rulemaking, represents VA's implementation of its legal authority
on this subject. Other than future amendments to this regulation or
governing statutes, no contrary guidance or procedures are authorized.
All existing or subsequent VA guidance must be read to conform with
this rulemaking if possible or, if not possible, such guidance is
superseded by this rulemaking.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507) requires that
VA consider the impact of paperwork and other information collection
burdens imposed on the public. Under 44 U.S.C. 3507(a), an agency may
not collect or sponsor the collection of information, nor may it impose
an information collection requirement unless it displays a currently
valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. See also 5
CFR 1320.8(b)(2)(vi).
This final rule will impose the following amended information
collection requirements. Preauthorization from VA under 38 CFR
17.902(a) is required for certain services or benefits under Sec. Sec.
17.900 through 17.905. Information collection under this rule is
approved under OMB control number 2900-0219. VA is making a minor
modification to this information collection by requiring
preauthorization for mental health services only for outpatient mental
health services, and only when those services are provided in excess of
23 visits in a calendar year. VA also adds day health care provided as
outpatient care and homemaker services to the list of services or
benefits that must receive preauthorization. VA anticipates that the
decrease in the number of beneficiaries that must request
preauthorization for mental health services will be offset by the
number of beneficiaries that will request preauthorization for day
health care. Therefore, we believe that there will be little, if any,
change in the total burden hours as a result of this modification. As
required by the 44 U.S.C. 3507(d), VA submitted these information
collection amendments to OMB for its review, and the information
collection is pending OMB approval. Notice of OMB approval for this
information collection will be published in a future Federal Register
document.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Secretary hereby certifies that this final rule will not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities
as they are defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-
612. This final rule will directly affect only individuals and will not
directly affect small entities. Therefore, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b),
this rulemaking is exempt from the initial and final regulatory
flexibility analysis requirements of 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604.
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, when
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public
health and safety effects, and other advantages; distributive impacts;
and equity). Executive Order 13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory
Review) emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and
benefits, reducing costs, harmonizing rules, and promoting flexibility.
Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) defines a
``significant regulatory action,'' requiring review by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB), unless OMB waives such review, as ``any
regulatory action that is likely to result in a rule that may: (1) Have
an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely
affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy,
productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or
safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities; (2)
Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action
taken or planned by another agency; (3) Materially alter the budgetary
impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the
rights and obligations of recipients thereof; or (4) Raise novel legal
or policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the President's
priorities, or the principles set forth in this Executive Order.''
The economic, interagency, budgetary, legal, and policy
implications of this final rule have been examined, and it has been
determined not to be a significant regulatory action under Executive
Order 12866. VA's impact analysis can be found as a supporting document
at https://www.regulations.gov, usually within 48 hours after the
rulemaking document is published. Additionally, a copy of the
rulemaking and its impact analysis are available on VA's Web site at
https://www.va.gov/orpm/, by following the link for ``VA Regulations
Published From FY 2004 Through Fiscal Year to Date.''
Unfunded Mandates
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires, at 2 U.S.C.
1532, that agencies prepare an assessment of anticipated costs and
benefits before issuing any rule that may result in the expenditure by
State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the
private sector, of $100 million or more (adjusted annually for
inflation) in any one year. This final rule will have no such effect on
State, local, and tribal governments, or on the private sector.
[[Page 19890]]
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
There are no Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance numbers and
titles for the programs affected by this document.
Signing Authority
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or designee, approved this
document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document
to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as
an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Robert D.
Snyder, Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs, approved this
document on March 31, 2016, for publication.
List of Subjects in 38 CFR Part 17
Administrative practice and procedure, Alcohol abuse, Alcoholism,
Claims, Day care, Dental health, Drug abuse, Government contracts,
Grant programs-health, Grant programs-veterans, Health care, Health
facilities, Health professions, Health records, Homeless, Medical and
dental schools, Medical devices, Medical research, Mental health
programs, Nursing homes, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements,
Travel and transportation expenses, Veterans.
Dated: April 1, 2016.
William F. Russo,
Director, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, Office of the
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Department of Veterans
Affairs amends 38 CFR part 17 as follows:
PART 17--MEDICAL
0
1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, and as noted in specific sections.
0
2. Amend Sec. 17.900 by:
0
a. In the definition of ``Approved health care provider'' removing
``Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations
(JCAHO)'' from the first sentence and adding, in its place, ``The Joint
Commission''.
0
b. Adding in alphabetical order a definition of ``Day health care'';.
0
c. In the definition of ``Health care'' adding ``long-term care,'' to
the first sentence immediately after ``hospital care,''.
0
d. Adding in alphabetical order definitions of ``Health-related
services'', ``Home health aide services'', ``Homemaker services'',
``Long-term care'', and ``Other place of residence'';
0
e. In the definition of ``Outpatient care'' adding ``day health care
and'' immediately after the word ``including''; and
0
f. Revising the definition of ``Respite care''.
The additions and revision read as follows:
Sec. 17.900 Definitions.
* * * * *
Day health care means a therapeutic program prescribed by an
approved health care provider that provides necessary medical services,
rehabilitation, therapeutic activities, socialization, nutrition, and
transportation services in a congregate setting. Day health care may be
provided as a component of outpatient care or respite care.
* * * * *
Health-related services means homemaker or home health aide
services furnished in the individual's home or other place of residence
to the extent that those services provide assistance with Activities of
Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living that have
therapeutic value.
* * * * *
Home health aide services is a component of health-related services
providing personal care and related support services to an individual
in the home or other place of residence. Home health aide services may
include assistance with Activities of Daily Living such as: Bathing;
toileting; eating; dressing; aid in ambulating or transfers; active and
passive exercises; assistance with medical equipment; and routine
health monitoring. Home health aide services must be provided according
to the individual's written plan of care and must be prescribed by an
approved health care provider.
Homemaker services is a component of health-related services
encompassing certain activities that help to maintain a safe, healthy
environment for an individual in the home or other place of residence.
Such services contribute to the prevention, delay, or reduction of risk
of harm or hospital, nursing home, or other institutional care.
Homemaker services include assistance with personal care; home
management; completion of simple household tasks; nutrition, including
menu planning and meal preparation; consumer education; and hygiene
education. Homemaker services may include assistance with Instrumental
Activities of Daily Living, such as: Light housekeeping; laundering;
meal preparation; necessary services to maintain a safe and sanitary
environment in the areas of the home used by the individual; and
services essential to the comfort and cleanliness of the individual and
ensuring individual safety. Homemaker services must be provided
according to the individual's written plan of care and must be
prescribed by an approved health care provider.
* * * * *
Long-term care means home care, nursing home care, and respite
care.
* * * * *
Other place of residence includes an assisted living facility or
residential group home.
* * * * *
Respite care means care, including day health care, furnished by an
approved health care provider on an intermittent basis for a limited
period to an individual who resides primarily in a private residence
when such care will help the individual continue residing in such
private residence.
* * * * *
0
3. Amend Sec. 17.902 by:
0
a. Revising the first three sentences of paragraph (a) introductory
text; and
0
b. At the end of the section, removing ``2900-0578'' from the notice of
the Office of Management and Budget control number and adding, in its
place, ``2900-0219''.
The revisions read as follows:
Sec. 17.902 Preauthorization.
(a) Preauthorization from VA is required for the following services
or benefits under Sec. Sec. 17.900 through 17.905: Rental or purchase
of durable medical equipment with a total rental or purchase price in
excess of $300, respectively; day health care provided as outpatient
care; dental services; homemaker services; outpatient mental health
services in excess of 23 visits in a calendar year; substance abuse
treatment; training; transplantation services; and travel (other than
mileage at the General Services Administration rate for privately owned
automobiles). Authorization will only be given in spina bifida cases
where it is demonstrated that the care is medically necessary. In cases
of other covered birth defects, authorization will only be given where
it is demonstrated that the care is medically necessary and related to
the covered birth defects. * * *
* * * * *
0
4. Amend Sec. 17.903 by:
0
a. In paragraph (a)(1), adding a second sentence; and
0
b. At the end of the section, removing ``2900-0578'' from the notice of
the Office of Management and Budget
[[Page 19891]]
control number and adding, in its place, ``2900-0219''.
The addition reads as follows:
Sec. 17.903 Payme.
(a)(1) * * * For those services or benefits covered by Sec. Sec.
17.900 through 17.905 but not covered by CHAMPVA we will use payment
methodologies the same or similar to those used for equivalent services
or benefits provided to veterans.
* * * * *
Sec. 17.904 [Amended]
0
5. Amend Sec. 17.904 by, at the end of the section, removing ``2900-
0578'' from the notice of the Office of Management and Budget control
number and adding, in its place, ``2900-0219''.
[FR Doc. 2016-07897 Filed 4-5-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P