[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 148 (Tuesday, August 3, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42139-42140]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-19933]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Health Care Financing Administration
[HCFA-3021-N]


Medicare Program; August 31, 1999 Open Town Hall Meeting To 
Discuss the End Stage Renal Disease Network Organizations (ESRD 
Networks) Activities

AGENCY: Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), HHS.

ACTION: Notice of meeting.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces a Town Hall meeting to provide an 
opportunity for health care organizations, beneficiary advocates, and 
other interested parties to offer comments and raise issues regarding 
the development of the ESRD Networks' contract activities to begin July 
1, 2000. We view this new round of contracts as an opportunity to look 
at the current quality initiatives and how they might continue to 
improve the quality of care that our beneficiaries receive. The next 
Statement of Work will include Administration of the ESRD Program, 
beneficiary assistance (including grievances), quality improvement 
activities, and the collection of data to better understand and serve 
the ESRD population.

DATES: The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 31, 1999 from 9 
a.m. until 3 p.m., eastern daylight-saving time.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in the Health Care Financing 
Administration Main Auditorium, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, 
Maryland 21244.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Condict Martak, (410) 786-1366. Linda 
Okimoto, (410) 786-6877.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    We contract with the End Stage Renal Disease Network Organizations 
(ESRD Networks) to oversee renal dialysis services furnished by 
dialysis facilities to Medicare beneficiaries. The ESRD Networks are 
responsible for ensuring beneficiaries receive quality care. Every 3 
years we develop a Statement of Work defining the ESRD Networks' 
contract activities.
    We are announcing a Town Hall meeting to provide an opportunity for 
organizations representing practitioners, providers, health plans, 
other purchasers, beneficiaries, and other interested parties to offer 
comments and raise issues regarding the activities that will be 
conducted by the ESRD Networks in their next contract beginning in July 
2000. This Town Hall meeting provides an opportunity for the renal 
community to provide their comments directly to the HCFA officials 
responsible for writing and implementing the ESRD Network contracts.
    Individuals who wish to make a short statement at the meeting must 
contact Condict Martak via e-mail at [email protected] or Linda Okimoto 
via e-mail at [email protected] by close of business August 15, 1999. 
Also, because of time constraints, only a limited number of parties may 
be able to make presentations. We will notify participants who have 
been selected to make a presentation. We will assign presentation times 
and notify presenters before the meeting on August 31, 1999.
    While the meeting is open to the public, attendance is limited to 
space available. Individuals must register in advance as described 
below or as described on the HCFA web site:    http://www.hcfa.gov/
quality/qlty-2.htm.

Registration

    The Office of Clinical Standards and Quality will handle 
registration for the meeting. Registration forms may be obtained at 
HCFA's web site: http://www.hcfa.gov/quality/qtly-2.htm. Individuals 
may register by e-mail or by sending a FAX ((410) 786-4005) to the 
attention of Condict Martak or Linda

[[Page 42140]]

Okimoto, at the Office of Clinical Standards and Quality, Quality 
Improvement Group, Division of Contract Policy and Performance, 7500 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850 until August 15, 
1999. Individuals must provide their name, credentials, title, 
organization, address, telephone number, FAX number, and e-mail address 
on their registration form. They should also indicate whether or not 
they wish to make a short statement and whether they need directions to 
HCFA.
    Individuals will receive an e-mail or FAX confirming their 
registration. The meeting materials will be provided at the time of the 
meeting.
    If you have questions regarding registration, please contact 
Condict Martak at [email protected] or Linda Okimoto at 
[email protected].
    The agency will accept written questions or other statements (not 
to exceed two (2) single-spaced, typed pages), preferably before the 
meeting, or up to 14 days after the meeting. Written submissions should 
be sent to: Health Care Financing Administration, Attn: Steven Jencks, 
M.D., Director, Quality Improvement Group, Office of Clinical Standards 
and Quality, S3-01-17, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 
21244-1850.

    Authority: Section 1881 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
1395rr).

    Dated: July 27, 1999.
Michael M. Hash,
Deputy Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration.
[FR Doc. 99-19933 Filed 8-2-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P