Department of Health and Human Services December 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 201 - 268 of 268
Draft Guidance for Industry on Size, Shape, and Other Physical Attributes of Generic Tablets and Capsules; Availability
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled ``Size, Shape, and Other Physical Attributes of Generic Tablets and Capsules.'' This guidance discusses FDA recommendations for the size, shape, and other physical attributes of generic tablets intended to be swallowed intact. FDA is concerned that these characteristics of generic drugs are too varied compared to the originator drug and could affect patient outcomes.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request; Medical Devices Current Good Manufacturing Practice Quality System Regulation
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing that a proposed collection of information has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA).
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Providing Waiver-Related Materials in Accordance With Draft Guidance for Industry on Providing Postmarket Periodic Safety Reports in the International Conference on Harmonisation E2C(R2) Format
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the Agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA), Federal Agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the information collection associated with the submission of periodic safety reports as described in the guidance entitled ``Periodic Benefit-Risk Evaluation Report (PBRER) (E2C(R2)).'' The guidance was prepared under the auspices of the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use, and describes the format, content, and timing of a PBRER for an approved drug or biologic. This notice also solicits comments on the information collection associated with the submission of waiver-related materials as described in the draft guidance entitled ``Providing Postmarket Periodic Safety Reports in the ICH E2C(R2) Format.'' The draft guidance is intended to inform applicants of the conditions under which FDA will exercise its waiver authority to permit applicants to submit an ICH E2C(R2) PBRER in place of the ICH E2C(R1) Periodic Safety Update Report (PSUR), U.S. periodic adverse drug experience report (PADER), or U.S. periodic adverse experience report (PAER), to satisfy the periodic safety reporting requirements in FDA regulations.
Draft Guidance for Industry on Recommendations for Preparation and Submission of Animal Food Additive Petitions; Reopening of the Comment Period
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reopening the comment period for the notice published in the Federal Register of Wednesday, September 11, 2013 (78 FR 55727), announcing the availability of the draft guidance for industry (GFI 221) entitled ``Recommendations for Preparation and Submission of Animal Food Additive Petitions.''
Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems and Quality Reporting Programs; Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program; Organ Procurement Organizations; Quality Improvement Organizations; Electronic Health Records (EHR) Incentive Program; Provider Reimbursement Determinations and Appeals
This final rule with comment period revises the Medicare hospital outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) and the Medicare ambulatory surgical center (ASC) payment system for CY 2014 to implement applicable statutory requirements and changes arising from our continuing experience with these systems. In this final rule with comment period, we describe the changes to the amounts and factors used to determine the payment rates for Medicare services paid under the OPPS and those paid under the ASC payment system. In addition, this final rule with comment period updates and refines the requirements for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting (OQR) Program, the ASC Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Program, and the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program. In the final rules in this document, we are finalizing changes to the conditions for coverage (CfCs) for organ procurement organizations (OPOs); revisions to the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) regulations; changes to the Medicare fee-for-service Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program; and changes relating to provider reimbursement determinations and appeals.
Medicare Program; Revisions to Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule, Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule & Other Revisions to Part B for CY 2014
This major final rule with comment period addresses changes to the physician fee schedule, clinical laboratory fee schedule, and other Medicare Part B payment policies to ensure that our payment systems are updated to reflect changes in medical practice and the relative value of services. This final rule with comment period also includes a discussion in the Supplementary Information regarding various programs. (See the Table of Contents for a listing of the specific issues addressed in the final rule with comment period.)
Announcement of the Second 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Meeting
As stipulated by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is hereby giving notice that a meeting of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) will be held and will be open to the public. This meeting was originally scheduled for October 3-4, 2013, but was postponed due to the government shutdown.
New Animal Drugs; Hyaluronate Sodium; Hydrogen Peroxide; Imidacloprid and Moxidectin; Change of Sponsor
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending the animal drug regulations to reflect approval actions for new animal drug applications (NADAs) and abbreviated new animal drug applications (ANADAs) during October 2013. FDA is also informing the public of the availability of summaries of the basis of approval and of environmental review documents, where applicable. The animal drug regulations are also being amended to reflect a change of sponsorship of an ANADA.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Public Comment Request
In compliance with section 3507(a)(1)(D) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of the Secretary (OS), Department of Health and Human Services, has submitted an Information Collection Request (ICR), described below, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The ICR is for a new generic clearance. OMB will accept further comments from the public on this ICR during the review and approval period.
Medicare Program; Semi-Annual Meeting of the Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment (HOP Panel) March 10-11, 2014
This notice announces the first semi-annual meeting of the Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment (the Panel) for 2014. The purpose of the Panel is to advise the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) and the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (the Administrator) on the clinical integrity of the Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) groups and their associated weights, and hospital outpatient therapeutic services supervision issues.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS' intention to collect information from the public. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA), federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information (including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information) and to allow 60 days for public comment on the proposed action. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding our burden estimates or any other aspect of this collection of information, including any of the following subjects: (1) The necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS' intention to collect information from the public. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, and to allow a second opportunity for public comment on the notice. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including any of the following subjects: (1) The necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.
Prospective Grant of Exclusive License: Development of Cripto-1 Point of Care (POC) Tests and Kits for the Detection of Colon and Rectal Cancer, Breast Cancer, and Lung Cancer
This is notice, in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR Part 404, that the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, is contemplating the grant of an exclusive patent license to practice the inventions embodied in the following U.S. Patents and Patent Applications to Beacon Biomedical LLC (``Beacon'') located in Scottsdale, AZ, USA.
Government-Owned Inventions; Availability for Licensing
The inventions listed below are owned by an agency of the U.S. Government and are available for licensing in the U.S. in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR Part 404 to achieve expeditious commercialization of results of federally-funded research and development. Foreign patent applications are filed on selected inventions to extend market coverage for companies and may also be available for licensing.
Food Additives Permitted for Direct Addition to Food for Human Consumption; Acacia (Gum Arabic)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is amending the food additive regulations to provide for the expanded safe use of acacia (gum arabic) in foods. This action is in response to a petition filed by Nexira.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Pharmacy Survey on Patient Safety Culture Comparative Database.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``AHRQ Grants Reporting System (GRS).'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520, AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.
Draft Guidance for Industry on Bioequivalence Studies With Pharmacokinetic Endpoints for Drugs Submitted Under an Abbreviated New Drug Application; Availability
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled ``Bioequivalence Studies With Pharmacokinetic Endpoints for Drugs Submitted Under an ANDA.'' This guidance provides recommendations to applicants planning to include bioequivalence (BE) information in abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) and ANDA supplements. The guidance describes how to meet the BE requirements set forth in FDA regulations. The guidance is applicable to dosage forms intended for oral administration and to non-orally administered drug products in which reliance on systemic exposure measures is suitable for documenting BE. The guidance will be especially useful when planning BE studies intended to be conducted during the postapproval period for certain changes in an ANDA.
Draft Guidance for Industry on Bioequivalence Recommendations for Paliperidone Palmitate Extended-Release Injectable Suspension; Availability
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the availability of a revised draft guidance for industry entitled ``Bioequivalence Recommendations for Paliperidone Palmitate.'' The guidance provides specific recommendations on the design of bioequivalence (BE) studies to support abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) for paliperidone palmitate extended-release injectable suspension.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request; Over-the-Counter Drugs; Labeling Requirements
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing that a proposed collection of information has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Privacy Act of 1974: CMS Computer Matching Program Match No. 2013-01; HHS Computer Matching Program Match No. 1312
In accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended, this notice announces the renewal of a CMP that CMS plans to conduct with the Purchased Care at the Health Administration Center (PC@HAC) of the Department of Veteran Affairs. We have provided background information about the proposed matching program in the ``Supplementary Information'' section below. Although the Privacy Act requires only that CMS provide an opportunity for interested persons to comment on the proposed matching program, CMS invites comments on all portions of this notice. See ``Effective Dates'' section below for comment period.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection: Public Comment Request
In compliance with the requirement for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects (Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announces plans to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR), described below, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Prior to submitting the ICR to OMB, HRSA seeks comments from the public regarding the burden estimate, below, or any other aspect of the ICR.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request; Medical Devices; Third-Party Review Under the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing that a proposed collection of information has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Public Comment Request
In compliance with section 3507(a)(1)(D) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of the Secretary (OS), Department of Health and Human Services, has submitted an Information Collection Request (ICR), described below, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The ICR is for a new collection. Comments submitted during the first public review of this ICR will be provided to OMB. OMB will accept further comments from the public on this ICR during the review and approval period.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request; Biological Products: Reporting of Biological Product Deviations and Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Product Deviations in Manufacturing; Forms FDA 3486 and 3486A
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing that a proposed collection of information has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request; Human Tissue Intended for Transplantation
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing that a proposed collection of information has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Drug Products That Present Demonstrable Difficulties for Compounding Under Sections 503A and 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; Request for Nominations
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is preparing to develop a list of drug products that present demonstrable difficulties for compounding (difficult-to-compound list). To identify candidates for this list, FDA is encouraging interested groups and individuals to nominate specific drug products or categories of drug products and is describing the information that should be provided to the Agency in support of each nomination.
List of Bulk Drug Substances That May Be Used in Pharmacy Compounding; Bulk Drug Substances That May Be Used To Compound Drug Products in Accordance With Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is withdrawing the proposed rule to list bulk drug substances used in pharmacy compounding and preparing to develop a list of bulk drug substances (bulk drugs) that may be used to compound drug products, although they are neither the subject of a United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or National Formulary (NF) monograph nor components of FDA- approved drugs. To identify candidates for this bulk drugs list, interested groups and individuals may nominate specific bulk drug substances, and FDA is describing the information that should be provided to the Agency in support of each nomination.
Bulk Drug Substances That May Be Used To Compound Drug Products in Accordance With Section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, Concerning Outsourcing Facilities; Request for Nominations
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is preparing to develop a list of bulk drug substances (bulk drugs) that may be used to compound drug products in accordance with section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act), concerning outsourcing facilities. To identify candidates for this bulk drugs list, interested groups and individuals may nominate specific bulk drug substances, and FDA is describing the information that should be provided to the Agency in support of each nomination.
Draft Guidance; Pharmacy Compounding of Human Drug Products Under Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; Withdrawal of Guidances
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) is announcing the availability of a draft guidance entitled ``Pharmacy Compounding of Human Drug Products Under Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act''. The draft guidance announces the Agency's intention with regard to enforcement of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act) to regulate entities that compound drugs, now that the FD&C Act has been amended by the Drug Quality and Security Act. When final, the guidance will reflect the Agency's current thinking on the issues addressed by the guidance. The Agency is also announcing the withdrawal of a guidance entitled, ``Enforcement Policy During Implementation of Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act,'' which was issued in November 1998, and the withdrawal of CPG Section 460.200 of the Compliance Program Guidance (CPG) Manual entitled, ``Pharmacy Compounding,'' which was issued in May 2002. These guidances are being withdrawn because they are no longer consistent with the Agency's current thinking on the issues they address.
Draft Guidance for Industry on Registration for Human Drug Compounding Outsourcing Facilities Under Section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; Availability
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) is announcing the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled ``Registration for Human Drug Compounding Outsourcing Facilities Under Section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.'' The draft guidance addresses new provisions in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act), as amended by the Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA). The draft guidance is intended to assist human drug compounders that choose to register as outsourcing facilities (outsourcing facilities) in registering with FDA. The draft guidance provides information on how an outsourcing facility should submit facility registration information electronically.
Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff; Civil Money Penalties for Tobacco Retailers: Responses to Frequently Asked Questions; Availability
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the availability of the guidance entitled ``Civil Money Penalties for Tobacco Retailers: Responses to Frequently Asked Questions.'' This guidance provides information in response to questions that FDA has received regarding the issuance of civil money penalties for violations of regulations issued under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act) relating to tobacco products in retail outlets.
Draft Guidance for Industry on Interim Product Reporting for Human Drug Compounding Outsourcing Facilities Under Section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; Availability
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) is announcing the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled ``Interim Product Reporting for Human Drug Compounding Outsourcing Facilities Under Section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.'' The draft guidance addresses new provisions in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act), as amended by the Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA), and sets forth an interim electronic submission method for human drug compounders that choose to register as outsourcing facilities (outsourcing facilities).
Findings of Research Misconduct
Notice is hereby given that the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) has taken final action in the following case: Timothy Sheehy, B.A., BSc., SAIC-Frederick, Inc.
Proposed Collection; 60-Day Comment Request; Rapid Throughput Standardized Evaluation of Transmissible Risk for Substance Use Disorder in Youth
In compliance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects to be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. Written comments and/or suggestions from the public and affected agencies are invited on one or more of the following points: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the function of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (2) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. To Submit Comments and For Further Information: To obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instructions, contact Dr. Augie Diana, Health Scientist Administrator, Prevention Research Branch, Division of Epidemiology, Services, and Prevention Research, NIDA, NIH, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 5163, Bethesda, MD 20892, or call non-toll- free number (301) 443-1942 or Email your request, including your address to: dianaa@nida.nih.gov. Formal request for additional plans and instruments must be requested in writing.
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program; List of Petitions Received
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is publishing this notice of petitions received under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (the Program), as required by Section 2112(b)(2) of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, as amended. While the Secretary of Health and Human Services is named as the respondent in all proceedings brought by the filing of petitions for compensation under the Program, the United States Court of Federal Claims is charged by statute with responsibility for considering and acting upon the petitions.
Current List of Laboratories and Instrumented Initial Testing Facilities Which Meet Minimum Standards To Engage in Urine Drug Testing for Federal Agencies
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) notifies federal agencies of the Laboratories and Instrumented Initial Testing Facilities (IITF) currently certified to meet the standards of the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs (Mandatory Guidelines). The Mandatory Guidelines were first published in the Federal Register on April 11, 1988 (53 FR 11970), and subsequently revised in the Federal Register on June 9, 1994 (59 FR 29908); September 30, 1997 (62 FR 51118); April 13, 2004 (69 FR 19644); November 25, 2008 (73 FR 71858); December 10, 2008 (73 FR 75122); and on April 30, 2010 (75 FR 22809). A notice listing all currently certified laboratories and IITF is published in the Federal Register during the first week of each month. If any laboratory or IITF certification is suspended or revoked, the laboratory or IITF will be omitted from subsequent lists until such time as it is restored to full certification under the Mandatory Guidelines. If any laboratory or IITF has withdrawn from the HHS National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP) during the past month, it will be listed at the end and will be omitted from the monthly listing thereafter. This notice is also available on the Internet at https:// www.workplace.samhsa.gov.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals; Withdrawal
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requests withdrawal from publication the 60-Day Federal Register Notice (FRN) 14 0770 concerning the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System (NHBS) (FR Doc. 2013-28281), which was submitted on November 21, 2013 for public inspection in the Federal Register. The purpose behind this notice withdrawal request is that an original 60-day FRN previously published on November 26, 2013 (Document Number2013-28280). A duplicate 60-day FRN was inadvertently published on November 26, 2013. Please disregard the duplicate FRN.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request; Focus Groups About Drug Products as Used by the Food and Drug Administration
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing that a proposed collection of information has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request; Guidance for Industry on Planning for the Effects of High Absenteeism To Ensure Availability of Medically Necessary Drug Products
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing that a proposed collection of information has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Medicare, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Programs; Provider Enrollment Application Fee Amount for Calendar Year 2014
This notice announces a $542.00 calendar year (CY) 2014 application fee for institutional providers that are initially enrolling in the Medicare or Medicaid program or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP); revalidating their Medicare, Medicaid or CHIP enrollment; or adding a new Medicare practice location. This fee is required with any enrollment application submitted on or after January 1, 2014 and on or before December 31, 2014.
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2015
This proposed rule sets forth payment parameters and oversight provisions related to the risk adjustment, reinsurance, and risk corridors programs; cost-sharing parameters and cost-sharing reductions; and user fees for Federally-facilitated Exchanges. It also proposes additional standards with respect to composite rating, privacy and security of personally identifiable information, the annual open enrollment period for 2015, the actuarial value calculator, the annual limitation in cost sharing for stand-alone dental plans, the meaningful difference standard for qualified health plans offered through a Federally-facilitated Exchange, patient safety standards for issuers of qualified health plans, and the Small Business Health Options Program.
Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Home Health Prospective Payment System Rate Update for CY 2014, Home Health Quality Reporting Requirements, and Cost Allocation of Home Health Survey Expenses
This final rule will update the Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) rates, including the national, standardized 60- day episode payment rates, the national per-visit rates, the low- utilization payment adjustment (LUPA) add-on, and the non-routine medical supply (NRS) conversion factor under the Medicare prospective payment system for home health agencies (HHAs), effective January 1, 2014. As required by the Affordable Care Act, this rule establishes rebasing adjustments, with a 4-year phase-in, to the national, standardized 60-day episode payment rates; the national per-visit rates; and the NRS conversion factor. In addition, this final rule will remove 170 diagnosis codes from assignment to diagnosis groups within the HH PPS Grouper, effective January 1, 2014. Finally, this rule will establish home health quality reporting requirements for CY 2014 payment and subsequent years and will clarify that a state Medicaid program must provide that, in certifying HHAs, the state's designated survey agency carry out certain other responsibilities that already apply to surveys of nursing facilities and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID), including sharing in the cost of HHA surveys. For that portion of costs attributable to Medicare and Medicaid, we will assign 50 percent to Medicare and 50 percent to Medicaid, the standard method that CMS and states use in the allocation of expenses related to surveys of nursing homes.
Medicare Program; End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System, Quality Incentive Program, and Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies
This rule updates and makes revisions to the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) prospective payment system (PPS) for calendar year (CY) 2014. This rule also sets forth requirements for the ESRD quality incentive program (QIP), including for payment year (PY) 2016 and beyond. In addition, this rule clarifies the grandfathering provision related to the 3-year minimum lifetime requirement (MLR) for Durable Medical Equipment (DME), and provides clarification of the definition of routinely purchased DME. This rule also implements budget-neutral fee schedules for splints and casts, and intraocular lenses (IOLs) inserted in a physician's office. Finally, this rule makes a few technical amendments and corrections to existing regulations related to payment for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) items and services.
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