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Using a systems approach to evaluate the effectiveness of health service programs: the Health Care Facility Accreditation Program as an example.

This paper examines the value of developing a "systems" perspective of organisational/suborganisational characteristics as an aid to evaluating the effectiveness of programs within the health services context. An example of applying the theory to a specific health service program is given. The commonly used approach to evaluation--the goal attainment model--is examined in detail. It is contrasted with other approaches including systems theory. The conclusion is reached that the systems approach is more suitable as a means of structuring evaluation within the health care field.

Accreditation↗

Medicare program; end-stage renal disease program; prospective reimbursement for dialysis services and approval of special purpose renal dialysis facilities--HCFA. Final rule.

These regulations change the reimbursement system by which Medicare pays for outpatient maintenance dialysis and related physician and laboratory services. These changes establish a prospective method of payment for maintenance dialysis, whether furnished at home or in a hospital-based or independent dialysis facility, and revise other aspects of the reimbursement system to encourage home dialysis and provide incentives for economy and efficiency in furnishing these services. These amendments implement section 2145 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981. We expect that these changes will improve our administration of the end-stage renal disease program and enable us to control the rapidly growing costs of furnishing dialysis. The controls on quality of care that have been in effect since the beginning of the program will continue to apply. These regulations will also ensure access to care by providing for adequate reimbursement to isolated, essential facilities, where patients have no alternative sources of dialysis care. These regulations also provide for time-limited approval for Medicare participation of special purpose renal dialysis facilities. As a general rule we have not approved facilities such as transient or mobile units set up for emergency purposes or to serve vacationing dialysis patients in State parks and children's camps. This change in regulations will remove this limitation.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S.↗

Medicare program; End Stage Renal Disease Program; redesignation of networks and reorganization of network organizations--HCFA. Final rule.

This final rule revises the requirements in current regulations pertaining to the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) networks and organizations and establishes provisions for new, more efficient network organizations. This rule removes the criteria that define existing networks, removes the requirement that HCFA change designations of ESRD networks through rulemaking, and removes the list of currently-designated networks that now appears in regulations. It is intended that these amendments will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the ESRD program by instituting a faster process for changing network designations and organizations as program needs arise. These amendments also permit the reduction of the number of existing networks to as few as 14, which is consistent with section 9214 of Pub. L. 99-272, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA).

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S.↗

Medicare program; recognition of the Community Health Accreditation Program, Inc. (CHAP) for hospices. Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), HHS. Final notice.

This notice recognizes the Community Health Accreditation Program, Inc. (CHAP) as a national accreditation organization for hospices that request participation in the Medicare program. We believe that accreditation of hospices by CHAP demonstrates that all Medicare hospice conditions of participation are met or exceeded. Thus, we grant deemed status to those hospices accredited by CHAP. The proposed notice included the application from the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). We have separated the final notices to appropriately process each application and will issue a separate final notice containing the decision for JCAHO under HCFA-2039-FN.

Accreditation↗

The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Program: not your ordinary regulatory program.

The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA'88) established national standards of laboratory practice and test performance in the areas of registration and certification, inspection, proficiency testing, personnel qualifications, quality control, patient test management, and quality assurance. A memorandum of agreement between the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense (DOD) established the DOD Clinical Laboratory Improvement Program (CLIP) and authorized the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs to develop CLIA'88-comparable regulations governing DOD laboratories. In implementing the DOD program, the CLIA'88 regulations were adopted to the maximum extent possible and modified only as required to meet those unique DOD missions that precluded compliance. This article provides an abbreviated historical background on CLIA'88/CLIP, defines the testing categories identified under the CLIP regulations, and briefly describes the process for application and requirements for compliance.

Accreditation↗

Medicare program; Medicare+Choice program. Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), HHS. Final rule with comment period.

This final rule with comment period responds to comments on the June 26, 1998 interim final rule that implemented the Medicare+Choice (M+C) program and makes revisions to those regulations where warranted. We also are making revisions to the regulations that are necessary to reflect the changes to the M+C program resulting from the Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 (BBRA). Revisions to the regulations reflecting changes in the law made by the BBRA are subject to public comment. Issues discussed in this rule include eligibility, election, and enrollment policies; marketing requirements; access requirements; service area and benefit policy; quality improvement standards; payment rates, risk adjustment methodology, and encounter data submission; provider participation rules; beneficiary appeals and grievances; contractual requirements; and preemption of State law by Federal law. This final rule also addresses comments on the interim final rule published on December 2, 1997, which implemented user fees for section 1876 risk contractors for 1998, and formed the basis for the M+C user fee provisions in the June 26, 1998 interim final rule, and the provider-sponsored organization (PSO) interim final rule published April 14, 1998.

Budgets↗

Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS); TRICARE Dental Program. Office of the Secretary, DoD. Final rule.

This final rule revises the comprehensive CHAMPUS regulation pertaining to the Expanded Active Duty Dependents Benefit Plan, or more commonly referred to as the TRICARE Family Member Dental Plan (TFMDP). The TFMDP limited eligibility to eligible dependents of active duty members (under a call or order that does not specify a period of thirty (30) day or less). Concurrent with the timeframe of the publication of the proposed rule, the Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106-65, sec. 711) was signed into law and its provisions have been incorporated into this final rule. The Act authorized a new plan, titled the TRICARE dental program (TDP), which allows the Secretary of Defense to offer a comprehensive premium based indemnity dental insurance coverage plan to eligible dependents of active duty members (under a call or order that does not specify a period of thirty (30) days or less), eligible dependents of members of the Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve, and eligible members of the Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve. The Act also struck section 1076b (Selected Reserve dental insurance), or Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, since the affected population and the authority for that particular dental insurance plan has been incorporated in 10 U.S.C. 1076a. Consistent with the proposed rule and the provisions of the Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000, the final rule places the responsibility for TDP enrollment and a large portion of the appeals program on the dental plan contractor; allows the dental plan contractor to bill beneficiaries for plan premiums in certain circumstances; reduces the former TFMDP enrollment period from twenty-four (24) to twelve (12) months; excludes Reserve component members ordered to active duty in support of a contingency operation from the mandatory twelve (12) month enrollment; clarifies dental plan requirements for different beneficiary populations; simplifies enrollment types and exceptions; reduces cost-shares for certain enlisted grades; adds anesthesia as a covered benefit; provides clarification on the Department's use of the Congressional waiver for surviving dependents; incorporates legislative authority for calculating the method by which premiums may be raised and allowing premium reductions for certain enlisted grades; and reduces administrative burden by reducing redundant language, referencing language appearing in other CFR sections and removing language more appropriate to the actual contract. These improvements will provide Uniformed Service members and families with numerous quality of life benefits that will improve participation in the plan, significantly reduce enrollment errors and positively effect utilization of this important dental plan. The proposed rule was titled the "TRICARE Family Member Dental Plan".

Eligibility Determination↗

Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS); TRICARE Dental Program. Office of the Secretary, DoD. Final rule.

On October 23, 2000 (65 FR 63202), the Department of Defense published a final rule on TRICARE Family Member Dental Plan. The rule had an effective date that began during the Presidential Moratium on Rules, therefore, this rule is republished to change the effective date to April 1, 2001. This rule is published exactly as previously published. No changes have been made. It revises the comprehensive CHAMPUS regulation pertaining to the Expanded Active Duty Dependents Benefit Plan, or more commonly referred to as the TRICARE Family Member Dental Plan (TFMDP). The TFMDP limited eligibility to eligible dependents of active duty members (under a call or order that does not specify a period of thirty (30) day or less). Concurrent with the timeframe of the publication of the proposed rule, the Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Pub. L. 106-65, sec. 711) was signed into law and its provisions have been incorporated into this final rule. The Act authorized a new plan, titled the TRICARE dental program (TDP), which allows the Secretary of Defense to offer a comprehensive premium based indemnity dental insurance coverage plan to eligible dependents of active duty members (under a call or order that does not specify a period of thirty (30) days or less), eligible dependents of members of the Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve, and eligible members of the Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve. The Act also struck section 1076b (Selected Reserve dental insurance), or Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, since the affected population and the authority for that particular dental insurance plan has been incorporated in 10 U.S.C. 1076a. Consistent with the proposed rule and the provisions of the Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000, the final rule places the responsibility for TDP enrollment and a large portion of the appeals program on the dental plan contractor; allows the dental plan contractor to bill beneficiaries for plan premiums in certain circumstances; reduces the former TFMDP enrollment period from twenty-four (24) to twelve (12) months; excludes Reserve component members ordered to active duty in support of a contingency operation from the mandatory twelve (12) month enrollment; clarifies dental plan requirements for different beneficiary populations; simplifies enrollment types and exceptions; reduces cost-shares for certain enlisted grades; adds anesthesia as a covered benefit; provides clarification on the Department-s use of the Congressional waiver for surviving dependents; incorporates legislative authority for calculating the method by which premiums may be raised and allowing premium reductions for certain enlisted grades; and reduces administrative burden by reducing redundant language, referencing language appearing in other CFR sections and removing language more appropriate to the actual contract. These improvements will provide Uniformed Service members and families with numerous quality of life benefits that will improve participation in the plan, significantly reduce enrollment errors and positively effect utilization of this important dental plan. The proposed rule was titled the --TRICARE Family Member Dental Plan.

Government Agencies↗

Interdisciplinary, web-based, self-study, interactive programs in the dental undergraduate program: a pilot.

The goal of this project was to encourage interdisciplinary, integrative health teaching and research in dental education through the development of web-accessible programs, collectively called the "StudyWeb." The specific objective of the project was the construction and integration of a series of prototypes of self-study modules. Four pilot modules were developed using existing teaching materials in histology, pharmacology, prosthodontics, and oral radiology and utilizing a variety of widely available software programs, including FrontPage and Photoshop. Low-end technological choices were made in order to facilitate compatibility with a wide range of hardware, software, and types of Internet access. Modules were tested for functionality, usability, and ease of navigation. The scope of the initial project was limited to development and functionality testing of the original modules. The next phase of this project will involve testing of the effectiveness of these web-based self-instruction tools.

Computer Systems↗

[A pathogenic manpower program: the program for foreign domestics].

Every year, a special federal program arranges for the arrival of about 12,000 educated women to Canada to work several years in private homes as housekeepers. However, in order to meet the needs of the employer and the Canadian economy, these women are denied their fundamental freedoms and are deliberately kept in a precarious situation material and psychologically and with respect to their status. Because it exposes these female workers to such factors of instability and to the negative effects of key experiences, this program carries the seed of mental illness.

Canada↗

Medicare program; rural health clinics: amendments to participation requirements and payment provisions; and establishment of a quality assessment and performance improvement program. Final rule.

This final rule amends Medicare certification and payment requirements for rural health clinics (RHCs) as required by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA). It changes the definition of a qualifying rural shortage area in which a Medicare RHC must be located; establishes criteria for identifying RHCs essential to delivery of primary care services that we can continue to approve as Medicare RHCs in areas no longer designated as medically underserved; and limits waivers of certain nonphysician practitioner staffing requirements. This final rule imposes payment limits on provider-based RHCs and prohibits "commingling" (the use of the space, professional staff, equipment, and other resources) of an RHC with another entity. The rule also requires RHCs to establish a quality assessment and performance improvement program that goes beyond current regulations. Finally, this final rule addresses public comments received on the February 28, 2002 proposed rule and makes other revisions for clarity and uniformity and to improve program administration.

Ambulatory Care Facilities↗

Prepayment with office-based physicians in publicly funded programs: results from the Children's Medicaid Program.

This paper is a report of the results of a demonstration designed to provide empirical evidence regarding the effects of alternative approaches to paying physicians for serving children in the Medicaid program: (1) visit fees set at twice regular Medicaid fees in return for physician agreement to manage utilization and (2) capitation and financial risk-sharing along with the same physician agreement to manage utilization. Participating physicians were assigned randomly to either of the two payment groups. Comparisons of utilization and expenditures were made between these two plans and the regular Medicaid program (fee-for-service, low fees). Results showed no adverse effect of capitation payments on primary care visits to office-based physicians. Capitation physician referrals to specialists decreased relative to all other groups studied, consistent with the theory that the financial incentives in capitation will lead primary care physicians to reduce referrals to specialists.

Child↗

Medicare and state health care programs; fraud and abuse: OIG civil money penalties under the Medicare prescription drug discount card program. Final rule.

In accordance with section 1860D-31 of the Social Security Act, this rule finalizes OIG's new authority for imposing civil money penalties (CMPs) against endorsed sponsors under the Medicare prescription drug discount card program that knowingly engage in false or misleading marketing practices; overcharge program enrollees; or misuse transitional assistance funds.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S.↗

Medicare program; establishment of the Medicare Advantage Program; interpretation. Final rule; interpretation.

This final rule clarifies our interpretation of the meaning of "entity" in the final rule titled "Medicare Program; Establishment of the Medicare Advantage Program" published in the Federal Register on January 28, 2005 (70 FR 4588). Subsequent to the publication of the Medicare Advantage (MA) final rule on January 28, 2005, we have received inquiries from parties interested in offering an MA Regional Plan concerning whether they could jointly enter into a contract with us to offer a single MA Regional Plan in a multistate region. The participating health plans wish to contract with each other to create a single "joint enterprise." They have asked us whether such a joint enterprise could be considered an "entity" under sections 1859(a)(1)and 1855(a)(1) of the Social Security Act, for purposes of offering an MA Regional Plan. The MA final rule is scheduled to take effect on March 22, 2005. Our interpretation of the word "entity" that follows in the "Supplementary Information" section of this final rule is deemed to be included in that final rule.

Contract Services↗

Medicare program; e-prescribing and the prescription drug program. Final rule.

This final rule adopts standards for an electronic prescription drug program under Title I of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA). These standards will be the foundation standards or the first set of final uniform standards for an electronic prescription drug program under the MMA, and represent the first step in our incremental approach to adopting final foundation standards that are consistent with the MMA objectives of patient safety, quality of care, and efficiencies and cost savings in the delivery of care.

Drug Prescriptions↗

The Canadian Hypertension Education Program (CHEP)--a therapeutic knowledge translation program.

The Canadian Hypertension Education Program (CHEP) is a dynamic therapeutic knowledge translation program that changes annually based on the previous year's experience. To meet the challenge of hypertension treatment and control, CHEP activities include updating evidence-based management recommendations, implementing the recommendations and examining the impact of CHEP on hypertension management and hypertensive complications. CHEP aids health care professionals by providing credible, widely dissentinated up-to-date recommendations in multiple formats to suit individual learning needs. Key words: Hypertension, knowledge translation.

Advisory Committees↗

Chronic beryllium disease prevention program; worker safety and health program. Final rule.

The Department of Energy (DOE) is today publishing a final rule to implement the statutory mandate of section 3173 of the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2003 to establish worker safety and health regulations to govern contractor activities at DOE sites. This program codifies and enhances the worker protection program in operation when the NDAA was enacted.

Berylliosis↗

Medicare program; identification of backward compatible version of adopted standard for e-prescribing and the Medicare prescription drug program (version 8.1). Interim final rule with comment period.

This interim final rule with comment period identifies the Prescriber/Pharmacist Interface SCRIPT Standard, Implementation Guide, Version 8.1 (hereafter referred to as "Version 8.1 of the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) SCRIPT Standard") as a backward compatible update of the adopted Version 5.0. This interim final rule with comment period also permits the voluntary use of Version 8.1 of the NCPDP SCRIPT Standard for conducting certain e-prescribing transactions for the electronic prescription drug program under Title I of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA).

Humans↗