[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 42, Volume 2]
[Revised as of October 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 42CFR403.306]

[Page 45-46]
 
                         TITLE 42--PUBLIC HEALTH
 
                             HUMAN SERVICES
 
PART 403--SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS--Table of Contents
 
      Subpart C--Recognition of State Reimbursement Control Systems
 
Sec. 403.306  Additional requirements for State systems--mandatory approval.

    (a) General policy--(1) Mandatory approval. HFCA will approve an 
application for Medicare reimbursement under a State system if the 
system meets all of the requirements of Sec. 403.304 and of paragraph 
(b) of this section.
    (2) Exception. CMS may approve an application if the State system 
meets all of the requirements of Sec. 403.304 but only some of the 
requirements of paragraph (b) of this section.
    (b) Additional requirements--(1) Operation of system. The system 
must--
    (i) Be operated directly by the State or by entity designated under 
State law;
    (ii) Provide for payments to hospitals using a methodology under 
which--
    (A) Prospectively determined payment rates are established; and
    (B) Exceptions, adjustments, and methods for changes in methodology 
are set forth;
    (iii) Provide that a change by the State in the system that has the 
effect of materially changing payments to hospitals can take effect only 
upon 60 days notice to CMS and to the hospitals likely to be materially 
affected by the change and upon CMS's approval of the change.
    (2) Satisfactory assurances--(i) Admissions practice. The State must 
assure that the operation of the system will not result in any change in 
hospital admission practices that result in--
    (A) A significant reduction in the proportion of patients receiving 
hospital services covered under the system who have no third-party 
coverage and who are unable to pay for hospital services;
    (B) A significant reduction in the proportion of individuals 
admitted to hospitals for inpatient hospital services for which payment 
is less, or is likely to be less, than the anticipated charges for or 
cost of the services;

[[Page 46]]

    (C) A refusal to admit patients who would be expected to require 
unusually costly or prolonged treatment for reasons other than those 
related to the appropriateness of the care available at the hospital; or
    (D) A refusal to provide emergency services to any person who is in 
need of emergency services, if the hospital provides the services.
    (ii) Consultation with local government officials. The State must 
provide documentation that it has consulted with local government 
officials concerning the impact of the system on publicly owned or 
operated hospitals.