Department of Health and Human Services January 5, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services invites suggestions from interested organizations and knowledgeable individuals regarding the highest priorities for research, demonstration, and evaluation projects to support and improve the Medicare, Medicaid, and State Children Health Insurance (SCHIP) programs. The research and other activities undertaken and authorized by the above-captioned or above referenced statutory provision may address: 1. The outcomes, comparative clinical effectiveness, and appropriateness of health care items and services (including prescription drugs); and 2. Strategies for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of such programs, including the ways in which such items and services are organized, managed, and delivered under such programs. The statute: a. Requires the establishment of a priority setting process for identifying the most important topics to address, b. Establishes a timetable for development of an initial priority list and completion of the research; and c. Requires ongoing consultation with relevant stakeholders. To review the text of section 1013 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, please visit Section 1013. Research on Outcomes of Health Care Items and Services (PDF 21.7 KB) or https://www.medicare.gov/medicarereform/108s1013.htm (text). Current priority conditions being studied focus on topics particularly relevant to Medicare beneficiaries. The next set of priority conditions will be expanded to include conditions relevant to the Medicaid and SCHIP programs. The current priority conditions are: Arthritis and non-traumatic joint disorders. Cancer. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Dementia including Alzheimer's disease. Depression and other mood disorders. Diabetes mellitus. Ischemic heart disease. Peptic ulcer disease and dyspepsia. Pneumonia. Stroke and hypertension.