Section 10301

SEC. 10301. PLANS FOR A VALUE-BASED PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTERS.

[a] In General- Section 3006 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

'[f] Ambulatory Surgical Centers-

'[1] IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall develop a plan to implement a value-based purchasing program for payments under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act for ambulatory surgical centers [as described in section 1833[i] of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1395l[i]]].

'[2] DETAILS- In developing the plan under paragraph [1], the Secretary shall consider the following issues:

'[A] The ongoing development, selection, and modification process for measures [including under section 1890 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1395aaa] and section 1890A of such Act, as added by section 3014], to the extent feasible and practicable, of all dimensions of quality and efficiency in ambulatory surgical centers.

'[B] The reporting, collection, and validation of quality data.

'[C] The structure of value-based payment adjustments, including the determination of thresholds or improvements in quality that would substantiate a payment adjustment, the size of such payments, and the sources of funding for the value-based bonus payments.

'[D] Methods for the public disclosure of information on the performance of ambulatory surgical centers.

'[E] Any other issues determined appropriate by the Secretary.

'[3] CONSULTATION- In developing the plan under paragraph [1], the Secretary shall--

'[A] consult with relevant affected parties; and

'[B] consider experience with such demonstrations that the Secretary determines are relevant to the value-based purchasing program described in paragraph [1].

'[4] REPORT TO CONGRESS- Not later than January 1, 2011, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing the plan developed under paragraph [1].'.

[b] Technical- Section 3006[a][2][A] is amended by striking clauses [i] and [ii].