Standardization of post-acute care data

(a)

In general

Title XVIII of the Social Security Act is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

1899B.

Standardized Post-Acute Care (PAC) assessment data for quality, payment, and discharge planning

(a)

Requirement for standardized assessment data

(1)

In general

The Secretary shall— (A)require under the applicable reporting provisions post-acute care providers (as defined in paragraph (2)(A)) to report— (i)standardized patient assessment data in accordance with subsection (b); (ii)data on quality measures under subsection (c)(1); and (iii)data on resource use and other measures under subsection (d)(1); (B)require data described in subparagraph (A) to be standardized and interoperable so as to allow for the exchange of such data among such post-acute care providers and other providers and the use by such providers of such data that has been so exchanged, including by using common standards and definitions, in order to provide access to longitudinal information for such providers to facilitate coordinated care and improved Medicare beneficiary outcomes; and (C)in accordance with subsections (b)(1) and (c)(2), modify PAC assessment instruments (as defined in paragraph (2)(B)) applicable to post-acute care providers to— (i)provide for the submission of standardized patient assessment data under this title with respect to such providers; and (ii)enable comparison of such assessment data across all such providers to whom such data are applicable. (2)

Definitions

For purposes of this section: (A)

Post-acute care (PAC) provider

The terms post-acute care provider and PAC provider mean— (i)a home health agency; (ii)a skilled nursing facility; (iii)an inpatient rehabilitation facility; and (iv)a long-term care hospital (other than a hospital classified under section 1886(d)(1)(B)(iv)(II)). (B)

PAC assessment instrument

The term PAC assessment instrument means— (i)in the case of home health agencies, the instrument used for purposes of reporting and assessment with respect to the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS), as described in sections 484.55 and 484.250 of title 42, the Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation, or any other instrument used with respect to home health agencies for such purposes; (ii)in the case of skilled nursing facilities, the resident’s assessment under section 1819(b)(3); (iii)in the case of inpatient rehabilitation facilities, any Medicare beneficiary assessment instrument established by the Secretary for purposes of section 1886(j); and (iv)in the case of long-term care hospitals, the Medicare beneficiary assessment instrument used with respect to such hospitals for the collection of data elements necessary to calculate quality measures as described in the August 18, 2011, Federal Register (76 Fed. Reg. 51754–51755), including for purposes of section 1886(m)(5)(C), or any other instrument used with respect to such hospitals for such purposes. (C)

Applicable reporting provision

The term applicable reporting provision means— (i)for home health agencies, section 1895(b)(3)(B)(v); (ii)for skilled nursing facilities, section 1888(e)(6); (iii)for inpatient rehabilitation facilities, section 1886(j)(7); and (iv)for long-term care hospitals, section 1886(m)(5). (D)

PAC payment system

The term PAC payment system means— (i)with respect to a home health agency, the prospective payment system under section 1895; (ii)with respect to a skilled nursing facility, the prospective payment system under section 1888(e); (iii)with respect to an inpatient rehabilitation facility, the prospective payment system under section 1886(j); and (iv)with respect to a long-term care hospital, the prospective payment system under section 1886(m). (E)

Specified application date

The term specified application date means the following: (i)

Quality measures

In the case of quality measures under subsection (c)(1)— (I)with respect to the domain described in subsection (c)(1)(A) (relating to functional status, cognitive function, and changes in function and cognitive function)— (aa)for PAC providers described in clauses (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (2)(A), October 1, 2016; (bb)for PAC providers described in clause (iv) of such paragraph, October 1, 2018; and (cc)for PAC providers described in clause (i) of such paragraph, January 1, 2019; (II)with respect to the domain described in subsection (c)(1)(B) (relating to skin integrity and changes in skin integrity)— (aa)for PAC providers described in clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv) of paragraph (2)(A), October 1, 2016; and (bb)for PAC providers described in clause (i) of such paragraph, January 1, 2017; (III)with respect to the domain described in subsection (c)(1)(C) (relating to medication reconciliation)— (aa)for PAC providers described in clause (i) of such paragraph, January 1, 2017; and (bb)for PAC providers described in clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv) of such paragraph, October 1, 2018; (IV)with respect to the domain described in subsection (c)(1)(D) (relating to incidence of major falls)— (aa)for PAC providers described in clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv) of paragraph (2)(A), October 1, 2016; and (bb)for PAC providers described in clause (i) of such paragraph, January 1, 2019; and (V)with respect to the domain described in subsection (c)(1)(E) (relating to accurately communicating the existence of and providing for the transfer of health information and care preferences)— (aa)for PAC providers described in clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv) of paragraph (2)(A), October 1, 2018; and (bb)for PAC providers described in clause (i) of such paragraph, January 1, 2019. (ii)

Resource use and other measures

In the case of resource use and other measures under subsection (d)(1)— (I)for PAC providers described in clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv) of paragraph (2)(A), October 1, 2016; and (II)for PAC providers described in clause (i) of such paragraph, January 1, 2017. (F)

Medicare beneficiary

The term Medicare beneficiary means an individual entitled to benefits under part A or, as appropriate, enrolled for benefits under part B. (b)

Standardized patient assessment data

(1)

Requirement for reporting assessment data

(A)

In general

Beginning not later than October 1, 2018, for PAC providers described in clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv) of subsection (a)(2)(A) and January 1, 2019, for PAC providers described in clause (i) of such subsection, the Secretary shall require PAC providers to submit to the Secretary, under the applicable reporting provisions and through the use of PAC assessment instruments, the standardized patient assessment data described in subparagraph (B). The Secretary shall require such data be submitted with respect to admission and discharge of an individual (and may be submitted more frequently as the Secretary deems appropriate). (B)

Standardized patient assessment data described

For purposes of subparagraph (A), the standardized patient assessment data described in this subparagraph is data required for at least the quality measures described in subsection (c)(1) and that is with respect to the following categories: (i)Functional status, such as mobility, self care, and history of major falls— (I)in the period immediately prior to the reason for acute hospitalization; or (II)in the case of no antecedent acute hospitalization, in the period prior to the use of post-acute care services. (ii)Cognitive function, such as ability to express ideas and to understand, and mental status, such as depression and dementia. (iii)Special services, treatments, and interventions, such as need for ventilator use, dialysis, chemotherapy, central line placement, and total parenteral nutrition. (iv)Medical conditions and co-morbidities, such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, and pressure ulcers. (v)Impairments, such as incontinence and an impaired ability to hear, see, or swallow. (vi)Other categories deemed necessary and appropriate by the Secretary. (2)

Alignment of claims data with standardized patient assessment data

To the extent practicable, not later than October 1, 2018, for PAC providers described in clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv) of subsection (a)(2)(A), and January 1, 2019, for PAC providers described in clause (i) of such subsection, the Secretary shall match claims data with assessment data pursuant to this section for purposes of assessing prior service use and concurrent service use, such as antecedent hospital or PAC provider use, and may use such matched data for such other uses as the Secretary determines appropriate. (3)

Replacement of certain existing data elements

In the case of patient assessment data being used with respect to a PAC assessment instrument that duplicates or overlaps with standardized patient assessment data within a category described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, as soon as practicable, revise or replace such existing data with the standardized data. (4)

Clarification

Standardized patient assessment data submitted pursuant to this subsection shall not be used to require individuals to be provided post-acute care by a specific type of PAC provider in order for such care to be eligible for payment under this title. (c)

Quality measures

(1)

Requirement for reporting quality measures

Not later than the specified application date, as applicable to measures and PAC providers, the Secretary shall specify quality measures on which PAC providers are required under the applicable reporting provisions to submit standardized patient assessment data described in subsection (b)(1) and other necessary data specified by the Secretary. Such measures shall be with respect to at least the following domains: (A)Functional status, cognitive function, and changes in function and cognitive function. (B)Skin integrity and changes in skin integrity. (C)Medication reconciliation. (D)Incidence of major falls. (E)Accurately communicating the existence of and providing for the transfer of health information and care preferences of an individual to the individual, family caregiver of the individual, and providers of services furnishing items and services to the individual, when the individual transitions— (i)from a hospital or critical access hospital to another applicable setting, including a PAC provider or the home of the individual; or (ii)from a PAC provider to another applicable setting, including a different PAC provider, a hospital, a critical access hospital, or the home of the individual. (2)

Reporting through PAC assessment instruments

(A)

In general

To the extent possible, the Secretary shall require such reporting by a PAC provider of quality measures under paragraph (1) through the use of a PAC assessment instrument and shall modify such PAC assessment instrument as necessary to enable the use of such instrument with respect to such quality measures. (B)

Limitation

The Secretary may not make significant modifications to a PAC assessment instrument more than once per calendar year or fiscal year, as applicable, unless the Secretary publishes in the Federal Register a justification for such significant modification. (3)

Adjustments

(A)

In general

The Secretary shall consider applying adjustments to the quality measures under this subsection taking into consideration the studies under section 2(d) of the IMPACT Act of 2014. (B)

Risk adjustment

Such quality measures shall be risk adjusted, as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (d)

Resource use and other measures

(1)

Requirement for resource use and other measures

Not later than the specified application date, as applicable to measures and PAC providers, the Secretary shall specify resource use and other measures on which PAC providers are required under the applicable reporting provisions to submit any necessary data specified by the Secretary, which may include standardized assessment data in addition to claims data. Such measures shall be with respect to at least the following domains: (A)Resource use measures, including total estimated Medicare spending per beneficiary. (B)Discharge to community. (C)Measures to reflect all-condition risk-adjusted potentially preventable hospital readmission rates. (2)

Aligning methodology adjustments

(A)

Length of episode

With respect to the length of an episode, the Secretary shall, to the extent the Secretary determines appropriate, align resource use and other measures specified under this subsection with respect to the domain described in paragraph (1)(A) with the methodology used for purposes of section 1886(o)(2)(B)(ii). (B)

Geographic and other adjustments

The Secretary shall standardize measures with respect to the domain described in paragraph (1)(A) for geographic payment rate differences and payment differentials (and other adjustments, as applicable) consistent with the methodology published in the Federal Register on August 18, 2011 (76 Fed. Reg. 51624 through 51626), or any subsequent modifications made to the methodology. (C)

Medicare spending per beneficiary

The Secretary shall adjust, as appropriate, measures with respect to the domain described in paragraph (1)(A) for the factors applied under section 1886(o)(2)(B)(ii). (3)

Adjustments

(A)

In general

The Secretary shall consider applying adjustments to the resource use and other measures specified under this subsection with respect to the domain described in paragraph (1)(A), taking into consideration the studies under section 2(d) of the IMPACT Act of 2014. (B)

Risk adjustment

Such resource use and other measures shall be risk adjusted, as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (e)

Measurement implementation phases; Selection of quality measures and resource use and other measures

(1)

Measurement implementation phases

In the case of quality measures specified under subsection (c)(1) and resource use and other measures specified under subsection (d)(1), the provisions of this section shall be implemented in accordance with the following phases: (A)

Initial implementation phase

The initial implementation phase, with respect to such a measure, shall, in accordance with subsections (c) and (d), as applicable, consist of— (i)measure specification, including informing the public of the measure’s numerator, denominator, exclusions, and any other aspects the Secretary determines necessary; (ii)data collection, including, in the case of quality measures, requiring PAC providers to report data elements needed to calculate such a measure; and (iii)data analysis, including, in the case of resource use and other measures, the use of claims data to calculate such a measure. (B)

Second implementation phase

The second implementation phase, with respect to such a measure, shall consist of the provision of feedback reports to PAC providers, in accordance with subsection (f). (C)

Third implementation phase

The third implementation phase, with respect to such a measure, shall consist of public reporting of PAC providers’ performance on such measure in accordance with subsection (g). (2)

Consensus-based entity

(A)

In general

Subject to subparagraph (B), each measure specified by the Secretary under this section shall be endorsed by the entity with a contract under section 1890(a). (B)

Exception

In the case of a specified area or medical topic determined appropriate by the Secretary for which a feasible and practical measure has not been endorsed by the entity with a contract under section 1890(a), the Secretary may specify a measure that is not so endorsed as long as due consideration is given to measures that have been endorsed or adopted by a consensus organization identified by the Secretary. (3)

Treatment of application of pre-rulemaking process (measure applications partnership process)

(A)

In general

Subject to subparagraph (B), the provisions of section 1890A shall apply in the case of a quality measure specified under subsection (c) or a resource use or other measure specified under subsection (d). (B)

Exceptions

(i)

Expedited procedures

For purposes of satisfying subparagraph (A), the Secretary may use expedited procedures, such as ad-hoc reviews, as necessary, in the case of a quality measure specified under subsection (c) or a resource use or other measure specified in subsection (d) required with respect to data submissions under the applicable reporting provisions before one year after the specified application date applicable to such a measure and provider involved. (ii)

Option to waive provisions

The Secretary may waive the application of the provisions of section 1890A in the case of a quality measure or resource use or other measure described in clause (i), if the application of such provisions (including through the use of an expedited procedure described in such clause) would result in the inability of the Secretary to satisfy any deadline specified in this section with respect to such measure. (f)

Feedback reports to PAC providers

(1)

In general

Beginning one year after the specified application date, as applicable to PAC providers and quality measures and resource use and other measures under this section, the Secretary, including through a process consistent with the process applied under section 1886(b)(3)(B)(viii)(VII) for similar purposes, shall provide confidential feedback reports to such PAC providers on the performance of such providers with respect to such measures required under the applicable provisions. (2)

Frequency

To the extent feasible, the Secretary shall provide feedback reports described in paragraph (1) not less frequently than on a quarterly basis. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, with respect to measures described in such paragraph that are reported on an annual basis, the Secretary may provide such feedback reports on annual basis. (g)

Public reporting of PAC provider performance

(1)

In general

Subject to the succeeding paragraphs of this subsection, the Secretary shall provide for public reporting of PAC provider performance on quality measures under subsection (c)(1) and the resource use and other measures under subsection (d)(1), including by establishing procedures for making available to the public information regarding the performance of individual PAC providers with respect to such measures. (2)

Opportunity to review

The procedures under paragraph (1) shall ensure that a PAC provider has the opportunity to review and submit corrections to the data and information that is to be made public with respect to the provider prior to such data being made public. (3)

Timing

Such procedures shall provide that the data and information described in paragraph (1), with respect to a measure and PAC provider, is made publicly available beginning not later than two years after the specified application date applicable to such a measure and provider. (4)

Coordination with existing programs

Such procedures shall provide that data and information described in paragraph (1) with respect to quality measures and resource use and other measures under subsections (c)(1) and (d)(1) shall be made publicly available consistent with the following provisions: (A)In the case of home health agencies, section 1895(b)(3)(B)(v)(III). (B)In the case of skilled nursing facilities, sections 1819(i) and 1919(i). (C)In the case of inpatient rehabilitation facilities, section 1886(j)(7)(E). (D)In the case of long-term care hospitals, section 1886(m)(5)(E). (h)

Removing, suspending, or adding measures

(1)

In general

The Secretary may remove, suspend, or add a quality measure or resource use or other measure described in subsection (c)(1) or (d)(1), so long as, subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary publishes in the Federal Register (with a notice and comment period) a justification for such removal, suspension, or addition. (2)

Exception

In the case of such a quality measure or resource use or other measure for which there is a reason to believe that the continued collection of such measure raises potential safety concerns, the Secretary may promptly suspend or remove such measure and satisfy paragraph (1) by publishing in the Federal Register a justification for such suspension or removal in the next rulemaking cycle following such suspension or removal. (i)

Use of standardized assessment data, quality measures, and resource use and other measures To inform discharge planning and incorporate Medicare beneficiary preference

(1)

In general

Not later than January 1, 2016, and periodically thereafter (but not less frequently than once every 5 years), the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to modify conditions of participation and subsequent interpretive guidance applicable to PAC providers, hospitals, and critical access hospitals. Such regulations and interpretive guidance shall require such providers to take into account quality, resource use, and other measures under the applicable reporting provisions (which, as available, shall include measures specified under subsections (c) and (d), and other relevant measures) in the discharge planning process. Specifically, such regulations and interpretive guidance shall address the settings to which a patient may be discharged in order to assist such PAC providers, patients, and families of such patients with discharge planning from inpatient settings, including subsection (d) hospitals, critical access hospitals, and hospitals described in section 1886(d)(1)(B)(v), and from PAC provider settings. In addition, such regulations and interpretive guidance shall include procedures to address— (A)treatment preferences of patients; and (B)goals of care of patients. (2)

Discharge planning

All requirements applied pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be used to help inform and mandate the discharge planning process. (3)

Clarification

Such regulations shall not require an individual to be provided post-acute care by a specific type of PAC provider in order for such care to be eligible for payment under this title. (j)

Stakeholder input

Before the initial rulemaking process to implement this section, the Secretary shall allow for stakeholder input, such as through town halls, open door forums, and mail-box submissions. (k)

Funding

For purposes of carrying out this section, the Secretary shall provide for the transfer to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Program Management Account, from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund under section 1817 and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund under section 1841, in such proportion as the Secretary determines appropriate, of $130,000,000. Fifty percent of such amount shall be available on the date of the enactment of this section and fifty percent of such amount shall be equally proportioned for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2019. Such sums shall remain available until expended. (l)

Limitation

There shall be no administrative or judicial review under sections 1869 and 1878 or otherwise of the specification of standardized patient assessment data required, the determination of measures, and the systems to report such standardized data under this section. (m)

Non-Application of Paperwork Reduction Act

Chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995) shall not apply to this section and the sections referenced in subsection (a)(2)(B) that require modification in order to achieve the standardization of patient assessment data.

(b)

Studies of alternative PAC payment models

(1)

MedPAC

Using data from the Post-Acute Payment Reform Demonstration authorized under section 5008 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–171) or other data, as available, not later than June 30, 2016, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission shall submit to Congress a report that evaluates and recommends features of PAC payment systems (as defined in section 1899B(a)(2)(D) of the Social Security Act, as added by subsection (a)) that establish, or a unified post-acute care payment system under title XVIII of the Social Security Act that establishes, payment rates according to characteristics of individuals (such as cognitive ability, functional status, and impairments) instead of according to the post-acute care setting where the Medicare beneficiary involved is treated. To the extent feasible, such report shall consider the impacts of moving from PAC payments systems (as defined in subsection (a)(2)(D) of such section 1899B) in existence as of the date of the enactment of this Act to new post-acute care payment systems under title XVIII of the Social Security Act. (2)

Recommendations for PAC prospective payment

(A)

Report by Secretary

Not later than 2 years after the date by which the Secretary of Health and Human Services has collected 2 years of data on quality measures under subsection (c) of section 1899B, as added by subsection (a), the Secretary shall, in consultation with the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission and appropriate stakeholders, submit to Congress a report, including— (i)recommendations and a technical prototype, on a post-acute care prospective payment system under title XVIII of the Social Security Act that would— (I)in lieu of the rates that would otherwise apply under PAC payments systems (as defined in subsection (a)(2)(D) of such section 1899B), base payments under such title, with respect to items and services furnished to an individual by a PAC provider (as defined in subsection (a)(2)(A) of such section), according to individual characteristics (such as cognitive ability, functional status, and impairments) of such individual instead of the post-acute care setting in which the individual is furnished such items and services; (II)account for the clinical appropriateness of items and services so furnished and Medicare beneficiary outcomes; (III)be designed to incorporate (or otherwise account for) standardized patient assessment data under section 1899B; and (IV)further clinical integration, such as by motivating greater coordination around a single condition or procedure to integrate hospital systems with PAC providers (as so defined). (ii)recommendations on which Medicare fee-for-service regulations for post-acute care payment systems under title XVIII of the Social Security Act should be altered (such as the skilled nursing facility 3-day stay and inpatient rehabilitation facility 60 percent rule); (iii)an analysis of the impact of the recommended payment system described in clause (i) on Medicare beneficiary cost-sharing, access to care, and choice of setting; (iv)a projection of any potential reduction in expenditures under title XVIII of the Social Security Act that may be attributable to the application of the recommended payment system described in clause (i); and (v)a review of the value of subsection (d) hospitals (as defined in section 1886(d)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(1)(B)), hospitals described in section 1886(d)(1)(B)(v) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(1)(B)(v)), and critical access hospitals described in section 1820(c)(2)(B) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i–4(c)(2)(B)) colleting and reporting to the Secretary standardized patient assessment data with respect to inpatient hospital services furnished by such a hospital or critical access hospital to individuals who are entitled to benefits under part A of title XVIII of such Act or, as appropriate, enrolled for benefits under part B of such title. (B)

Report by MedPAC

Not later than the first June 30th following the date on which the report is required under subparagraph (A), the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission shall submit to Congress a report, including recommendations and a technical prototype, on a post-acute care prospective payment system under title XVIII of the Social Security Act that would satisfy the criteria described in subparagraph (A). (3)

Medicare beneficiary defined

For purposes of this subsection, the term Medicare beneficiary has the meaning given such term in section 1899B(a)(2) of the Social Security Act, as added by subsection (a). (c)

Payment consequences under the applicable reporting provisions

(1)

Home health agencies

Section 1895(b)(3)(B)(v) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395fff(b)(3)(B)(v)) is amended— (A)in subclause (I), by striking subclause (II) and inserting subclauses (II) and (IV); (B)in subclause (II), by striking For 2007 and inserting Subject to subclause (IV)(cc), for 2007; (C)in subclause (III), by inserting and subclause (IV)(aa) after subclause (II); and (D)by adding at the end the following new subclause:

(IV)

Submission of additional data

(aa)

In general

For the year beginning on the specified application date (as defined in subsection (a)(2)(E) of section 1899B), as applicable with respect to home health agencies and quality measures under subsection (c)(1) of such section and measures under subsection (d)(1) of such section, and each subsequent year, each home health agency shall submit to the Secretary data on such quality measures and any necessary data specified by the Secretary under such subsection (d)(1). (bb)

Standardized patient assessment data

For 2019 and each subsequent year, in addition to such data described in item (aa), each home health agency shall submit to the Secretary standardized patient assessment data required under subsection (b)(1) of section 1899B. (cc)

Non-duplication

To the extent such standardized data under subsection (b)(1) of such section 1899B, data on quality measures required under subsection (c)(1) of such section, or necessary data required under subsection (d)(1) of such section are duplicative of any other data required to be reported under this subclause, the submission of such standardized data, data on such quality measures, or necessary data, respectively, shall be required under this subclause in lieu of the submission of such other data. (dd)

Submission

Such data shall be submitted in the form and manner, and at the time, specified by the Secretary for purposes of subclause (II).

(2)

Inpatient rehabilitation facilities

Section 1886(j)(7) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(j)(7)) is amended— (A)in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting subparagraphs (C) and (F); (B)in subparagraph (C), by striking For fiscal year and inserting Subject to subparagraph (F)(iii), for fiscal year; (C)in subparagraph (E), by inserting and subparagraph (F)(i) after subparagraph (C); and (D)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(F)

Submission of additional data

(i)

In general

For the fiscal year beginning on the specified application date (as defined in subsection (a)(2)(E) of section 1899B), as applicable with respect to inpatient rehabilitation facilities and quality measures under subsection (c)(1) of such section and measures under subsection (d)(1) of such section, and each subsequent fiscal year, in addition to such data on the quality measures described in subparagraph (C), each rehabilitation facility shall submit to the Secretary data on the quality measures under such subsection (c)(1) and any necessary data specified by the Secretary under such subsection (d)(1). (ii)

Standardized patient assessment data

For fiscal year 2019 and each subsequent fiscal year, in addition to such data described in clause (i), each rehabilitation facility shall submit to the Secretary standardized patient assessment data required under subsection (b)(1) of section 1899B. (iii)

Non-duplication

To the extent such standardized data under subsection (b)(1) of such section 1899B, data on quality measures required under subsection (c)(1) of such section, or necessary data required under subsection (d)(1) of such section are duplicative of any other data required to be reported under this subparagraph, the submission of such standardized data, data on such quality measures, or necessary data, respectively, shall be required under this subparagraph in lieu of the submission of such other data. (iv)

Submission

Such data shall be submitted in the form and manner, and at the time, specified by the Secretary for purposes of subparagraph (C).

(3)

Long-term care hospitals

Section 1886(m)(5) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(m)(5)) is amended— (A)in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting subparagraphs (C) and (F); (B)in subparagraph (C), by striking For rate year and inserting Subject to subparagraph (F)(iii), for rate year; (C)in subparagraph (E), by inserting and subparagraph (F)(i) after subparagraph (C); and (D)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(F)

Submission of additional data

(i)

In general

For the rate year beginning on the specified application date (as defined in subsection (a)(2)(E) of section 1899B), as applicable with respect to long-term care hospitals and quality measures under subsection (c)(1) of such section and measures under subsection (d)(1) of such section, and each subsequent rate year, in addition to the data on the quality measures described in subparagraph (C), each long-term care hospital (other than a hospital classified under subsection (b)(3)(B)(iv)(II)) shall submit to the Secretary data on the quality measures under such subsection (c)(1) and any necessary data specified by the Secretary under such subsection (d)(1). (ii)

Standardized patient assessment data

For rate year 2019 and each subsequent rate year, in addition to such data described in clause (i), each long-term care hospital (other than a hospital classified under subsection (b)(3)(B)(iv)(II)) shall submit to the Secretary standardized patient assessment data required under subsection (b)(1) of section 1899B. (iii)

Non-duplication

To the extent such standardized data under subsection (b)(1) of such section 1899B, data on quality measures required under subsection (c)(1) of such section, or necessary data required under subsection (d)(1) of such section are duplicative of any other data required to be reported under this subparagraph, the submission of such standardized data, data on such quality measures, or necessary data, respectively, shall be required under this subparagraph in lieu of the submission of such other data. (iv)

Submission

Such data shall be submitted in the form and manner, and at the time, specified by the Secretary for purposes of subparagraph (C).

(4)

Skilled nursing facilities

(A)

In general

Paragraph (6) of section 1888(e) of the Social Security Act is amended to read as follows:

(6)

Reporting of assessment and quality data

(A)

Reduction in update for failure to report

(i)

In general

For fiscal years beginning on or after the specified application date (as defined in subsection (a)(2)(E) of section 1899B), as applicable with respect to skilled nursing facilities and quality measures under subsection (c)(1) of such section and measures under subsection (d)(1) of such section, in the case of a skilled nursing facility that does not submit, in accordance with subparagraph (B) with respect to such a fiscal year, data on the quality measures specified under such subsection (c)(1), any necessary data specified by the Secretary under such subsection (d)(1), and (for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2018) standardized patient assessment data specified under subsection (b)(1) of such section, after determining the percentage described in paragraph (5)(B)(i), and after application of paragraph (5)(B)(ii), the Secretary shall reduce such percentage for payment rates during such fiscal year by 2 percentage points. (ii)

Special rule

The application of this subparagraph may result in the percentage described in paragraph (5)(B)(i), after application of paragraph (5)(B)(ii), being less than 0.0 for a fiscal year, and may result in payment rates under this subsection for a fiscal year being less than such payment rates for the preceding fiscal year. (iii)

Noncumulative application

Any reduction under clause (i) shall apply only with respect to the fiscal year involved and the Secretary shall not take into account such reduction in computing the payment amount under this subsection for a subsequent fiscal year. (B)

Assessment and measure data

(i)

In general

A skilled nursing facility, or a facility described in paragraph (7)(B), shall submit to the Secretary, in a manner and within the timeframes prescribed by the Secretary— (I)the resident assessment data necessary to develop and implement the rates under this subsection; (II)for fiscal years beginning on or after the specified application date (as defined in subsection (a)(2)(E) of section 1899B), as applicable with respect to skilled nursing facilities and quality measures under subsection (c)(1) of such section and measures under subsection (d)(1) of such section, data on such quality measures under such subsection (c)(1) and any necessary data specified by the Secretary under such subsection (d)(1); and (III)for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2018, standardized patient assessment data required under subsection (b)(1) of section 1899B.

To the extent such standardized data under subsection (b)(1) of such section, data on quality measures required under subsection (c)(1) of such section, or necessary data required under subsection (d)(1) of such section are duplicative of any other data required to be reported under this subparagraph, the submission of such standardized data, data on such quality measures, or necessary data, respectively, shall be required under this subparagraph in lieu of the submission of such other data.

(ii)

Use of standard instrument

For purposes of meeting the requirement under clause (i), a skilled nursing facility, or a facility described in paragraph (7)(B), may submit the resident assessment data required under section 1819(b)(3), using the standard instrument designated by the State under section 1819(e)(5).

(B)

Funding for nursing home compare website

Section 1819(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i–3(i)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(3)

Funding

The Secretary shall transfer to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Program Management Account, from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund under section 1817 a one-time allocation of $11,000,000. The amount shall be available on the date of the enactment of this paragraph. Such sums shall remain available until expended. Such sums shall be used to implement section 1128I(g).

(d)

Improving payment accuracy under the PAC payment systems and other Medicare payment systems

(1)

Studies and reports of effect of certain information on quality and resource use

(A)

Study using existing Medicare data

(i)

Study

The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this subsection referred to as the Secretary) shall conduct a study that examines the effect of individuals’ socioeconomic status on quality measures and resource use and other measures for individuals under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) (such as to recognize that less healthy individuals may require more intensive interventions). The study shall use information collected on such individuals in carrying out such program, such as urban and rural location, eligibility for Medicaid under title XIX of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) (recognizing and accounting for varying Medicaid eligibility across States), and eligibility for benefits under the supplemental security income (SSI) program. The Secretary shall carry out this paragraph acting through the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. (ii)

Report

Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under clause (i). (B)

Study using other data

(i)

Study

The Secretary shall conduct a study that examines the impact of risk factors, such as those described in section 1848(p)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–4(p)(3)), race, health literacy, limited English proficiency (LEP), and Medicare beneficiary activation, on quality measures and resource use and other measures under the Medicare program (such as to recognize that less healthy individuals may require more intensive interventions). In conducting such study the Secretary may use existing Federal data and collect such additional data as may be necessary to complete the study. (ii)

Report

Not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under clause (i). (C)

Examination of data in conducting studies

In conducting the studies under subparagraphs (A) and (B), the Secretary shall examine what non-Medicare data sets, such as data from the American Community Survey (ACS), can be useful in conducting the types of studies under such paragraphs and how such data sets that are identified as useful can be coordinated with Medicare administrative data in order to improve the overall data set available to do such studies and for the administration of the Medicare program. (D)

Recommendations to account for information in payment adjustment mechanisms

If the studies conducted under subparagraphs (A) and (B) find a relationship between the factors examined in the studies and quality measures and resource use and other measures, then the Secretary shall also provide recommendations for how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should— (i)obtain access to the necessary data (if such data is not already being collected) on such factors, including recommendations on how to address barriers to the Centers in accessing such data; and (ii)account for such factors— (I)in quality measures, resource use measures, and other measures under subsections (c) and (d) of section 1899B of the Social Security Act, as added by subsection (a), and under other applicable provisions of title XVIII of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.); and (II)in determining payment adjustments based on such measures in other applicable provisions of such title. (E)

Funding

There are hereby appropriated to the Secretary from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund under section 1817 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i) and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund under section 1841 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395t) (in proportions determined appropriate by the Secretary) to carry out this paragraph $6,000,000, to remain available until expended. (2)

CMS activities

(A)

In general

Taking into account the relevant studies conducted and recommendations made in reports under paragraph (1) and, as appropriate, other information, including information collected before completion of such studies and recommendations, the Secretary, on an ongoing basis, shall, as the Secretary determines appropriate and based on an individual’s health status and other factors— (i)assess appropriate adjustments to quality measures, resource use measures, and other measures under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) (including measures specified in subsections (c) and (d) of section 1899B of such Act, as added by subsection (a)); and (ii)assess and implement appropriate adjustments to payments under such title. (B)

Accessing data

The Secretary shall collect or otherwise obtain access to the data necessary to carry out this paragraph through existing and new data sources. (C)

Periodic analyses

The Secretary shall carry out periodic analyses, at least every 3 years, based on the factors referred to in subparagraph (A) so as to monitor changes in possible relationships. (D)

Funding

Strategic plan for accessing race and ethnicity data

Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop and report to Congress on a strategic plan for collecting or otherwise accessing data on race and ethnicity for purposes of specifying quality measures and resource use and other measures under subsections (c) and (d) of section 1899B of the Social Security Act, as added by subsection (a), and, as the Secretary determines appropriate, other similar provision of, including payment adjustments under, title XVIII of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.).