II 111th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 3924 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 29, 2010 Mr. Cornyn introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To promote transparency and accountability concerning the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Public Accountability in Health Care Implementation Act.
2.
Transparency and accountability in health care
(a)
In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not later than 60 days after the termination of any specified comment period following the issuance of a interim final rule under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111–148), or an amendment made by that Act, the Federal official that is responsible for the issuance of such rule shall promulgate the final rule taking into account any comments received during such comment period, in accordance with section 553(c) of title 5, United States Code. (b)
Ensuring comment periods
With respect to an interim final rule referred to in subsection (a), if the Federal official that is responsible for the issuance of such rule fails to provide for a specified comment period after such issuance, the final rule involved shall be promulgated, taking into account comments received during a subsequent comment period provided for under this Act, in accordance with section 553(c) of title 5, United States Code, and notwithstanding subsection (a), not later than 90 days after the date on which such interim final rule was issued. (c)
Effective date
The provisions of this section shall apply to any interim final rule issued under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (or an amendment made by that Act) prior to, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act. With respect to interim final rules issued prior to such date of enactment, the 60-day period referred to in subsection (a), and the 90-day period referred to in subsection (b), shall commence on such date of enactment.