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HHS/CMS RIN: 0938-AG81 Publication ID: Spring 1998 
Title: Home Health Agency (HHA) Conditions of Participation (HCFA-3819-F) 
Abstract: This final rule will revise home health agency conditions of participation to center on the patient, using outcome-oriented measures. Most of the current HHA conditions of participation have remained unchanged since home health services became a Medicare benefit in 1966. Some limited modifications have been made over the years to comply with legislative changes. As a result, most of the conditions of participation continue to be structure and process oriented. In addition, this final rule will require that HHAs use a standard core assessment data set the "Outcome and Assessment Information Set" (OASIS) when evaluating adult, nonmaternity patients receiving home health care. 
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services(HHS)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 42 CFR 484   
Legal Authority: 42 USC 1302    42 USC 1395x    42 USC 1395cc(a)    42 USC 1395hh    42 USC 1395bb   

Alternatives: We considered an alternative to requiring use of the OASIS. Specifically, rather than requiring HHAs to incorporate the OASIS items into their own assessment systems, we considered permitting HHAs to choose, with our approval. Among sets of measures including those they devise themselves. We rejected this option because the OASIS is the only rigorously validated and reliable core assessment data set available today in home care. In time we will entertain the possibility of other standard data sets if they meet our needs.

Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  03/10/1997  62 FR 11005   
NPRM Comment Period End  06/09/1997    
Final Action  06/00/1998    
Additional Information: HCFA-3819-F
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes 
Agency Contact:
Mary Vienna
Office of Clinical Standards and Quality
Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
C4-05-27, 7500 Security Boulevard,
Baltimore, MD 21244-1850
Phone:410 786-6940