Contract with a consensus-based entity regarding performance measurement273
The Secretary will have in effect a contract with a consensus-based entity, such as the National Quality Forum,274that makes recommendations on an integrated national strategy and priorities for health care performance measurement.275 The entity will provide for the endorsement of standardized health care performance measures,276 and will promote the use and development of electronic health records that contain the functionality for automated collection, aggregation, and transmission of performance measurement information.277 The entity will annually submit a report to Congress and the Secretary describing its recommendations,278 the implementation of quality and efficiency measurement initiatives, the coordination of such initiatives implemented by other payers,279 and gaps in quality and efficiency measures, including those reflected in the priority areas of the National Quality Strategy.280
Footnotes
- 273. Social Security Act § 1890, 42 U.S.C. 1395aaa.
- 274. Social Security Act § 1890(a)(1), 42 U.S.C. 1395aaa(a)(1).
- 275. Social Security Act § 1890(b)(1), 42 U.S.C. 1395aaa(b)(1).
- 276. Social Security Act § 1890(b)(2), 42 U.S.C. 1395aaa(b)(2).
- 277. Social Security Act § 1890(b)(4), 42 U.S.C. 1395aaa(b)(4).
- 278. Social Security Act § 1890(b)(5)(A)(ii), 42 U.S.C. 1395aaa(b)(5)(A)(ii).
- 279. Social Security Act § 1890(b)(5)(A)(i), 42 U.S.C. 1395aaa(b)(5)(A)(i).
- 280. Social Security Act § 1890(b)(5)(A)(iv), 42 U.S.C. 1395aaa(b)(5)(A)(iv).
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