Sec. 1561 Health Information Technology Enrollment Standards and Protocols
- Overview. The Secretary of Health and Human Services must consult with the HIT Policy and Standards Committees to develop standards and protocols that will “facilitate enrollment of individuals in Federal and State health and human services programs.”251 The Secretary has discretion to determine the methods for enrollment, but must “include providing individuals and third parties authorized by such individuals and their designees notification of eligibility and verification of eligibility required under such programs.”252
- Standards and Protocols. The ACA mandates that the standards and protocols contain the following parameters: (1) the ability to electronically match federal and state data as a means of determining eligibility; (2) permit “simplification and submission of electronic digitization of documents, and systems verification of eligibility;” (3) permit the “[r]euse of stored eligibility information (including documentation) to assist with retention of eligible individuals;” (4) provide individuals with a mechanism for online application, recertification, and management of their information at various locations such as their homes and the point of service; (5) have capacity to expand the system to include new programs, operations, and a higher volume “and to apply streamlined verification and eligibility processes to other Federal and State programs, as appropriate;” (6) the ability to notify individuals regarding issues such as their eligibility or recertification via email or cell phone; and (7) include any other “functionalities necessary to provide eligibles with streamlined enrollment process.”253
- Notification. The Secretary must notify states upon the approval of standards and protocols by the HIT Policy and Standards Committees and may condition state receipt of funds upon their compliance with such standards and protocols.254
- Grants. The Secretary must award grants to “eligible entities” for the purposes of developing and updating technology capable of adhering to the HIT enrollment standards and protocols.255 States, their political subdivisions, and entities of government subdivisions are eligible to receive these grants.256 Interested entities must submit an application to the Secretary that identifies their plans to create and implement HIT enrollment technology and their agreement to adhere to sharing requirements.257
- Sharing. The Secretary must facilitate the sharing of HIT technology created pursuant to grants with other qualified entities.258 The Secretary will define “qualified entity” after considering the HIT Policy Committee and Standards Committee’s recommendations. 259
Sec. 6114 National Demonstration Projects on Culture Change and the Use of Information Technology in Nursing Homes
The Secretary of Health and Human Services must administer two demonstration projects to develop best practices for use in skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities. One project must focus on culture change while the other must focus on using Health Information Technology to improve care. The Secretary must submit a report to Congress containing legislative and administrative recommendations within 9 months of completing the projects.260
Footnotes
- 251. Affordable Care Act §1561; 42 U.S.C. 300jj-51(a)(1).
- 252. Affordable Care Act §1561; 42 U.S.C. 300jj-51(a)(2).
- 253. Affordable Care Act §1561; 42 U.S.C. 300jj-51(b).
- 254. Affordable Care Act §1561; 42 U.S.C. 300jj-51(c).
- 255. Affordable Care Act §1561; 42 U.S.C. 300jj-51(d)(1).
- 256. Affordable Care Act §1561; 42 U.S.C. 300jj-51(d)(2)(A).
- 257. Affordable Care Act §1561; 42 U.S.C. 300jj-51(d)(2)(B).
- 258. Affordable Care Act §1561; 42 U.S.C. 300jj-51(d)(3)(A).
- 259. Affordable Care Act § 1561; 42 U.S.C. 300jj-51(d)(3)(B).
- 260. Affordable Care Act §6114; 42 U.S.C. 1395i-3.
.png)