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HHS/CMS

RIN: 0938-AK15

Publication ID: Fall 2000

Title: ●Payment for Clinical Psychology Training Programs and Physician Assistant Training Programs (HCFA-1089-P)
Abstract: This proposed rule would revise our policy on Medicare payment for approved nursing and allied health education programs to permit payment for the costs incurred by a provider for the clinical training of students enrolled in a clinical psychology training program or a physician assistant training program. Consistent with the Conference Agreement language in the Conference Report accompanying the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-33), these clinical training costs would be paid separately on a reasonable cost basis pursuant to sections 1861(v) and 1886(a)(4) of the Social Security Act.
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services(HHS)	Priority: Other Significant
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage
Major: No	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 42 CFR 413.85
Legal Authority: Social Security Act, sec 1861(v) Social Security Act, sec 1886(a)(4) PL 105-33

Legal Deadline: None

Statement of Need: We believe we should expand existing Medicare policy to include payment for the hospital-based training of this allied health specialty because it plays an essential role in providing quality health care to Medicare beneficiaries.

Summary of the Legal Basis: Consistent with the Conference Agreement language in the Conference Report accompanying the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-33), the clinical training costs of students enrolled in a clinical psychology training program would be paid to hospitals separately on a reasonable cost basis in accordance with sections 1861(v) and 1886(a)(4) of the Social Security Act.

Alternatives: To the extent possible, we were able to consider and incorporate the recommendations from various industry groups and affected parties.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Actuarial estimates indicate that the minimal annual costs to the Medicare program associated with payment for the clinical training portion of clinical psychology training programs would be approximately $30 million the first year after payments begin and may grow to $50 million by the 5th year.

Risks: None.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	11/00/2000

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No	Government Levels Affected: None
Small Entities Affected: No	Federalism: No
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes
Agency Contact: Tzvi Hefter Director, Division of Acute Care Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services C4-07-07, Center for Medicare Management, 7500 Security Boulevard, C4-07-07, Baltimore, MD 21244 Phone:410 786-4487