Section 3004(c) of the Affordable Care
Act, which added Section 1814(i)(5) to the Social Security Act (the
Act"), mandated the establishment of a quality reporting program
for Hospices. Section 1814 (i)(5)(C) of the Act requires that
Hospices submit quality measurement data to CMS in a form and
manner, and at a time specified by the Secretary. Section
1814(i)(5)(A)(i) of the Act further requires the Secretary to
reduce the market basket percentage increase by two (2%) percentage
points for any hospice that fails to submit quality measure data in
accordance with requirements established by the Secretary for that
fiscal year. Section 1814 (i)(5)(E) of the Act requires the
Secretary to establish procedures for making Hospice quality data
publically available. The first reporting period began on
10/01/2012 and ended on 12/31/2012. We recently completed a review
of the data submitted by hospices during the first reporting to
determine which Hospices will receive the 2% payment reduction to
the market basket percentage increase for FY 2014. CMS seeks to
establish an initial programmatic evaluation of the Hospice QRP in
partnership with providers. The information is intended to help
inform CMS on how providers are responding to the new QRP, the
mechanisms utilized by providers to collect and report data
(inclusive of determining the accuracy of that data), burden,
practices related to data collection, use of EHRs, etc., and the
overall impact and influences of the QRP program on healthcare
outcomes. We believe that this program provide an opportunity for
CMS to specifically explore how Hospice providers are responding to
the Hospice QRP measures, understand early trends in outcomes, and
make adjustments as needed to enhance the effectiveness of the
program while keeping burden on providers as low as possible.
Specifically, we believe such an evaluation will keep CMS to be
informed on provider's experience related to the QRP.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.