Extension (without change) of this PRA submission is approved through 9/30/2000 to allow for publication of the final HIPAA medical privacy regulations that will include policies related to the definition of identifiable data and minimum necessary disclosure. Upon publication of these rules, HCFA should immediately reevaluate the Systems of Records (SOR) notice for OASIS and its applicability to accrediting organizations. Over the next six months, HCFA must coordinate and discuss these policies on a regular basis with JCAHO and other deeming groups. At this time, HCFA may not disclose to accrediting organizations identifiable OASIS data for the performance of quality of care functions. However, it is possible that such organizations may receive data for legitimate research purposes consistent with the SOR's routine use and HCFA's administrative procedures. In the meantime, HCFA must carefully evaluate its technical capabilities to encrypt/mask OASIS data and should be prepared to implement the medical privacy regulation when it is finalized. In a few months, HCFA should update OMB on its technical capabi- lities. The next submission for OMB review also must include a copy of HCFA's industry software specifications and a summary description of vendor software and characterstics. Finally, HCFA must continue to evaluate opportunities to reduce burden, including enhanced population of data fields in recerti- fication and the refinement of HAVEN software to reflect differing data needs based upon patient condition and severity, (e.g. certain conditions may change infrequently and/or may be less vulnerable to deterioration in data quality during recerti- fication.)
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
09/30/2000
09/30/2000
03/31/2000
8,200
0
10,492
996,368
0
1,274,866
29,000,000
0
36,400,000
HHAs are required to report data from the OASIS data set as a condition of participation. Specifically, the above named regulations sections provide guidelines for HHAs for the electronic transmission of the OASIS data set, as well as responsibilities of the State agency or OASIS contractor in collecting and transmitting this information to HCFA. These requirements are necessary to establish a prospective payment system for HHAs and to achieve broad-based, measurable improvement in the quality of care furnished through Federal programs.
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.
Medicare and Medicaid Programs Reporting OASIS Data as Part of the CoPs for HHAs and Supporting Regulations in 42 CFR 484.11 and 484.20