Medicare/Medicaid program; revisions in reporting, recordkeeping, and other requirements--HCFA. Final rule.

This final rule amends several regulations containing collection of information requirements. These requirements affect the Medicare providers of outpatient physical therapy and speech pathology services; physical therapists in independent practice; portable X-ray services; and Medicaid contracts with health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and prepaid health plans (PHPs). This final rule also sets forth other changes affecting outpatient physical therapy and speech pathology services and physical therapists in independent practice. These changes, authorized by sections 2341 and 2342 of Pub. L. 98-369, the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984, amend the definition of "physician", and modify the plan of care requirements. Under the direction of OMB, we have been advised to make changes in information collection requirements that are unnecessarily burdensome, duplicative or lack practical utility. This final rule will accommodate OMB's requirement.