Medicare and Medicaid programs; conditions of participation for hospitals--HCFA. Final regulations

These regulations revise the requirements that hospitals must meet in order to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs (Titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act). These revisions are intended to simplify and clarify Federal requirements, to provide maximum flexibility in hospital administration while strengthening patient health and safety, to emphasize outcomes rather than processes, to promote cost effectiveness while maintaining quality care, and to achieve more effective compliance with Federal requirements. These regulations also incorporate conforming changes relating to certification of psychiatric hospitals and participation of tuberculosis hospitals made by the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 (Pub. L. 98-369).