94-7346. Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority; Substructure Reorganization of the Health Care Financing Administration

  • [Federal Register Volume 59, Number 60 (Tuesday, March 29, 1994)]
    [Unknown Section]
    [Page 0]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 94-7346]
    
    
    [[Page Unknown]]
    
    [Federal Register: March 29, 1994]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
    Health Care Financing Administration
    
     
    
    Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of 
    Authority; Substructure Reorganization of the Health Care Financing 
    Administration
    
        Part F of the Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations 
    of Authority for the Department of Health and Human Services, Health 
    Care Financing Administration (HCFA) is amended to reflect the 
    establishment of the subordinate organizational structure for HCFA 
    which was recently approved. Although the Bureaus/Offices have recently 
    been published, the entire set of HCFA's functional statements are 
    being republished to facilitate the amendment of Part F of the 
    Department statement. Included in this document are the new functional 
    statements for the subcomponents of HCFA.
        The specific amendments to Part F are:
         Section F.10., Health Care Financing Administration 
    (Organization) is amended to read as follows:
    
    Section F.10., Health Care Financing Administration (Organization)
    
        The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) is an Operating 
    Division of the Department. It is headed by an Administrator, HCFA, who 
    is appointed by the President and reports to the Secretary. It consists 
    of the following organizational elements:
    
    A. Office of the Administrator (FA).
        1. Provider Reimbursement Review Board (FA-1).
        2. Equal Employment Opportunity Staff (FA-3).
        3. Executive Secretariat (FA-4).
        4. Office of Legislative and Inter-Governmental Affairs (FAA).
        a. Division of Congressional Affairs (FAA1).
        b. Division of Hearings & Policy Presentation (FAA2).
        c. Division of Medicare Part A Analysis (FAA3).
        d. Division of Medicare Part B Analysis (FAA4).
        e. Division of Medicaid Analysis (FAA5).
        f. Division of Intergovernmental Affairs (FAA6).
        5. Medicaid Bureau (FAB).
        a. Executive Operations Staff (FAB-1).
        b. Medicaid Special Program Initiatives Staff (FAB-2).
        c. Office of Medicaid Management (FAB1).
        (1). Division of Financial Management (FAB11).
        (2). Division of Program Performance (FAB12).
        (3). Division of Payment Systems (FAB13).
        d. Office of Medicaid Policy (FAB2).
        (1). Division of Payment Policy (FAB21).
        (2). Division of Coverage Policy (FAB22).
        (3). Division of Eligibility Policy (FAB23).
        6. Office of Managed Care (FAC).
        a. Operational Analysis Staff (FAC-1).
        b. Office of Managed Care Policy and Planning (FAC1).
        (1). Division of Managed Care Policy and Evaluation (FAC11).
        (2). Division of Planning and Promotion for Managed Care 
    (FAC12).
        c. Medicaid Managed Care Office (FAC2).
        d. Office of Managed Care Operations (FAC3).
        (1). Division of Payment and Operations Support (FAC31).
        (2). Division of Operations (FAC32).
        (3). Division of Finance (FAC33).
    B. Associate Administrator for Customer Relations and Communications 
    (FF).
        1. Office of Beneficiary Services (FFA).
        2. Office of Public Affairs (FFB).
        a. Freedom of Information Division (FFB1).
        b. Division of Public Appearances (FFB2).
        3. Office of Public Liaison (FFC).
        a. Division of Professional and Business Affairs (FFC1).
        b. Division of Media Relations (FFC2).
    C. Associate Administrator for Policy (FK).
        1. Special Analysis Staff (FK-1).
        2. Bureau of Policy Development (FKA).
        a. Regulations Staff (FKA-1).
        b. Office Of Regulations Management (FKA-2).
        c. Office of Program Support (FKA-3).
        (1) Executive Secretariat (FKA-31).
        (2) Inquiries Staff (FKA-32).
        (3) Program Liaison Staff (FKA-33).
        d. Office of Payment Policy (FKA1).
        (1) Division of Medical Services Payment (FKA11).
        (2) Division of Hospital Payment Policy (FKA12).
        (3) Division of Payment and Reporting Policy (FKA13).
        (4) Division of Special Payment Programs (FKA14).
        e. Office of Coverage and Eligibility Policy (FKA2).
        (1) Division of Provider Services Coverage Policy (FKA21).
        (2) Division of Medical Services Coverage Policy (FKA22).
        (3) Division of Medicare Eligibility Policy (FKA23).
        3. Office of Research and Demonstrations (FKB).
        a. Office of Demonstrations and Evaluations (FKB1).
        (1) Division of Long-Term Care Experimentation (FKB11).
        (2) Division of Hospital Experimentation (FKB12).
        (3) Division of Health Systems and Special Studies (FKB13).
        b. Office of Research (FKB2).
        (1) Division of Beneficiary Studies (FKB21).
        (2) Division of Payment and Economic Studies (FKB22).
        (3) Division of Program Studies (FKB23).
        c. Office of Operations Support (FKB3).
        (1) Division of Research and Demonstrations Systems Support 
    (FKB31).
        (2) Division of Program Support (FKB32).
        4. Office of the Actuary (FKC).
        a. Office of Medicare and Medicaid Cost Estimates (FKC1).
        (1) Division of Hospital Insurance (FKC11).
        (2) Division of Supplementary Medical Insurance (FKC12).
        (3) Division of Medicaid Cost Estimates (FKC13).
        b. Office of National Health Statistics (FKC2).
        (1) Division of Health Cost Analysis (FKC21).
        (2) Division of Survey Analysis (FKC22).
    D. Associate Administrator for Operations and Resource Management 
    (FL).
        1. Office of the Attorney Advisor (FL-1).
        2. Office of Planning and Support (FL-2).
        3. Office of Financial and Human Resources (FLA).
        a. Management Planning and Analysis Staff (FLA-1).
        b. Office of Financial Management (FLA1).
        (1) Division of Accounting (FLA11).
        (2) Division of Budget (FLA12).
        c. Office of Human Resources (FLA2).
        (1) Division of Information and Organizational Management 
    (FLA21).
        (2) Division of Performance Management and Development (FLA22).
        (3) Division of Staffing and Employee Services (FLA23).
        d. Office of Acquisitions and Grants (FLA3).
        (1) Division of Health Standards Contracts (FLA31).
        (2) Division of Contracts and Grants (FLA32).
        e. Office of Administrative Services (FLA4).
        (1) Division of Facilities Management (FLA41).
        (2) Division of Safety and Property Management (FLA42).
        (3) Division of Telecommunications and Graphics Services 
    (FLA43).
        (4) Division of Printing and Distribution Services (FLA44).
        4. Bureau of Program Operations (FLB).
        a. Executive Secretariat (FLB-1).
        b. Issuances Staff (FLB-3).
        c. Office of Contracting and Financial Management (FLB1).
        (1) Division of Acquisitions and Contracts (FLB11).
        (2) Division of Financial Management (FLB12).
        (3) Division of Contractor Planning and Management (FLB13).
        (4) Division of Account Management and Collection (FLB14).
        d. Office of Medicare Benefits Administration (FLB2).
        (1) Division of Utilization Analysis (FLB21).
        (2) Division of Entitlement and Benefit Coordination (FLB22).
        (3) Division of Audit and Payment Management (FLB23).
        (4) Division of Medigap Operations (FLB24).
        e. Office of Program Operations Procedures (FLB3).
        (1) Division of Claims Processing Procedures (FLB31).
        (2) Division of Claims Processing Requirements (FLB32).
        (3) Division of Appeals and Communications (FLB33).
        (4) Division of Operational Systems Development (FLB34).
        f. Office of Quality and Evaluation (FLB4).
        (1) Division of Quality Programs (FLB41).
        (2) Division of Standards (FLB42).
        (3) Division of Program Evaluation (FLB43).
        (4) Division of Reports and Information Management (FLB44).
        5. Bureau of Data Management and Strategy (FLC).
        a. Office of Information Resources Management (FLC1).
        (1) Division of Information Systems Management (FLC11).
        (2) Division of ADP Planning and Resources Management (FLC12).
        b. Office of Statistics and Data Management (FLC2).
        (1) Division of Payment Policy Support (FLC21).
        (2) Decision Support Division (FLC22).
        (3) Division of Special Programs (FLC23).
        c. Office of Program Systems (FLC3).
        (1) Division of Program Management Systems (FLC31).
        (2) National Claims History Division (FLC32).
        (3) Division of Medicaid Statistics (FLC33).
        d. Office of Enrollment Systems (FLC4).
        (1) Division of Enrollment Applications (FLC41).
        (2) Division of Capitation and Collection Systems (FLC42).
        (3) Division of Medicare Operations Support (FLC43).
        e. Office of Information Technology (FLC5).
        (1) Division of Administrative Systems (FLC51).
        (2) Division of Office Automation Systems (FLC52).
        f. Office of Computer Operations (FLC6).
        (1) Division of Data Center Services (FLC61).
        (2) Division of Data Communications and Distributed Services 
    (FLC62).
        6. Office of the Regional Administrators (FLD(I-X)).
        a. Division of Health Standards and Quality (FLD(I-X)A).
        b. Division of Medicaid (FLD(I-X)B).
        c. Division of Medicare (FLD(I-X)C).
        7. Health Standards and Quality Bureau (FLE).
        a. Management Resources Staff (FLE-1).
        b. Office of Peer Review (FLE1).
        (1) Division of Program Operations (FLE11).
        (2) Division of Review Programs (FLE12).
        (3) Division of Systems Management (FLE13).
        (4) Division of Program Assessment and Information (FLE14).
        c. Office of Survey and Certification (FLE2).
        (1) Division of Long-Term Care Services (FLE21).
        (2) Division of Systems Management and Data Analysis (FLE22).
        (3) Division of Program Operations (FLE23).
        (4) Division of Laboratory Standards and Performance (FLE24).
        (5) Division of Hospitals, Home Health, and Ambulatory Services 
    (FLE25).
    
         Section F.20., Health Care Financing Administration 
    (Functions) is amended by deleting the statement in its entirety and 
    replacing it with the following statements. The following statements 
    provide the overall organizational structure of the Health Care 
    Financing Administration. The new HCFA organizational structure is 
    described as follows:
    
    A. Office of the Administrator (FA)
    
         The Administrator directs the planning, coordination, and 
    implementation of the programs under Titles XI, XVIII, and XIX of the 
    Social Security Act and related statutes, as amended, and directs the 
    development of effective relationships between these programs and 
    private and federally supported health-related programs.
         Within broad Department of Health and Human Services 
    policy and guidelines, the Administrator oversees the establishment of 
    program goals and objectives and the development of policies, standards 
    and guidelines; evaluates progress in the administration of HCFA 
    programs; and ensures that required actions are taken to direct or 
    redirect efforts to achieve program objectives.
         The Administrator works with the States, other Federal 
    agencies and other concerned nongovernmental organizations in 
    administering health care financing programs.
         The Administrator is assisted by a general deputy, who 
    functions with full authority during the Administrator's absence.
    
    1. Provider Reimbursement Review Board (FA-1)
    
         The Provider Reimbursement Review Board (Board) is 
    organizationally assigned to the HCFA for administrative support.
         The Board, after determining that it has jurisdiction, 
    conducts hearings to resolve disputes on cost and prospective payment 
    submitted by Medicare providers under Section 1878 of the Social 
    Security Act.
         Upon the completion of these hearings, the Board renders 
    impartial decisions on these appeals. This is the initial step in the 
    judicial review process.
         Provides staff support to the Medicare Geographic 
    Classification Review Board (MGCRB) and conducts Medicare and Medicaid 
    hearings on behalf of the Secretary or the Administrator that are not 
    within the jurisdiction of the Department Appeals Board, the Social 
    Security Administration's Office of Hearings and Appeals, or the 
    States.
    
    2. Equal Employment Opportunity Staff (FA-3)
    
         Provides principal advisory services to the Administrator 
    concerning equal employment opportunity (EEO) and civil rights policies 
    and programs.
         Develops EEO and voluntary civil rights compliance policy 
    for HCFA and assesses the Agency's compliance with applicable equal 
    opportunity statutes, executive orders, regulations and policies.
         Identifies policy and operational issues and proposes 
    solutions for resolving these issues.
         Serves as the central liaison point with the Department on 
    EEO and civil rights issues.
         Coordinates the development of HCFA affirmative EEO plans 
    and evaluates their implementation by HCFA components.
         Promotes EEO special emphasis programs and activities 
    affecting the concerns of minority groups, women, and individuals with 
    disabilities.
         Provides for conciliation and adjudication of informal and 
    formal discrimination complaints by means of EEO counseling, formal 
    hearings, issuance of final decisions, etc.
         Manages, coordinates and monitors HCFA's equal employment 
    opportunity activities working directly with bureau and office 
    personnel.
    
    3. Executive Secretariat (FA-4)
    
         Assists the HCFA Administrator in the resolution of agency 
    program and administrative policy matters through memoranda, action 
    documents, or correspondence.
         Monitors HCFA performance in developing necessary 
    documents for the Administrator's review.
         Manages the clearance system and reviews documents for 
    consistency with the Administrator's and Secretary's assignments, 
    previous decisions on related matters, and editorial standards.
         Facilitates the resolution of issues connected with 
    matters forwarded to the Administrator.
         Operates the agency-wide correspondence tracking and 
    control system, and provides guidance and technical assistance on 
    standards for content of correspondence and memoranda.
         Serves as a primary focal point for liaison with the 
    Executive Secretariat in the Office of the Secretary on HCFA 
    correspondence and special administrative matters.
    
    4. Office of Legislative and Inter-Governmental Affairs (FAA)
    
         The Office of Legislative and Inter-Governmental Affairs 
    provides leadership and executive direction within HCFA for legislative 
    planning and congressional and intergovernmental affairs.
         Develops and evaluates recommendations concerning 
    legislative proposals for changes in health care financing.
         Develops the long-range HCFA legislative plans.
         Coordinates activities with the Office of the Assistant 
    Secretary for Legislation (ASL) and serves as the ASL's principal 
    contact point on legislative and congressional relations, and 
    intergovernmental affairs.
         Manages HCFA involvement in congressional hearings.
         Provides technical, analytical, and advisory services to 
    HCFA components, to the Department, to other elements of the Executive 
    Branch, and other government agencies interested in health care 
    financing legislation, congressional relations, and intergovernmental 
    affairs.
         In conjunction with the ASL, provides information services 
    to congressional committees, individual Congressmen, and private 
    organizations on health care financing legislation.
         Provides leadership for HCFA in the area of 
    intergovernmental affairs.
         Advises the Administrator on program matters which affect 
    other units and levels of government.
         In coordination with the Department's Inter-Governmental 
    Affairs office, the Regional Directors, and other HCFA offices, meets 
    with key State and local officials in order to strengthen HCFA's 
    relationships with other governmental jurisdictions and to resolve 
    sensitive intergovernmental problems and issues. Reviews and consults 
    with State and local officials regarding proposed HCFA policy and 
    operational issuances. Assists States and localities in requesting and 
    obtaining technical materials, assistance, and support from appropriate 
    HCFA components. Upon State requests, coordinates the exchange of HCFA 
    staff with State and local agencies.
         Develops and provides briefings on intergovernmental 
    affairs issues for HCFA staff.
         Briefs State and local agencies on HCFA's mission, 
    organization, and functions.
    a. Division of Congressional Affairs (FAA1)
         Serves as the HCFA focal point for all congressional 
    liaison activities. Coordinates HCFA's congressional liaison activities 
    with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legislation (ASL).
         Responds to congressional inquiries and constituent 
    concerns related to Medicare, Medicaid, and other health care financing 
    issues. Organizes briefings for Congressmen, congressional staff and 
    the public on specific issues and prepares reports on these issues for 
    higher level management.
         Notifies Congress of specific HCFA activities of interest 
    to Members.
         Provides advice to the Director, Office of Legislative & 
    Inter-Governmental Affairs (OLIGA), the Administrator, and other HHS 
    policy officials on the resolution of sensitive congressional issues.
         Prepares legislative histories and congressional profiles 
    used by HCFA senior staff in preparation for congressional hearings.
         Prepares a variety of summary reports on congressional 
    legislative activities and inquiries for use by the Director, OLIGA, 
    the Administrator, and other HHS policy officials.
         Maintains the HCFA legislative reference library. Provides 
    legislative reference and research services to HCFA, the Department, 
    and the general public.
    b. Division of Hearings & Policy Presentation (FAA2)
         In preparation for congressional hearings, drafts 
    testimony to be used by the Administrator, the Secretary, and other HHS 
    policy officials.
         Serves as the principle HCFA contact point with the Office 
    of the Assistant Secretary for Legislation on congressional hearings 
    and coordinates the preparation for such hearings, working with other 
    Office of Legislative & Inter-Governmental Affairs and HCFA components.
         Clears other departmental and Administration testimony 
    that has a bearing on Medicare, Medicaid, or other health care 
    financing programs.
         Reviews other written products such as bill reports, 
    studies, policy statements, etc., for clarity, presentation, and 
    consistency with overall HCFA policy.
         Develops policy presentations for the general media in 
    consultation with the Office of the Associate Administrator for 
    Customer Relations & Communications.
    c. Division of Medicare Part A Analysis (FAA3)
         Conducts legislative, economic, and policy analyses 
    related to Medicare Part A issues. Substantive areas include Medicare 
    Part A benefits, eligibility, payment, and financing, and other cross-
    cutting parts of Medicare and the health delivery system that have an 
    effect on Medicare Part A.
         Coordinates the development of Medicare Part A legislative 
    proposals and develops the technical specifications for such 
    legislation.
         Plans, develops, and directs the strategy to enhance the 
    enactment of the Administration's Medicare Part A legislative program.
         Analyzes and reviews Medicare Part A regulations, issue 
    papers, Office of the Inspector General reports, reports to Congress, 
    and other policy documents for the Director, Office of Legislative & 
    Inter-Governmental Affairs (OLIGA).
         Designs and conducts long-range Medicare Part A policy 
    studies as well as other special projects, such as representing HCFA or 
    OLIGA on task forces, outside commissions or policy panels in assigned 
    areas.
         Working with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for 
    Legislation (ASL), provides (or coordinates) technical consultative 
    services to congressional members, their staff and the public on 
    Medicare Part A legislation and related HCFA activities.
         Recommends the HCFA and HHS position on Medicare Part A 
    legislation likely to be considered by Congress. Develops bill reports 
    and coordinates comments from other HCFA and HHS components. Clears 
    enrolled bill reports and recommends Presidential veto or signature. 
    Prepares legislative summaries of newly enacted legislation and 
    selected congressional bills.
         Monitors all Medicare Part A congressional legislative 
    activity, with an emphasis on Budget Reconciliation and other major 
    legislation.
         Assists in the preparation of Medicare Part A briefing 
    materials, background, and testimony for HCFA and HHS policy officials' 
    appearances at congressional hearings.
         Provides assistance to other offices within OLIGA to 
    ensure consistent, coordinated analyses and responses. Provides input 
    to cross-cutting projects.
    d. Division of Medicare Part B Analysis (FAA4)
         Conducts legislative, economic, and policy analyses 
    related to Medicare Part B issues. Substantive areas include Medicare 
    Part B benefits, eligibility, payment, and financing, and other cross-
    cutting parts of Medicare and the health delivery system that have an 
    effect on Medicare Part B.
         Coordinates the development of Medicare Part B legislative 
    proposals and develops the technical specifications for such 
    legislation.
         Plans, develops, and directs the strategy to enhance the 
    enactment of the Administration's Medicare Part B legislative program.
         Analyzes and reviews Medicare Part B regulations, issue 
    papers, Office of the Inspector General reports, reports to Congress, 
    and other policy documents for the Director, Office of Legislative & 
    Inter-Governmental Affairs (OLIGA).
         Designs and conducts long-range Medicare Part B policy 
    studies as well as other special projects, such as representing HCFA or 
    OLIGA on task forces, outside commissions or policy panels in assigned 
    areas.
         Working with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for 
    Legislation, provides (or coordinates) technical consultative services 
    to congressional members, their staff and the public on Medicare Part B 
    legislation and related HCFA activities.
         Recommends the HCFA and HHS position on Medicare Part B 
    legislation likely to be considered by Congress. Develops bill reports 
    and coordinates comments from other HCFA and HHS components. Clears 
    enrolled bill reports and recommends Presidential veto or signature. 
    Prepares legislative summaries of newly enacted legislation and 
    selected congressional bills.
         Monitors all Medicare Part B congressional legislative 
    activity, with an emphasis on Budget Reconciliation and other major 
    legislation.
         Assists in the preparation of Medicare Part B briefing 
    materials, background, and testimony for HCFA and HHS policy officials' 
    appearances at congressional hearings.
         Provides assistance to other offices within OLIGA to 
    ensure consistent, coordinated analyses and responses. Provides input 
    to cross-cutting projects.
    e. Division of Medicaid Analysis (FAA5)
         Conducts legislative, economic, and policy analyses 
    related to the Medicaid program. Substantive areas include Medicaid 
    eligibility, payment, coverage, financing, the impact on Medicaid of 
    changes to Public Health Service, and welfare programs, and the health 
    care of low income individuals.
         Coordinates the development of Medicaid legislative 
    proposals and develops the technical specifications for such 
    legislation. Plans, develops, and directs legislative strategy to 
    enhance the enactment of the Administration's legislative program for 
    the Medicaid program.
         Analyzes and reviews Medicaid regulations, issue papers, 
    Office of the Inspector General reports, reports to Congress, and other 
    policy documents for the Director, Office of Legislative & Inter-
    Governmental Affairs (OLIGA).
         Designs and conducts long-range Medicaid policy studies as 
    well as special projects, such as representing HCFA or OLIGA on task 
    forces, outside commissions or policy panels in assigned areas.
         Working with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for 
    Legislation, provides (or coordinates) technical consultative services 
    to congressional members, their staff and the public on Medicaid 
    legislation and related HCFA activities.
         Recommends the HCFA and HHS position on Medicaid 
    legislation likely to be considered by Congress. Develops bill reports 
    and coordinates comments from other HCFA and HHS components. Clears 
    enrolled bill reports and recommends Presidential veto or signature. 
    Prepares legislative summaries of newly enacted legislation and 
    selected congressional bills.
         Monitors all Medicaid congressional legislative 
    activities, with an emphasis on Budget Reconciliation and other major 
    legislation.
         Prepares Medicaid briefing materials, background, and 
    testimony for HCFA and HHS policy officials' appearances at 
    congressional hearings.
         Provides assistance to other offices within OLIGA to 
    ensure consistent, coordinated analyses and responses. Provides input 
    to cross-cutting projects.
    f. Division of Intergovernmental Affairs (FAA6)
         Provides leadership for HCFA in the area of 
    intergovernmental affairs.
         Advises the Director, Office of Legislative & Inter-
    Governmental Affairs, on all policy and program matters which affect 
    other units and levels of government.
         In coordination with the Department's Intergovernmental 
    Affairs office, the Principal Regional Directors, and other HCFA 
    offices, meets with key State and local officials in order to 
    strengthen HCFA's relationships with other governmental jurisdictions 
    and to resolve sensitive intergovernmental problems and issues.
         Reviews and consults with State and local officials 
    regarding proposed HCFA policy and operational issuances.
         Assesses the impact on State and localities of HCFA 
    actions involving penalties, disallowances, compliance actions, or new 
    performance standards.
         Assists States and localities in requesting and obtaining 
    technical materials, assistance, and support from appropriate HCFA 
    components.
         Upon State requests, arranges for the exchange of HCFA 
    staff with State and local agencies.
         Develops and provides briefings on intergovernmental 
    affairs issues for HCFA staff.
         Briefs State and local agencies on HCFA's mission, 
    organization, and functions.
    
    5. Medicaid Bureau (FAB)
    
         Directs the planning, coordination, and implementation of 
    the Medicaid program under Title XIX of the Social Security Act and 
    related statutes, as amended, except for Medicaid managed health care.
         Formulates, evaluates, and prepares policies, 
    specifications for regulations, instructions, preprints and procedures 
    related to Medicaid eligibility, coverage, and payment activities; 
    makes recommendations for legislative changes; and, reviews State plan 
    amendments and makes recommendations on approvals/disapprovals.
         Oversees, coordinates, processes and assesses the 
    operation of State Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waivers.
          Administers the State grants process for administrative 
    and program payments, including budget preparation by States.
         Provides Medicaid payment policy for administrative costs, 
    availability of Federal Financial Participation (FFP) and designation 
    of appropriate FFP rates.
         Develops and monitors planning, development and 
    implementation of Medicaid program operations in regional offices and 
    State Medicaid agencies.
         Develops and promulgates policies and procedures for the 
    proper maintenance, review, and approval of State plans and their 
    amendments.
         Monitors State compliance with State plan and oversees the 
    compliance process.
         Develops requirements, standards, procedures, guidelines, 
    and methodologies pertaining to the review and evaluation of State 
    agencies' automated systems.
         Develops, operates, and manages a program for the 
    performance evaluation of Medicaid State agencies and fiscal agents.
         Implements Medicaid maternal and infant health initiative 
    and the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment program 
    through coordination of HCFA resources and activities with those of the 
    Public Health Service and other national organizations, monitoring 
    program performance, effective interagency and interprogram liaison, 
    guidance, and technical assistance.
         Provides technical assistance to States, regional offices, 
    and other interested groups in all special Medicaid initiatives. 
    Coordinates with HCFA's Office of Legislative and Inter-Governmental 
    Affairs on all issues that affect States.
         Coordinates with the Office of Research and Demonstrations 
    HCFA review and management of State waiver requests and projects.
    a. Executive Operations Staff (FAB-1)
         Advises the Medicaid Bureau (MB) managers on 
    organizational design and implementation; requests to establish 
    positions; and delegations of management and program administration 
    authorities.
         Establishes and implements integrated and coordinated MB 
    work planning. Plans and monitors the execution of major Bureau program 
    initiatives through the administration of the Bureau's work planning to 
    ensure fairness and equity among components and to assure that 
    measurable and verifiable outputs are provided.
         Interprets administrative budgetary policies and 
    limitations and develops and issues guidelines and instructions to MB 
    managers for budget formulation and execution. Executes the budget for 
    the bureau through the issuance of staff and dollar controls, budget 
    allowances for administrative expenditures, and employment ceilings to 
    bureau components.
         Provides services and liaison with the Office of Financial 
    & Human Resources related to procurement; space acquisition, 
    utilization and management; telephone systems; records; publications; 
    forms printing; and reprographics.
         Directs a bureau-wide tracking and control system for 
    legislation, regulations, instructions and correspondence; and provides 
    training and technical assistance on standards for content of written 
    documents.
         Serves as the focal point for the General Accounting 
    Office and the Office of the Inspector General reports relating to MB; 
    and coordinates other operational reviews of, and within, MB (e.g., 
    internal control reviews).
         Provides bureau support and represents MB on issues 
    related to microcomputer systems.
    b. Medicaid Special Program Initiatives Staff (FAB-2)
          Implements Medicaid maternal and infant health initiative 
    and the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) 
    program through coordination of HCFA resources and activities with 
    those of the Public Health Service and other national organizations, 
    monitoring program performance, effective interagency and interprogram 
    liaison, guidance, and technical assistance.
         Serves as HCFA liaison and manager of the Medicaid 
    Maternal and Child Health Technical Advisory Group.
         Assists in developing Medicaid participation in 
    alternative service and delivery methods (e.g., collaboration and 
    pluralistic funding of health care for varied Human Immuno Virus/
    Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)-infected Medicaid 
    Recipients) and conducts reconnaissance and analyses to identify 
    emerging and potential problem areas (e.g., financing community 
    substance abuse programs).
         Provides technical assistance to States, regional offices, 
    and other interested groups in all special Medicaid initiatives.
         Evaluates the effect of proposed legislation on sensitive 
    and special Medicaid issues (i.e., EPSDT and AIDS) and recommends new 
    or amended legislation in regard to these special areas.
    c. Office of Medicaid Management (FAB1)
         Provides oversight, coordinates, and formulates the 
    national Medicaid medical assistance and administrative costs budgets 
    and justifications. Develops and maintains budget preparation and 
    execution policies and procedures used by States and regional offices.
         Administers the State grants process for administrative 
    and program payments including regional office disallowances.
         Develops and monitors Medicaid automated systems 
    requirements, standards, procedures, guidelines, and methodologies. 
    Directs review, evaluation, and assessment of the operation, 
    development, and funding of Medicaid State agency automated systems, 
    including the claims processing and information retrieval and 
    integrated eligibility systems, and coordinates systems requirements 
    for Federal programs such as Child Health Assurance, Child Support 
    Enforcement, food stamps, and Aid to Families with Dependent Children.
         Provides oversight and coordinates the Medicaid State plan 
    preprint process. Assists components in the development, publication, 
    timely issuance to States, and maintenance of the master copy of State 
    plan preprints.
         Provides oversight of planning, development, 
    implementation, and monitors Medicaid program operations in regional 
    offices and State Medicaid agencies including drug rebate program, 
    Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlement System, national Medicaid 
    eligibility quality control program, Medicaid Drug Use Review program, 
    State claims processing and payment operations, and third party 
    liability activities.
    (1) Division of Financial Management (FAB11)
         Provides oversight and coordinates the national Medicaid 
    medical assistance and administrative costs budgets and justifications. 
    Develops and maintains budget preparation and execution policies and 
    procedures used by States and regional offices.
         Establishes policies and procedures by which Medicaid 
    State agencies and regional offices submit quarterly budget estimates 
    and reports and administers the State grants process for administrative 
    and program payments.
         Reviews all State claims for Federal payment under Title 
    XIX of the Social Security Act including regional office disallowances 
    of State claims.
         Serves as the focal point for the defense of disallowance 
    decisions before the Department Appeals Board.
         Provides oversight and manages the national State 
    Performance Evaluation and Comprehensive Test of Reimbursement Under 
    Medicaid review process.
         Provides the definitive HCFA interpretation of Medicaid 
    payment policy for administrative costs. Responsible for operational 
    policies regarding availability of Federal Financial Participation 
    (FFP), designation of appropriate FFP rates, and for issuing 
    interpretations to regional offices regarding operational FFP issues.
         Directs regional office financial reviews and audits of 
    State agencies and oversees the Medicaid claims processing review 
    activity.
         Provides oversight, administration, and maintenance of the 
    Medicaid Budget and Expenditure System.
    (2) Division of Program Performance (FAB12)
         Develops, implements, and operates the national Medicaid 
    eligibility quality control program to determine the effectiveness of 
    Medicaid State agencies' performance in the area of eligibility 
    determinations.
         Provides documentation and analysis necessary to initiate 
    and support actions on disallowances, penalties, and corrective action 
    requirements, and adjudication of appeals of disallowances and 
    penalties.
         Develops, implements, and coordinates a system for 
    reviewing the States' performance of the Income Eligibility 
    Verification System (IEVS) requirements. Develops and interprets 
    regulations and policies for States to establish IEVS.
         Develops, coordinates, and promulgates operational policy 
    for utilizing the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlement system.
         Provides expertise on sampling, precision, universe 
    identification, and other technical statistical issues in support of 
    the Medicaid quality control and assessment programs.
         Develops and promulgates policies and procedures for the 
    proper maintenance, review, and approval of State plans and their 
    amendments. Monitors State compliance to State plan and oversees the 
    compliance process.
         Ensures adherence to all Automated Data Processing (ADP) 
    security measures, policies, and procedures; assists with the 
    development, modification, and review of HCFA ADP policies as they 
    apply to Medicaid.
         Directs the bureau's ADP activities relating to 
    development, implementation, and administration of mainframe ADP 
    systems programs.
         Provides oversight and coordinates the Medicaid State plan 
    preprint process. Assists components in the development, publication, 
    timely issuance to States, and maintenance of the master copy of State 
    plan preprints.
         Develops procedures with the Social Security 
    Administration concerning Medicaid eligibility operational issues such 
    as transfer of resources, deemed Supplemental Security Income 
    recipients and the State Data Exchange.
    (3) Division of Payment Systems (FAB13)
         Provides bureau support in the development and 
    implementation of new systems that interface with other HCFA components 
    or involve mainframe computers.
         Develops the requirements, standards, procedures, 
    guidelines, methodologies, and test criteria pertaining to the review, 
    evaluation, and assessment of operations, development, and funding of 
    State agency automation, claims processing and information retrieval 
    and integrated eligibility systems to determine their compliance with 
    published Federal requirements.
         Reviews State agency requests for Federal Financial 
    Participation (FFP) in the costs of operating Medicaid claims 
    processing, information retrieval systems, and development and 
    operations of the integrated eligibility systems.
         Reviews State agency FFP requests for Medicaid Management 
    Information Systems and interdepartmental integrated eligibility 
    systems for approval.
         Plans, develops, and monitors systems requirements for 
    Medicaid and coordinates systems requirements for related Federal 
    programs such as Child Health Assurance, Child Support Enforcement, 
    Food Stamps, and Aid to Families with Dependent Children.
         Provides operational and systems support for 
    implementation of the Medicaid drug rebate program. Maintains liaison 
    with and provides technical assistance to drug manufacturers, Medicaid 
    State agencies, pharmaceutical associations, private sector vendors and 
    other parties regarding the drug rebate program. Prepares an annual 
    report to Congress regarding drug product and expenditure information.
         Serves as the focal point for Medicaid third party 
    liability, qualified Medicare beneficiary, and Drug Use Review 
    operating instructions and policy guidance to Medicaid State agencies 
    and regional offices.
         Coordinates with all State Medicaid agencies, in 
    conjunction with HCFA regional offices, implementation of system coding 
    and other changes related to the Medicare program's Physician Payment 
    Reform initiative and other data initiatives such as common coding, 
    uniform billing, and electronic media claims formats.
    d. Office of Medicaid Policy (FAB2)
         Formulates, evaluates and prepares policies, 
    specifications for regulations, instructions, preprints, and procedures 
    related to Medicaid eligibility, coverage, and payment activities.
         Makes recommendations for legislative changes to improve 
    program policy and ease of administration.
         Reviews State plan amendments and makes recommendations on 
    approvals/disapprovals.
         Oversees, coordinates, processes, and assesses the 
    operation of State Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waivers.
    (1) Division of Payment Policy (FAB21)
         Formulates and evaluates policies, regulations, 
    instructions, and procedures related to Medicaid coverage activities. 
    Prepares regulations, manuals, program guidelines, State plan 
    preprints, and general instructions related to Medicaid institutional 
    and non-institutional payment policy.
         Provides interpretations of Medicaid payment policies to 
    regional offices, congressional staffs, other Departments of the 
    Federal government, interest groups and State agencies.
         Develops, evaluates, and reviews Medicaid policies, 
    regulations, guidelines, and instructions pertaining to provider and 
    other facility payment under the Medicaid program including, for 
    example, Medicaid institutional payment plans, Medicaid community 
    provider rates, Medicaid payment of such entities as rural health 
    clinics and federally qualified health centers and capitated rates for 
    Medicaid managed care organizations.
         Formulates and evaluates policies and procedures related 
    to Medicaid payment for long-term care, physician services, 
    practitioner services, case management, obstetrical and pediatric 
    services, pharmaceuticals, supplies and equipment such as hearing aids, 
    eyeglasses, durable medical equipment, laboratory, and other medical 
    services.
         Participates in the development and evaluation of proposed 
    legislation in the area of Medicaid payment.
         Reviews State plan amendment requests under Medicaid.
         Analyzes and recommends legislative or other remedies to 
    improve the effectiveness of Medicaid payment policies.
         Reviews, with the Office of Research and Demonstrations, 
    research and demonstration agendas in the area of Medicaid payment.
    (2) Division of Coverage Policy (FAB22)
         Formulates and evaluates policies, regulations, 
    instructions, and procedures related to Medicaid coverage activities. 
    Prepares specifications for regulations, manuals, program guidelines, 
    State plan preprints, and general instructions related to these areas.
         Provides interpretations of Medicaid coverage policies to 
    regional offices, congressional staffs, other departmental offices, 
    other Departments of the Federal government, interest groups and State 
    agencies.
         Develops, evaluates, and reviews all Medicaid coverage 
    policies, regulations, and procedures.
         Develops, evaluates, and reviews policies, regulations, 
    and procedures pertaining to States' requests for approval of waivers 
    of Medicaid requirements to provide home and community-based services 
    and makes recommendations whether the waivers should be approved or 
    disapproved.
         Develops, evaluates, and reviews national coverage 
    policies concerning Medicaid medical service contracts, interagency 
    agreements, and prior authorizations.
         Reviews coverage related Medicaid State plan amendment 
    requests.
         Identifies, studies, and makes recommendations for 
    modifying Medicaid coverage policies to reflect changes in recipient 
    health care needs, program objectives, and the health care delivery 
    system.
    (3) Division of Eligibility Policy (FAB23)
         Develops, interprets, and evaluates policies pertaining to 
    all conditions under which recipients are eligible to have their health 
    care services covered under Medicaid, the rights and responsibilities 
    of recipients and applicants, and other special eligibility and 
    technical issues.
         Evaluates the effect of proposed legislation on current 
    eligibility policies and recommends specifications for new or proposed 
    legislation on eligibility.
         Provides consultation regarding State plan amendments and 
    waiver requests and prepares State plan disapproval actions.
         Prepares specifications for regulations, preprints, and 
    manual instructions pertaining to Medicaid eligibility policy.
    
    6. Office of Managed Care (FAC)
    
         Provides national direction and executive leadership for 
    managed health care operations, including health maintenance 
    organizations (HMOs), prepaid health plans (PHPs), primary care case 
    management programs, competitive medical plans (CMPs), and other 
    capitated health organizations.
          Serves as the departmental focal point in the areas of 
    managed health care plan qualification, including quality assurance, 
    ongoing regulation, State and employer compliance efforts, Medicare and 
    Medicaid HMO, Medicare CMP contracting and Medicaid freedom of choice 
    waivers.
         Develops national managed care policies and objectives for 
    the development, qualification, and ongoing compliance of HMOs and 
    CMPs.
         Plans, coordinates, and directs the development and 
    preparation of related legislative proposals, regulatory proposals, and 
    policy documents. Formulates, evaluates, and prepares policies, 
    specifications for regulations, instructions, preprints, and procedures 
    related to managed health care. Makes recommendations for legislative 
    changes to improve managed health care program policy.
    a. Operational Analysis Staff (FAC-1)
         Identifies and analyzes issues, problems, and trends 
    related to the Office of Managed Care (OMC) operations.
         Develops OMC operational policy manuals, standard 
    operating procedures, and other instructions and issuances. Assists the 
    Office of Managed Care Policy & Planning (OMCPP) in the development of 
    policy and regulatory proposals.
         Performs special studies and projects for OMC in the areas 
    of payment, operations, and finance.
         Responds to operational policy questions generated by OMC 
    staff, regional offices, contractors, and other HCFA or departmental 
    components.
         Establishes and maintains liaison with trade associations, 
    State regulatory agencies, OMCPP, and departmental components, such as 
    the Office of the General Counsel.
    b. Office of Managed Care Policy and Planning (FAC1)
         Develops national policies and objectives for the 
    development, qualification, and ongoing compliance of Health 
    Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Comprehensive Medical Plans 
    (CMPs). Plans, coordinates, and directs the development and preparation 
    of related legislative proposals, regulatory proposals, and policy 
    documents.
         Acts as the focal point for all managed health care 
    research, demonstration, and evaluation study activity within and 
    external to the Department.
         Develops and implements programs to encourage greater 
    access of Federal Medicare beneficiaries to HMOs and other prepaid 
    health plans.
         Monitors and analyzes Federal activities and policies 
    regarding Federal beneficiaries in Medicare, CHAMPUS, and the Federal 
    Employees Health Benefits' programs. Coordinates the development and 
    implementation of health education and health promotion programs in 
    managed health care plans.
         Coordinates the Department's efforts to move toward a 
    pluralistic health care delivery system.
         Conducts special studies of managed health care plans 
    operations and operating data and identifies trends and develops 
    performance measures which can be used by the Office of Managed Care 
    Operations and by the industry to assess the development and operation 
    of managed health care plans.
         Develops and issues technical guidance documents for use 
    by the industry in the development of managed health care plans and the 
    improvement of operations in existing managed health care plans.
         Develops and maintains close relationships with national 
    organizations representing the managed health care plans industry to 
    enhance technical assistance capability and to establish appropriate 
    performance measures.
         Plans, coordinates, and directs the development and 
    preparation of managed care legislative proposals, regulatory 
    proposals, and policy documents and performs strategic policy and 
    planning functions and other special tasks as required by the 
    Administrator.
         Provides liaison staff for activities with other Federal 
    programs and agencies, health care professional associations, and trade 
    associations.
    (1) Division of Managed Care Policy and Evaluation (FAC11)
         Develops and coordinates legislative proposals, regulatory 
    specifications, and other policy documents to establish managed health 
    care national policies and to address the Agency objectives for the 
    development, qualification, contracting, and ongoing compliance of 
    health maintenance organizations (HMOs), comprehensive medical plans 
    (CMPs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and other managed 
    systems of health care.
         Analyzes the manner in which the Agency objectives and 
    policies are tied into pending or existing managed health care 
    legislation and regulations. Evaluates national trends and their 
    possible effect on Agency-wide activities.
         Reviews and analyzes policies regarding Federal 
    beneficiaries in Medicare, CHAMPUS, and the Federal Employees Health 
    Benefits' programs for coordination with managed health care programs.
         Reviews and analyzes coordinated internal and external 
    health care research, demonstration, and evaluation study activities.
         Develops presentation material for use with congressional 
    committees and with the Office of Management and Budget related to the 
    program and appropriation legislation affecting the managed health care 
    objectives of the Administration.
    (2) Division of Planning and Promotion for Managed Care (FAC12)
         Develops and implements activities to promote managed 
    health care programs to Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), 
    Comprehensive Medical Plans (CMPs), preferred provider organizations 
    (PPOs), employers, insurance companies, managed health care 
    associations/organizations, and other professional medical and private 
    groups, including Federal beneficiary and consumer groups.
         Develops and coordinates managed health care education and 
    promotional programs within the Agency/Department to encourage greater 
    access of Federal Medicare beneficiaries to HMOs, CMPs, PPOs, and other 
    managed health care organizations. Supports the Agency/Department's 
    efforts to move toward a pluralistic health care delivery system.
         Develops and supports the maintenance of close working 
    relationships with national organizations representing the managed 
    health care industry to enhance technical assistance options and to 
    promote appropriate managed health care performance measurement 
    standards.
         Develops, coordinates, and supports strategic planning 
    activities for the managed health care program in the Agency and any 
    other specific managed health care planning initiatives.
         Establishes and maintains a system to monitor the planning 
    schedule to assure appropriate coordination and completion of managed 
    health care activities within the Agency.
         Supports the liaison activities for the Agency for managed 
    health care programs with other Federal/State programs and agencies, 
    health care professional organizations/associations, trade 
    associations, and consumer groups.
    c. Medicaid Managed Care Office (FAC2)
         Serves as the operational focal point for all Medicaid 
    managed care activities.
         Formulates, evaluates, and prepares policies, 
    specifications for regulations, instructions, preprints, and procedures 
    related to Medicaid managed health care, including waivers.
         Makes recommendations for legislative changes to improve 
    managed health care program policy.
         Provides oversight of, and assistance to, State Medicaid 
    agencies on all managed health care issues, including Medicaid managed 
    health care contracting activities. Provides technical assistance to 
    State regulators.
         Serves as the focal point and repository for State laws 
    and regulations dealing with Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), 
    group medical practice, insurance, licensing, foundations, service 
    corporations, certificate of need, and reserve requirement statutes.
         Develops guidelines, policies, and procedures for use by 
    the regional offices when reviewing and approving/disapproving State 
    Medicaid agency contracts with managed health care plans.
         Formulates and evaluates policies and procedures related 
    to HMOs and other managed health care contracts and freedom of choice 
    waiver programs including the preparation of recommendations for 
    waivers of freedom of choice and other State plan exception 
    requirements; monitoring of approved HMOs and other managed health care 
    contracts and freedom of choice waivers and recommendations for the 
    removal of waivers; State plan/waiver processing policy; and other 
    related issues.
         Evaluates and assures the cost-effectiveness of approved 
    Medicaid freedom of choice waivers through review of State program and 
    cost reports, independent assessments, and regional compliance/
    validation reviews.
    d. Office of Managed Care Operations (FAC3)
         Provides national direction and executive leadership for 
    managed health care operations, including health maintenance 
    organizations (HMOs), comprehensive medical plans (CMPs), and other 
    capitated health organizations.
         Develops national operations objectives for the 
    qualification and ongoing compliance of managed health care plans.
         Develops long- and short-range program operational goals 
    and objectives.
         Serves as the departmental focal point in the areas of 
    managed health care plan qualification, ongoing regulation, employer 
    compliance efforts, and Medicare HMO and CMP risk contracting.
         Administers Medicare managed care contracts, the 
    capitation formula, and payment policies.
         Oversees the operation of the managed health care 
    information system.
         Determines the amounts of payments to be made to managed 
    health care plans and the amounts, methods, and frequency of 
    retroactive adjustments.
         Incorporates a prospective payment system for managed 
    health care through the implementation of the Tax Equity and Fiscal 
    Responsibility Act risk contracts.
         Evaluates cost reporting methodologies and conducts a 
    continuing audit program to determine the final program liability for 
    cost contracts.
         Administers beneficiary enrollment and disenrollment 
    including coordination with beneficiary groups and other HCFA and HHS 
    components.
    (1) Division of Payment and Operations Support (FAC31)
         Manages the national Medicare beneficiary enrollment and 
    disenrollment operations.
         Ensures timely and accurate payment to managed health care 
    plans.
         Plans, develops, operates, and evaluates the operational 
    and management information systems supporting the Medicare managed 
    health care program.
         Conducts special analyses of specific managed health care 
    plans and management information systems to identify problems and 
    determine the need for new or enhanced systems design.
         Establishes national operational policy, procedures, and 
    instructions for system specifications and data exchange methods which 
    define and automate the managed health care plans' enrollment, 
    disenrollment, and other systems operations.
         Serves as liaison with the Bureau of Data Management and 
    Strategy and other HCFA Central Office and regional office components 
    in their implementation and evaluation of the management information 
    systems.
    (2) Division of Operations (FAC32)
         Directs the qualification applications process for Health 
    Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) under the requirements of section 1301 
    of the Public Health Service Act (PHS Act).
         Coordinates with and provides technical assistance to the 
    regional offices on the monitoring of Medicare HMOs and Comprehensive 
    Medical Plans.
         Manages and monitors the processing of Medicare managed 
    health care contract reconsiderations.
         Investigates and evaluates applicants' conformance with 
    legal and financial requirements for qualification for Medicare 
    contracts under section 1301 of the PHS Act, section 1833 and section 
    1876 of the Social Security Act, and related regulations.
         Coordinates Program Advisory Council activities, including 
    obtaining regional office reports and recommendations, incorporating 
    information from Central Office reviewers, and issuing approval of 
    initial applications and renewals. Coordinates and makes 
    recommendations on nonrenewals, terminations, and revocations based on 
    information and analysis provided by regional offices.
         Implements new legislation and regulations regarding 
    managed health care operations.
         Assures compliance with section 1310 of the PHS Act by 
    employers with the mandatory offering of a managed health care plan 
    alternative in employer health benefit plans.
         In consultation with the regional offices, establishes 
    performance standards and evaluates the plans' performance.
         Provides training for and guidance of regional offices in 
    activities related to managed health care. Also provides training and 
    workshops for HMOs.
         Establishes and maintains liaison with appropriate State 
    and Federal regulatory agencies for coordination of qualification, 
    contract, and monitoring issues.
    (3) Division of Finance (FAC33)
         Establishes interim payment rates, retroactively adjusts 
    payments, and performs end-of-year settlements for all cost-based 
    contracting plans.
         Reviews initial Adjusted Community Rate proposals.
         Trains and guides the audit contractor who performs the 
    desk review of the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and 
    Comprehensive Medical Plan (CMP) cost reports.
         Provides operational input for legislative and regulatory 
    proposals and standard operating procedures related to cost methodology 
    and fiscal responsibility.
         Establishes national financial standards for federally 
    qualified HMOs and CMPs and assures that these entities comply with 
    these requirements.
         Establishes national standards for the protection of 
    enrolles in the event of HMO or CMP insolvency. Assures that HMOs and 
    CMPs comply with these standards.
         Develops procedures to improve or revise the payment 
    methodologies and processes of Medicare contractors and financial 
    reviews of HMOs and CMPs.
         Manages the plan qualification fiscal soundness and 
    insolvency protection reviews process.
    
    B. Associate Administrator for Customer Relations and Communications 
    (FF)
    
         The Associate Administrator for Customer Relations and 
    Communications is responsible for the effective direction and 
    implementation of HCFA policies, rules, and procedures in the areas of: 
    customer relations and program communication.
         Advises HCFA components concerning the services, 
    requirements, and initiatives relating to HCFA beneficiaries; liaison 
    with external medical, dental, and allied health practitioners, 
    institutional providers of health services, and academic institutions 
    responsible for the education of health care professionals; and 
    directing the public affairs activities of HCFA.
    
    1. Office of Beneficiary Services (FFA)
    
         Provides advisory services to the Associate Administrator 
    for Customer Relations and Communications and HCFA components 
    concerning the services for, needs of, and initiatives relating to HCFA 
    beneficiaries.
         Promotes an awareness of the concerns of children, the 
    elderly, and needy among the HCFA components responsible for developing 
    program policies, regulations, and legislative proposals. Analyzes the 
    impact of proposed HCFA policies, regulations, and instructions on 
    beneficiaries. Maintains close working relationships with HCFA central 
    and regional components, the Social Security Administration District 
    Offices, the Public Health Service, other Federal agencies, State 
    agencies, and beneficiary consumer groups to identify and assess the 
    need for information, benefits and services; the impact of proposed 
    HCFA actions; and the effects that operating systems and programs have 
    on the health care system programs and current and future 
    beneficiaries.
         Presents the overall HCFA mission and promotes its 
    acceptance by beneficiaries and representatives of their constituent 
    organizations.
         Participates with other HCFA components in the development 
    and implementation of program objectives and strategies pertaining to 
    beneficiary services.
         Through direct contact with children, the elderly, the 
    needy and/or their representative groups determines their understanding 
    of HCFA's programs and services and conveys this information to HCFA 
    components.
         Responds to beneficiary referrals concerning accessing and 
    utilizing the Agency's health care financing programs.
         Plans, directs, and coordinates the production of radio, 
    television, and film products, and the preparation of general-purpose 
    publications.
         Reviews and clears all print, audiovisual, and exhibit 
    plans and material intended for external dissemination and serves as 
    clearance liaison with the Office of the Secretary, Office of the 
    Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs.
    
    2. Office of Public Affairs (FFB)
    
         Plans, directs and coordinates the public affairs 
    activities of HCFA including: speech writing, public appearances, 
    Administrator's meetings, special AACRC projects as well as conducting 
    evaluations and analysis.
         Provides advice and counsel from a public affairs 
    perspective to the AACRC and all HCFA components.
         Administers the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act 
    responsibilities for HCFA.
    a. Freedom of Information Division (FFB1)
         Conducts activities necessary to the receipt, management, 
    response, and reporting requirements of the Department under the 
    Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regarding all correspondence received 
    by HCFA.
         Maintains an orderly log of all FOIA requests received by 
    the Agency, refers requests to the proper components within 
    headquarters, the regions, or among carriers and intermediaries for the 
    collection of the documents requested, prepares replies to requesters 
    including denials of information as permitted under FOIA, and drafts 
    briefing materials and responses in connection with appeals of denial 
    decisions.
         Consults with the Office of the General Counsel and the 
    Department of Health and Human Services' Freedom of Information Officer 
    regarding denials, releases, and appeals.
         Provides guidance for FOIA coordinators in HCFA central 
    and regional office components and maintains up-to-date knowledge of 
    Federal Court decisions interpreting FOIA.
         Prepares guidelines and Medicare and Medicaid manual 
    changes regarding FOIA program, keeps track of any charges levied for 
    FOIA research activities, and assures prompt payment.
    b. Division of Public Appearances (FFB2)
         Responsible for the efficient handling of speaking 
    requests received by top HCFA management.
         Logs requests, recommends acceptance or denial of 
    invitations and coordinates correspondence for all invitations.
         Arranges the scheduling of speaking appearances, compiles 
    briefing information, ensures that talking points or speeches are 
    prepared as necessary, and conducts follow-up activities such as 
    arranging for transcripts, courtesy correspondence, reprint 
    permissions, photographs, and biographies.
         Recommends speaking opportunities and forums consistent 
    with Agency goals and objectives and overall public affairs plans.
         Advises the Division of Media Relations on potential news 
    opportunities stemming from public appearances and speaking 
    engagements.
    
    3. Office of Public Liaison (FFC)
    
         Directs and implements HCFA policies, rules, and 
    procedures in the areas of liaison with external medical, dental, and 
    allied health practitioners, institutional providers of health 
    services, and business and academic institutions responsible for the 
    education of health care professionals.
         Plans, directs and coordinates media relations.
    a. Division of Professional and Business Affairs (FFC1)
         Maintains liaison with external medical, dental, and 
    allied health practitioners, institutional providers of health 
    services, representatives of the business and insurance community, and 
    academic institutions responsible for the education of health care 
    professionals.
         Provides professional knowledge and makes recommendations 
    to the Director, Office of Public Liaison (OPL) and manages the 
    development of policies, regulations, procedures, and legislative 
    proposals which affect the health care field.
         Serves as the focal point in HCFA for external health care 
    groups to gain an understanding of HCFA objectives.
         Evaluates and transmits suggestions and criticisms from 
    the health care field to the Director.
         OPL promotes an exchange of viewpoints between the health 
    care field and HCFA components.
    b. Division of Media Relations (FFC2)
         Maintains relations with the nation's news media including 
    nationwide press, radio, television, wire services, and individual 
    reporters, writers, editors, and individual publications and 
    broadcasters.
         Provides writing and editing services necessary in 
    conducting the public affairs activities of the Agency.
         Develops and carries out a general plan for providing 
    information to the public through the news media and for promoting and 
    disseminating information on specific HCFA-related topics, issues, and 
    activities.
         Responds to inquiries from the news media through 
    correspondence, telephone, and direct interviews and arranges for 
    interviews and similar response from senior Agency staff.
         Prepares drafts and obtains clearances for press releases 
    and statements for the news media.
         Drafts publications, fact sheets, reports, leaflets, 
    pamphlets, white papers, scripts, articles, and other background 
    materials for distribution to the general public on HCFA programs and 
    related topics.
         Prepares and edits articles for submission to external 
    periodicals and publications on HCFA programs and prepares materials as 
    needed for internal employee communications such as the HCFA 
    Newsletter.
    
    C. Associate Administrator for Policy (FK)
    
         The Associate Administrator for Policy is responsible for 
    the effective direction and implementation of the development and 
    review of policies and regulations pertaining to all HCFA programs 
    including HCFA's research and demonstrations activities.
         Conducts research and develops legislative proposals 
    designed to reform and make improvements in the health care delivery 
    system and develops the technical specifications for such legislation.
         Performs actuarial, economic and demographic studies to 
    predict HCFA program expenditures under current law and under proposed 
    modifications to current law.
    
    1. Special Analysis Staff (FK-1)
    
         Conducts legislative, economic and policy analyses related 
    to the private health insurance industry and the overall structure of 
    health care financing and reform.
         Analyzes and reviews current literature regarding the 
    state of the nation's health policy in order to develop national trend 
    analyses for future HCFA program directions.
         Plans and develops future HCFA program policy in order to 
    assist in the development of legislative strategies that will enhance 
    the Department's legislative program.
         Coordinates policy development and research relating to 
    legislative proposals designed to reform and make improvements in the 
    health care delivery system including the technical specifications for 
    such legislation.
    
    2. Bureau of Policy Development (FKA)
    
         Establishes national program policy on all issues of 
    Medicare payment including provider payment policy, provider accounting 
    and audit policy, and physician and medical services payment policy.
         Develops, evaluates, and reviews national policies and 
    standards concerning the coverage and utilization effectiveness of 
    items and services under the Medicare program provided by hospitals, 
    long-term care facilities, hospices, End Stage Renal Disease 
    facilities, home health agencies, alternative health care 
    organizations, comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities, 
    physicians, health practitioners, clinics, laboratories, and other 
    health care providers and suppliers.
         Serves as the principal organization within HCFA for 
    evaluating the medical aspects of Medicare coverage issues and for 
    developing provider conditions of participation.
         Develops, evaluates, and reviews national Medicare 
    coverage issues concerning reasonableness and necessity for medical and 
    related services.
         Develops, interprets, and evaluates program policies 
    pertaining to Medicare eligibility, Medicare secondary payer policies 
    and other technical issues.
         Develops regulations for the Medicare and Medicaid 
    programs.
         Manages the HCFA system for developing regulations, 
    setting regulation priorities, and corresponding work agenda.
         In cooperation with the Office of the General Counsel, 
    coordinates litigation affecting the Medicare program.
    a. Regulations Staff (FKA-1)
         Drafts all HCFA regulations and related clearance 
    documents and HCFA rulings.
         Establishes and assures compliance with editorial 
    standards for clarity and uniformity of HCFA regulations and with the 
    requirements of the Office of the Federal Register.
         Recommends schedules for the development of regulations, 
    tracks progress against these schedules, and develops routine and 
    special reports on HCFA's regulatory activities.
         Negotiates resolution of policy issues with originating 
    component to meet regulations schedules. Obtains clearances of draft 
    regulations from initiating bureaus.
         Coordinates the Bureau of Policy Development's (BPD) 
    review of regulations received for concurrence from other HCFA 
    components and prepares BPD's response.
         Reviews draft regulations and completes needed studies to 
    assure compliance with the requirements for regulatory impact analysis 
    of Executive Order 12612, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and small 
    rural hospital impact.
         Maintains specialized word processing systems to assure 
    efficient preparation of regulations documents.
         Maintains official agency regulations files. Maintains 
    current compilation of 42 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 400-End.
    b. Office Of Regulations Management (FKA-2)
         Manages the HCFA process for developing regulations, 
    setting regulation priorities, and corresponding work agendas.
         Coordinates for the Administrator the development of all 
    policy documents associated with specific regulations under 
    development.
         Negotiates work plans with major HCFA operating components 
    for the development of each regulation and monitors performance through 
    a computerized tracking system.
         Works jointly with HCFA and the Office of the General 
    Counsel to identify and resolve all issues associated with each 
    regulation.
         Manages the HCFA process for substantive review and 
    clearance of regulations within HCFA, and with the Office of the 
    General Counsel.
         Establishes editorial and technical standards for writing 
    regulations.
         Reviews each regulation to ensure consistency with Federal 
    Register technical requirements, editorial standards, and policy 
    agreements reached during the development of the regulation.
         Serves as liaison on regulation issues to the Office of 
    the Secretary, the Office of the General Counsel, other Department and 
    Federal agencies, and the Federal Register. Provides training to HCFA 
    regulation writers and clerical staff.
    c. Office of Program Support (FKA-3)
         Directs the planning, development, and coordination of a 
    comprehensive program of management activities including: financial 
    management, management analysis and information, field liaison, Freedom 
    of Information operations, and an executive secretariat for the Bureau.
         Prepares responses to all Medicare public inquiries 
    addressed to or referred to the Bureau.
         Serves as principal advisor to the Director, as well as 
    the Bureau's executive staff, on the full range of management and 
    related administrative issues.
         Responsible for handling highly sensitive and complex 
    assignments requiring the Director's and Deputy Director's personal 
    attention often involving inter-Bureau and office coordination and 
    direction.
    (1) Executive Secretariat (FKA-31)
         Assigns, controls, tracks, and coordinates all work 
    assigned to, or generated within the bureau, except regulations.
         Prepares regular reports on bureau and component 
    performance on significant bureau activities and accomplishments and 
    long-range calendar events.
         Reviews all action documents submitted to the Office of 
    Program Support to assure accuracy and completeness of staff work and 
    general readiness for the action requested.
         Coordinates bureau responses to: (1) Requests for 
    background and briefing materials, (2) requests for comments on 
    experimentation and demonstration proposals, and (3) Audit and Service 
    Delivery Assessment reports.
         Prepares or coordinates the preparation of responses to 
    Secretary and Administrator correspondence.
         Handles bureau Freedom of Information requests, 
    determining what information may and may not be released to the public, 
    and ensuring that bureau replies are fully responsive.
         Coordinates the development, implementation, and 
    maintenance of the bureau's work planning system.
         Manages bureau-wide internal control systems.
    (2) Inquiries Staff (FKA-32)
         Plans, directs, and coordinates an inquiries program for 
    the bureau.
         Receives controls, analyzes, and prepares responses to 
    inquiries from beneficiaries and their representatives, the White 
    House, members of Congress, State and local agencies, officials of 
    professional organizations, and the mass media.
         Analyzes trends in public thinking and reports possible 
    policy implications to management.
         Provides technical assistance upon request to components 
    and field offices.
    (3) Program Liaison Staff (FKA-33)
         Evaluates the impact of policy development and issuance 
    processes on regional operations, and determines whether policies and 
    instructions are being adequately and consistently carried out by the 
    regional offices.
         Responds promptly to requests from the regional offices 
    for specific policy guidance and provides general policy 
    interpretations.
         Develops, coordinates, and directs a management program 
    for the management analysis functions, internal financial management, 
    manpower selection and placement, training and employee development, 
    position control and manpower utilization.
         Develops and issues Bureau-wide problem area reporting, 
    coordination of Bureau operational planning activities, and a variety 
    of administrative support services, including property and space 
    management.
         Designs and evaluates Bureau management information 
    systems, conducts management information and project management 
    monitoring studies, and administers the Bureau's reports management 
    program.
         Responsible for the Bureau's Automatic Data Processing, 
    Telecommunications and Word Processing systems including identifying 
    needs, procurement, evaluation, and maintaining liaison with the Bureau 
    of Data Management and Strategy, Office of Computer Operations.
    d. Office of Payment Policy (FKA1)
         Establishes national Medicare policy on all payment issues 
    including provider and other facility payment, reporting and accounting 
    policy, and physician and medical services payment policy, and assists 
    in the development and evaluation of related legislation.
         Develops, evaluates, and maintains regulations, policies, 
    and standards for payments to hospitals for inpatient services under 
    the prospective payment system.
         Coordinates with and reviews recommendations from the 
    Prospective Payment Assessment Commission and the Physician Payment 
    Review Commission.
         Develops policies for physician fee schedules and 
    reasonable charges for physician and medical services payment.
         Develops and maintains fee schedules for independent 
    laboratory and ambulatory surgical centers.
         Develops payment policy for special forms of health care 
    delivery such as hospital outpatient departments, health maintenance 
    organizations, rural health clinics, hospices, health care prepayment 
    plans, and comprehensive health centers.
         Establishes payment policies as they apply to the End-
    Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Program.
         Establishes policy for implementing payment controls and 
    cost containment programs.
         Reviews requests for exceptions to payment limitations and 
    recommends approval or disapproval.
    (1) Division of Medical Services Payment (FKA11)
         Formulates and evaluates national policies and standards 
    for Medicare payment and fiscal standards for physician services, 
    practitioner services, pharmaceuticals, supplies and equipment such as 
    hearing aids, eyeglasses, durable medical equipment, and other medical 
    services.
         Develops policies for reasonable charges for physician and 
    medical services payment.
         Drafts program regulations, manuals, guidelines, and other 
    general instructions related to medical services payment.
         Coordinates with other HCFA bureaus, divisions, and 
    offices, the Social Security Administration, and other Departmental 
    components in the development of payment policies for medical services.
         Coordinates with and reviews recommendations from the 
    Physician Payment Review Commission.
         Participates in the development and evaluation of proposed 
    legislation in the area of medical services payment and recommends 
    alternatives to current methods of payment.
         Provides interpretations of established policies and 
    technical assistance to Departmental and HCFA components, regional 
    offices, fiscal intermediaries, and carriers.
    (2) Division of Hospital Payment Policy (FKA12)
         Develops, evaluates, and maintains regulations, policies 
    and standards for payments to hospitals for inpatient services under 
    the prospective payment system (PPS).
         Develops, evaluates, and maintains policies pertaining to 
    the determination of appropriate amounts of prospective payments to 
    hospitals for services furnished to inpatients.
         Works with the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission 
    of PPS and reviews the Commission's recommendations on and basis for 
    rates of payments.
         Develops, evaluates, and maintains policies pertaining to 
    the appropriate methods for determining the amount of payments for cost 
    items associated with inpatient hospital services but not yet within 
    the prospective payment rates and develops policies for bringing such 
    excepted cost items under PPS.
         Develops, evaluates, and maintains policies for 
    determining and applying rates of increase and limitations to the costs 
    of hospitals for services furnished to inpatients.
         Develops, evaluates, and maintains methods for classifying 
    hospitals and hospital services to inpatients, including sole community 
    hospitals, for the purpose of applying rates of increase and 
    limitations on hospitals' costs and for determining prospective 
    payments to hospitals.
         Develops, evaluates, and maintains criteria for exceptions 
    to the established rates of increase and limitations on hospitals' cost 
    for inpatient services and reviews fiscal intermediaries' 
    recommendations on requests for exceptions.
         Prepares regulations, program guidelines, and instructions 
    related to PPS and those excepted items or adjustments to the system 
    that are paid on a cost-payment basis to hospitals for inpatient 
    services.
         Works with other offices in the bureau, HCFA, the 
    Department, and the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission to 
    improve hospital efficiency and reduce Medicare expenditures.
         Review policies and operational guidelines and 
    instructions developed by other components for their impact on the 
    policies governing PPS and limitations on payment for hospital services 
    to inpatients.
         Participates in the development and evaluation of proposed 
    legislation pertaining to PPS and cost containment for hospital 
    services to inpatients.
         Provides interpretations of established policies and other 
    policy and technical assistance to regional offices, State agencies, 
    Medicare contractors, hospitals, hospital associations, congressional 
    staff, departmental offices, and others on policy issues relating to 
    PPS and cost containment policies for hospital inpatient services.
         Assists in the Administration's professional relations and 
    public information activities to foster understanding and acceptance of 
    the PPS.
    (3) Division of Payment and Reporting Policy (FKA13)
         Develops and evaluates national policies, regulations, and 
    standards for payment of the costs incurred by providers of services 
    and other classes of facilities under the health insurance program.
         Initiates and collaborates in the development and review 
    of legislative proposals on general Medicare payment policies, 
    interprets law (considering intent), and develops policy directives and 
    basic payment policy decision statements which derive from such 
    applicable law and which are reflective of the minimum requirements of 
    such law (i.e., the broad parameters).
         Develops and issues implementing instructions consistent 
    with overall Medicare payment policy, directives, and specifications.
         Reviews alternative payment and rate-setting systems for 
    potential adaptation to the health insurance program.
         Establishes policies, principles, and guidelines related 
    to circumstances requiring atypical payment practices.
         Plans, develops, and maintains a continuing program of 
    surveillance and evaluation of HCFA general payment policies, and 
    billing procedures at Central Office, regional offices, intermediary, 
    and carrier levels which impact on Office functions in order to 
    identify emerging problems and to develop and promulgate corrective 
    policies and procedures.
         Formulates and evaluates national policies for all 
    Medicare program provider financial filing and reporting requirements.
         Develops policies pertaining to the use of all cost 
    reporting forms, schedules, and related instructions necessary for 
    paying health care institutions.
         Develops policies pertaining to the validity of accounting 
    policies and procedures.
         Develops and maintains a system of internal controls for 
    the validation of policy decisions.
         Formulates the basic principles and policies for 
    developing and applying limitations to the costs of health care.
         Develops and evaluates the criteria for exceptions to the 
    limitations and reviews and makes decisions on the intermediary 
    recommendations on providers' requests for exceptions.
    (4) Division of Special Payment Programs (FKA14)
         Formulates and evaluates payment policies for services 
    under the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) program, ambulatory surgical 
    centers and other special delivery systems, including capitation 
    organizations, non-provider based comprehensive health centers, 
    hospices and rural health clinics.
         Prepares regulations, manuals, program guidelines, and 
    other general instructions in these policy areas.
         Establishes payment policies and procedures for ESRD 
    services, transplantation, physician payment, kidney acquisition 
    including payments, organ procurement, histocompatibility services, 
    home and self-dialysis training, and other medical items and services 
    related to the ESRD program.
         Establishes policies, procedures, and criteria for payment 
    exceptions for ESRD facilities.
         Processes such requests and determines which ESRD 
    facilities should be granted exceptions to national payment rates.
         Analyzes payment data, develops payment rates for ESRD 
    services and other special payment delivery systems, and updates rates.
         Maintains continuing liaison with ESRD provider groups, 
    industry associations, patient organizations, medical associations, and 
    other parties that relate to special delivery systems.
         Participates in the development and evaluation of proposed 
    legislation pertaining to the ESRD program and organ transplant issues.
         Formulates and evaluates national policies for the payment 
    of special methods of health service delivery.
         Develops policies pertaining to determining the payment 
    basis, including reasonable costs and charges, where appropriate, for 
    the services of these facilities.
         Formulates the basic principles and policies for 
    developing and applying limitations to the costs of health care.
    e. Office of Coverage and Eligibility Policy (FKA2)
         Develops, evaluates, and reviews national policies and 
    standards concerning the coverage and utilization effectiveness of 
    items and services under the Medicare program provided by hospitals, 
    skilled nursing facilities, hospices, End-Stage Renal Disease 
    facilities, home health agencies, alternative health care 
    organizations, comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities, 
    physicians, health practitioners, clinics, laboratories, and other 
    health care providers and suppliers.
         Serves as the principal organization within HCFA for 
    evaluating the medical aspects of Medicare coverage issues and for 
    health quality and safety standards.
         Develops, evaluates, and reviews national Medicare 
    coverage issues concerning the reasonableness and necessity for medical 
    and related services.
         Develops, evaluates, and reviews health and safety 
    standards for providers and suppliers of health services under 
    Medicare.
         Develops common medical coding standards and policy.
         Participates in the formulation and use of medical codes 
    including: International Classification of Diseases--Ninth Revision--
    Clinical Modification, HCFA Common Procedure Coding System, and 
    Diagnosis Related Groups.
         Develops, evaluates, and reviews national Medicare 
    policies concerning the coverage of new and unusual items and services 
    and those medical items and services which are excluded from coverage.
         Develops, interprets, and evaluates policies relating to 
    the conditions under which aged and disabled individuals and End-Stage 
    Renal Disease patients are eligible to have their health care covered 
    under the Medicare program and the rights available to these 
    beneficiaries.
         Develops, evaluates, and reviews regulations, guidelines, 
    and instructions required for the dissemination of Medicare coverage 
    and eligibility policies to program contractors and the health care 
    field.
         Identifies, studies, and makes recommendations for 
    modifying Medicare coverage and eligibility policies and health and 
    safety standards to reflect changes in beneficiary health care needs, 
    program objectives, and the health care delivery system.
         Conducts ongoing analyses of innovative treatment 
    patterns, referral patterns, and activity that improve health care 
    outcomes.
         Analyses and recommends legislative or other remedies to 
    improve coverage, eligibility, health and safety standards, and 
    utilization effectiveness.
    (1) Division of Provider Services Coverage Policy (FKA21)
         Develops, evaluates, and reviews national Medicare 
    policies and standards concerning the coverage of services and the 
    conditions of participation for hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, 
    home health agencies, hospices, and other providers of services.
         Develops, evaluates, and reviews national Medicare 
    policies concerning the coverage of mental health, alcoholism and drug 
    treatment, utilization review, and physician certification, and prior 
    authorization requirements.
         Coordinates Medicare coverage policies and Peer Review 
    Organization requirements.
         Develops, evaluates, and reviews regulations, guidelines, 
    and instructions required for the dissemination of program policies to 
    program contractors and the health care field.
         Identifies, studies, and makes recommendations for 
    modifying Medicare coverage policies and providers' health and safety 
    standards to reflect changes in beneficiary health care needs, program 
    objectives, and the health care delivery system.
         Analyzes and recommends legislative or other remedies to 
    improve coverage, health and safety, and utilization effectiveness.
    (2) Division of Medical Services Coverage Policy (FKA22)
         Develops, evaluates, and reviews national Medicare 
    policies and health and safety standards concerning the coverage of 
    items and services which are provided by physicians, nonphysician 
    practitioners, ambulatory surgical centers, health maintenance 
    organizations, comprehensive medical plans, rural health clinics, 
    comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities, outpatient physical 
    therapy/occupational therapy/speech pathology providers and other 
    alternative health care organizations.
         Develops, evaluates, and reviews national Medicare 
    policies and health and safety standards concerning the coverage of 
    medical and other health services including supplies, drugs, 
    rehabilitative services, eyeglasses, laboratory services, x-ray 
    services, ambulance services, second opinions, new and unusual items 
    and services, dialysis and transplant services for Medicare 
    beneficiaries with End-Stage Renal Disease, and those medical items and 
    services which are excluded from coverage.
         Develops, evaluates, and reviews national Medicare 
    policies concerning reasonableness and necessity for services.
         Develops, evaluates, and reviews regulations, guidelines, 
    and instructions required for the dissemination of program policies to 
    program contractors and the health care field.
         Identifies, studies, and makes recommendations for 
    modifying Medicare coverage policies to reflect changes in beneficiary 
    health care needs, program objectives, and the health care delivery 
    system.
         Recommends legislative or other remedies to improve 
    coverage, health and safety, and utilization effectiveness.
         Coordinates with other components responsible for the 
    Medicaid program, health and safety standards, program operations, 
    quality control, and other parties and individuals, as appropriate.
    (3) Division of Medicare Eligibility Policy (FKA23)
         Develops, interprets, and evaluates policies relating to 
    the conditions under which aged and disabled individuals and End-Stage 
    Renal Disease patients are eligible to have their health care covered 
    under the Medicare program and the rights available to these 
    beneficiaries.
         Prepares policy materials for issuance in program manuals 
    and instructional materials, and for the development of regulations.
         Reviews eligibility aspects of special research and 
    demonstration projects as needed.
         Participates in assessing the needs for legislation and 
    makes recommendations accordingly.
         Develops and interprets policy related to entitlement 
    aspects of part A and part B buy-in.
    3. Office of Research and Demonstrations (FKB)
         Provides leadership and executive direction within HCFA 
    for a wide range of health care financing research and demonstration 
    activities.
         Develops, tests and evaluates new payment methods, 
    coverage policies and delivery mechanisms in Medicare, Medicaid and 
    other health care programs.
         Has primary responsibility for managing HCFA's Medicare 
    and Medicaid demonstration waiver authorities including the Federal 
    review, approval, and oversight of State health reform waivers.
         Develops new and innovative ways to reform the quality, 
    efficiency, and cost effectiveness of Federal, State and private health 
    care financing programs.
         Works closely with the Associate Administrator for Policy, 
    other Bureau/Office Directors, and high level staff outside HCFA to 
    insure that the Agency's objectives and long range planning in these 
    areas are accomplished.
         Participates with departmental components in a wide range 
    of experimental health care delivery projects.
         Performs claims adjudication, payment, and data collection 
    for demonstration projects.
         Undertakes research to facilitate informed program and 
    policy decisions designed to make improvements in the health care 
    delivery system.
    a. Office of Demonstrations and Evaluations (FKB1)
         Plans and directs the development, implementation, 
    monitoring and evaluation of demonstration projects designed to test 
    the costs and effectiveness of alternative payment methods, delivery 
    systems, benefit packages, or provider status in the Medicare and 
    Medicaid programs.
         Develops and reviews innovative approaches to the delivery 
    of HCFA health care programs; coordinates with State and local 
    governments, providers, beneficiaries, researchers and program staff in 
    the implementation of projects; and assesses and synthesizes the 
    results of projects to determine their impact on the programs and 
    participants.
         Recommends modifications to existing program policy and 
    legislation.
         Provides technical advice and consultation to other 
    Federal and external organizations on potential experimental projects 
    and publishes results and analyses of experimental findings.
    (1) Division of Long-Term Care Experimentation (FKB11)
         Directs and manages the development, implementation, 
    monitoring, and evaluation of demonstrations and experiments which test 
    innovative long-term care financing arrangements, delivery systems, and 
    combinations of services provided to Medicare beneficiaries and 
    Medicaid recipients.
         Conducts demonstrations involving health maintenance 
    organizations, prospective payment of home health agencies, competitive 
    bidding for home health agencies, and capitation experiments.
         Conducts and evaluates demonstrations which test 
    alternative delivery systems and whether the coordination and 
    management of an appropriate mix of health and social services directed 
    at individual client needs will reduce institutionalization and costs 
    without sacrificing quality of care.
         Provides technical support and advice to HCFA and 
    departmental components in regard to long-term care issues.
         Makes available research findings to assist in policy 
    formulation and program initiatives, and publishes analyses of findings 
    resulting from demonstration projects.
    (2) Division of Hospital Experimentation (FKB12)
         Directs and manages the development, implementation, 
    monitoring, and evaluation of intramural and extramural hospital 
    financing and payment studies and experiments such as prospective and 
    incentive payment experimentation for hospitals.
         Directs and manages the study, development, testing, and 
    evaluation of hospital alternative payment systems such as refinement 
    in diagnosis-specific payment and capitated payment rates.
         Conducts studies and demonstrations on entire facilities 
    or specific areas such as out-patient departments and hospital capital 
    investment.
         Directs studies and demonstrations which focus on 
    hospital-based and hospital-related activities including physician, 
    home health, skilled nursing, independent laboratories, and other 
    services that result in greater costs effectiveness.
    (3) Division of Health Systems and Special Studies (FKB13)
         Directs and manages the development, implementation, 
    monitoring, and evaluation of intramural and extramural financing and 
    payment, organization, and operational studies related to health care 
    delivery systems.
         Directs the development, testing, and evaluation of cost-
    effective alternatives to existing institutional and ambulatory care 
    patterns.
         Directs the development and evaluation of cross-cutting 
    special studies in such areas as combining long-term care and acute 
    care financing, providing of durable medical equipment, managing end-
    stage renal disease, and minimizing fraud and abuse.
    6. Office of Research (FKB2)
         Directs the development and conduct of research and 
    evaluation studies concerning the impact of Federal financing programs 
    on the health care industry, program beneficiaries, and health care 
    providers, including physicians.
         Directs and designs analytical studies to be undertaken by 
    internal staff and outside contractors/grantees in a wide variety of 
    economic and financial aspects of health care delivery in the United 
    States, including the structure of the drug, medical supplies and 
    health insurance industries and the financing of capital investment.
         Provides technical support to HCFA and departmental 
    components in research design, sampling design, mathematical and 
    statistical analysis, and the application of economic analysis.
         Makes available research findings to assist in the 
    formulation of payment and other policy questions and publishes results 
    and analyses of these findings.
    (1) Division of Beneficiary Studies (FKB21)
         Designs and conducts intramural and extramural research 
    studies and surveys to test hypotheses relating to beneficiary 
    utilization and to determine factors underlying patterns and trends in 
    utilization of HCFA programs.
         Develops and conducts evaluations of HCFA programs to 
    enable the Administrator, the Department and Congress to determine how 
    well HCFA policies and actions affect the attainment of HCFA's goals to 
    ensure that quality medical care is delivered to its beneficiary 
    population in the most cost effective manner.
         Assesses the impact of HCFA programs on health care costs, 
    programs expenditures, HCFA beneficiaries, providers of services and 
    the total health care system.
         Designs and directs the development of special data bases 
    and tabulations to support research and policy activities.
         Provides analyses on complex beneficiary data sets for the 
    Medicaid program, health care planners and other users external to 
    HCFA.
    (2) Division of Payment and Economic Studies (FKB22)
         Conducts research to determine the influences which 
    current and alternative payment methods have on the economic, financial 
    and behavioral characteristics of providers (e.g., the effects on 
    physician productivity under alternative methods of payment).
         Conducts research directed toward the development and 
    application of new, improved methods, quantitative models and other 
    technical tools for determining the costs and benefits to providers, 
    patients, and financing programs associated with alternative payment 
    schemes.
         Participates in monitoring grants and the grants award 
    process in those areas related to hospital costs and physician payment.
         Provides technical assistance and makes findings from 
    research available to assist in policy formulation, recommendations and 
    program initiatives.
         Conducts research on factors which affect the demand for 
    and supply of services including supplies of staffpower and the 
    structure and future of the health care delivery systems.
         Undertakes research to further the understanding of the 
    organization of the health industry, including the drug industry, the 
    insurance industry and the equipment producers.
         Assesses the likely implications of trends in these 
    industries as they affect health care coverage either in benefits or 
    beneficiary population.
         Examines the role of capital in the expansion and 
    replacement of plant and equipment in the health care sector and the 
    effects of alternative sources and costs of capital in this regard.
         Provides analysis of payment alternatives for major 
    provider groups and makes recommendations for policy changes in payment 
    activities.
         Assists in the implementation of payment changes.
    (3) Division of Program Studies (FKB23)
         Directs the design and development of the Medicare and 
    Medicaid statistical systems to provide ongoing data for the research 
    and evaluation program.
         Consults with and provides technical direction to 
    professional staff and management in the development of research data 
    bases as a by-product of the administrative record system.
         Designs and develops the production of periodic 
    statistical tabulations to assess the characteristics of the 
    beneficiaries and the utilization and costs of program benefits.
         Designs and writes periodic analytical reports to 
    disseminate data and to describe patterns and trends for program 
    evaluation and policy direction.
    c. Office of Operations Support (FKB3)
         Directs the research and demonstrations project grant, 
    cooperative agreement and procurement programs.
         Directs and plans ongoing research publications and 
    information resources programs.
         Performs claims adjudication, payment, and data collection 
    for demonstration projects.
         Participates with departmental components in a wide range 
    of experimental health care delivery projects.
         Provides a setting for testing proposed policies and 
    procedures which impact on fiscal intermediary operations and provides 
    the capacity for serving specialized providers.
         Directs the Office of Research & Demonstrations' 
    correspondence, tracking, and control system and responds to ORDs' 
    Freedom of Information requests.
         Coordinates the development of, and responses to, 
    regulations related to ORD.
    (1) Division of Research and Demonstrations Systems Support (FKB31)
         Serves as fiscal intermediary for experiments and 
    demonstrations conducted under legislative authorities in the Social 
    Security Act, Public Health Service Act, and related legislation.
         Also serves as fiscal intermediary for former direct-
    dealing providers who were terminated from the Medicare program and 
    have final cost reports and bills yet to be processed.
         Performs a wide range of duties related to the 
    development, implementation, and ongoing operation of the 
    demonstrations.
         Provides technical advice and assistance prior to the 
    start of the demonstrations and throughout the period of the 
    experiment, to other bureaus and agencies in developing service 
    definitions, payments protocols, contracts, and reporting mechanisms.
         Assists in the design and establishment of information 
    systems for compiling demonstration payment and service data for 
    evaluator use.
         Develops cost reporting and billing systems.
         Acts as liaison between governmental agencies, service 
    contractors, and Medicare carriers and intermediaries participating in 
    demonstration activities.
         Provides systems support to other components of the Office 
    of Research & Demonstration (ORD). Performs other support duties as 
    requested.
         Carries out project management; by directing project teams 
    in the analysis, design, and implementation of management information 
    systems which are ORD program-oriented.
    (2) Division of Program Support (FKB32)
         Plans, organizes, and administers the extramural ORD 
    research and demonstration (grants, cooperative agreements, and 
    contracts) program assuring that both technical and administrative 
    requirements are met.
         Plans and directs an ongoing publications dissemination 
    and information resources program.
         Provides assistance in the coordination and production of 
    major written documents, plans, and reports.
    
    4. Office of the Actuary (FKC)
    
         Conducts and directs the actuarial program for HCFA and 
    directs the development of and methodologies for macroeconomic analysis 
    of health care financing issues.
          Performs actuarial, economic and demographic studies to 
    predict HCFA program expenditures under current law and under proposed 
    modifications to current law.
          Provides program estimates for use in the President's 
    budget and for reports required by Congress.
         Studies questions concerned with financing present and 
    future health programs, evaluates operations of the Federal Hospital 
    Insurance Trust Fund and Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund and 
    performs microanalyses for the purpose of assessing the impact of 
    various health care financing factors upon the costs of Federal 
    programs.
         Develops and conducts studies to estimate and project 
    national and area health expenditures.
         Analyzes trend data sources such as the Consumer Price 
    Index to develop projections of health care costs.
         Analyzes data on physicians' costs and charges to develop 
    payment indices and monitors expansion of service and inflation of 
    costs in the health care sector.
         Publishes cost projections and economic analyses, and 
    provides actuarial, technical advice and consultation to HCFA 
    components, governmental components, Congress and outside 
    organizations.
    a. Office of Medicare and Medicaid Cost Estimates (FKC1)
         Prepares cost estimates for the Hospital Insurance (HI) 
    program, the Supplementary Medical Insurance (SMI) program, and the 
    Medicaid program for use in the President's budget.
         Evaluates the operations of the Medicare trust funds 
    particularly relating to outlays and program solvency.
         Develops such variables as the Part B premium rates, the 
    inpatient hospital deductible, the Part A premium rate for voluntary 
    enrolles, and the physicians' economic index applicable to prevailing 
    fees.
         Develops the payment rates for the annual update of the 
    adjusted average per capita cost (AAPCC) ratebook, which is used to pay 
    health maintenance organizations that enter into a risk contract with 
    HCFA to provide benefits to Medicare enrolles.
         Provides cost estimates for the Medicaid program, 
    including the development of cost estimates for proposed changes in 
    Medicaid or in programs affecting Medicaid, and overall Medicaid 
    program costs for years after the current budget year.
         Serves as technical consultant throughout the Government 
    on Medicare and Medicaid cost estimate issues.
    (1) Division of Hospital Insurance (FKC11)
         Prepares cost estimates for the Hospital Insurance (HI) 
    program for use in the President's budget.
         Evaluates operations of the Medicare HI trust fund 
    concerning income and outgo, and the necessary tax rates for program 
    solvency.
         Develops such variables as Part A inpatient hospital 
    deductible and the Part A premium rate for voluntary enrolles.
         Computes estimates of the impact of modifications in 
    program benefits and financing.
         Serves as technical consultant throughout the Government 
    on Medicare HI cost estimate issues.
    (2) Division of Supplementary Medical Insurance (FKC12)
         Prepares cost estimates for the Supplementary Medical 
    Insurance (SMI) program for use in the President's budget.
         Evaluates operations of the Medicare SMI trust fund 
    concerning income and outgo, the necessary premium, and actuarial rates 
    for program solvency.
         Develops such variables as the Part B premium rate and the 
    physicians' economic index applicable to prevailing fees.
         Computes estimates of the impact of modifications in 
    program benefits and financing.
         Serves as technical consultant throughout the Government 
    on Medicare SMI cost estimate issues.
    (3) Division of Medicaid Cost Estimates (FKC13)
         Provides cost estimates for the Medicaid program, 
    including the development of cost estimates for proposed changes in 
    Medicaid or in programs affecting Medicaid, and overall Medicaid 
    program costs for years after the current budget year.
         Develops forecasts of Medicaid expenditures for 
    incorporation into the HCFA budget development process.
         Provides actuarial consultation to other components of 
    HCFA concerning various proposals and programs affecting the future of 
    the Medicaid program.
         Studies actuarial approaches and techniques, and develops 
    data to assist in the development of program forecasts.
         Serves as technical consultant throughout the Government 
    on Medicaid cost estimate issues.
    b. Office of National Health Statistics (FKC2)
         Develops, maintains and makes analytical use of the 
    National Health Accounts (NHA) which include annual estimates and 
    publication of National Health Expenditures (NHE) and periodic 
    estimates and publication of NHE by age groupings or by region.
         Provides technical support for HCFA regulatory processes, 
    especially those related to payment systems or reform.
         Develops, analyzes and publishes, health sector models and 
    associated estimates which allow assessments of historical 
    relationships and projections of current law or evaluation of the 
    impact of proposed changes to the current system.
         Conducts and evaluates surveys containing information 
    relevant to the health care system.
    (1) Division of Health Cost Analysis (FKC21)
         Maintains the National Health Accounts. Provides an 
    interdisciplinary approach to data collection, manipulation and 
    analysis, and interpretation of national, and regional health use, 
    costs and payment sources, both public and private.
         Estimates and disseminates annual national health 
    expenditures estimates, periodic estimates of health expenditures by 
    region or State, and produces quarterly ``health indicators'' measures.
         Provides technical support for HCFA regulatory processes, 
    especially those related to payment systems or reform.
         Provides technical analysis and data for Agency, 
    Department, or Administration initiatives.
         Responds to requests for information and analysis on the 
    health sector and its relationship to the general economy.
    (2) Division of Survey Analysis (FKC22)
         Plans and manages the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. 
    Provides all the in-house activities needed for survey management, data 
    analysis, and coordination and information dissemination.
         Conducts and evaluates surveys containing information 
    relevant to the health care system.
         Develops, maintains, and analyses the statistical 
    reliability and representation of the Medicare Current Beneficiary 
    Survey. Assures that sample replenishment reflects population and sub-
    group profiles.
         Develops and provides analysis of the survey methodology 
    and techniques in conjunction with the survey contractor. Establishes 
    an interdisciplinary approach to data collection, manipulation and 
    analysis and interpretation.
         Provides technical analysis and data for Agency, 
    Department, or Administration initiatives.
         Responds to requests for information and analysis on the 
    health sector as it relates to survey data.
    
    D. Associate Administrator for Operations and Resource Management 
    (FL)
    
         The Associate Administrator for Operations and Resource 
    Management (AAORM) is responsible for the effective direction, 
    coordination and implementation of all aspects of Headquarters and 
    regional program operations and resource management activities.
         The program operational functions include the Medicare 
    financial management systems; the development, negotiation, execution 
    and management of contracts with Medicare contractors; enforcement of 
    health quality and safety standards for providers and suppliers of 
    health care services; the administration of professional review and 
    other medical review programs; the evaluation of contractors and State 
    agencies against performance standards; and the statistically based 
    quality control programs which measure the financial integrity of 
    Medicare.
         The 10 Regional Administrators report to the AAORM through 
    the Deputy Associate Administrator for Operations and Resource 
    Management.
         The resource management responsibilities include 
    developing and implementing HCFA's policies, rules and procedures in 
    the areas of financial, personnel and contracts management, project 
    grant administration, management evaluation and analysis and 
    administrative services; the nationwide operation of a centralized 
    Automated Data Processing (ADP) and telecommunications facility; 
    establishing and maintaining computerized records supporting HCFA 
    programs; developing and coordinating information and statistical plans 
    and policies; and maintaining a statistical data system which will 
    provide program accountability data to the Administrator, HCFA, 
    Congress, and the public.
    
     1. Office of the Attorney Advisor (FL-1)
    
         The Office of the Attorney Advisor is attached to AAORM 
    for administrative issues but continues to report to the Administrator, 
    HCFA, for substantive issues.
         The Attorney Advisor recommends initiation of ``own motion 
    review'' of Provider Reimbursement Review Board decisions and of 
    Medicare Geographical Classification Review Board (MGCRB) decisions.
         Evaluates cases under ``own motion review'' and recommends 
    the disposition of such cases by the Administrator.
         Evaluates and makes recommendations for disposition of 
    MGCRB decisions appealed to the Administrator.
    
    2. Office of Planning and Support  (FL-2)
    
         Develops and manages systems for integrating and focusing 
    all Operations and Resource Management's efforts and capabilities 
    toward achieving initiatives of the HCFA Administrator and the 
    Associate Administrator for Operations and Resource Management (AAORM).
         Establishes and implements the integrated and coordinated 
    AAORM-wide management planning, workplanning, and performance 
    monitoring processes.
         Formulates policies and positions on management programs 
    having AAORM-wide impact, including financial management; budget 
    preparation and execution; resource utilization; and management and 
    organizational analysis. Coordinates the preparation and execution of 
    the AAORM-wide budget. Furnishes financial management advice to AAORM 
    and provides liaison on AAORM fiscal matters with HCFA's Office of 
    Financial and Human Resources.
         Coordinates and monitors the development of AAORM-wide 
    automated data processing plans and information strategies. Designs, 
    develops, and manages Operations and Resource Management-wide 
    information systems.
         Develops and implements AAORM program and administrative 
    delegations of authority.
         Ensures regional office input to the development, review 
    and clearance of program policies, procedures, and instructions.
    
    3. Office of Financial and Human Resources (FLA)
    
        Provides HCFA-wide policy direction, coordination and control in 
    the areas of budget, financial and accounting operations, personnel, 
    management evaluation and analysis, administrative services, project 
    grants, contracting and procurement, audit resolution, and 
    workplanning. Develops and promulgates HCFA policy in these areas and 
    executes these policies throughout HCFA; also assures consistency with 
    departmental policy. Designs systems support for personnel management, 
    financial management, procurement, and facilities management programs 
    within HCFA. The Director serves as the Chief Financial Officer and the 
    Deputy Ethics Counselor for the Agency.
    a. Management Planning and Analysis Staff (FLA-1)
         Provides Agency-wide services, policy, direction, and 
    coordination with respect to HCFA's management analysis, planning, and 
    control programs including: workplanning, management analysis, 
    productivity improvement, Privacy Act, internal controls, Office of 
    Inspector General audit resolutions functions, advisory and assistance 
    services certification, contracting of commercial and industrial 
    activities, the administrative issuances system, memoranda of 
    understanding and interagency agreements, delegations of authority, and 
    reduction of paperwork programs.
         Conducts special studies and analyses concerning Agency-
    wide and cross-cutting OFHR issues and other broad-based administrative 
    issues.
         Advises the OFHR Director in management analysis 
    activities.
         Develops, reviews, analyzes, and maintains existing or 
    proposed Agency-wide delegations of authority.
         Provides services, policy direction, and coordination 
    regarding the HCFA paperwork reduction activities.
    b. Office of Financial Management (FLA1)
         Provides financial and accounting services, leadership, 
    and policy direction for HCFA's financial management program. Operates 
    the Agency's accounting and financial reporting activities and 
    processes all obligations and expenditure documents including employee 
    payroll and travel costs.
         Prepares, justifies, and executes the HCFA program and 
    administrative budget. Coordinates with officials at the Department and 
    at the Office of Management and Budget to resolve budget issues. 
    Provides advice and assistance to HCFA components in the development 
    and justification of their annual budgets.
         Manages the HCFA financial and manpower resource 
    allocation activities. Prepares reports and other resource allocation 
    control mechanisms for the Director, OFHR, and other HCFA Senior Staff.
    (1) Division of Accounting (FLA11)
         Plans, directs and operates the HCFA accounting, fiscal 
    and financial reporting functions.
         Administers and operates the HCFA accounting system. 
    Establishes policy for the allocation of costs among appropriations. 
    Develops methodologies to determine costs by program, organization and 
    source of funds.
         Performs accounting functions for all appropriations, fund 
    warrants, apportionments, allotments and allowances. Processes all 
    obligations and expenditure documents, including verification of 
    entitlement for all commercial and intergovernmental financial 
    transactions for the compensation and related cost of personnel 
    (payroll), and for employee travel and transportation (domestic and 
    foreign).
         Reviews time and attendance reports prior to transmittal 
    to the Central Payroll Office, resolves employee leave and payroll 
    problems, and conducts a time and attendance report preparation 
    training program.
         Performs accounting for all grants issued to fund 
    programs, and schedules payments by check to those grantees not funded 
    through Departmental Federal Assistance Financing System (DFAFS).
         Reviews and reconciles grantees' advance accounts on the 
    basis of verified expenditures.
         Monitors and reconciles data generated in Agency 
    appropriations as a result of entries made in the Regional Accounting 
    System.
         Provides cashier services, processes collections, and 
    maintains accounts receivable control records.
         Develops accounting policy and procedures for HCFA.
    (2) Division of Budget (FLA12)
         Consolidates, prepares, and executes HCFA's budget and 
    operates HCFA's budget system. Serves as the central information point 
    for all budgetary matters including interagency agreements impacting on 
    HCFA's funding and transfer of funds to and from other agencies. 
    Provides advice on the reporting of program and financial data 
    necessary for the presentation and defense of budget requests.
         Provides advice, guidance, and assistance to HCFA 
    components in the development of budget justification materials and 
    analysis including current services budgeting and other budgetary 
    principles required by the Office of the Secretary, HHS, the Office of 
    Management and Budget, and Congress. Provides technical direction to 
    HCFA regional components on all budgetary matters.
         Develops budget control systems necessary to insure that 
    appropriate measures are in place to prevent violations of the Anti-
    Deficiency Act.
         Maintains and monitors an allotment and allowance system 
    sufficient to pinpoint responsibility and accountability for Federal 
    funds.
         Provides staff expertise in the review and analysis of 
    budgetary, operational, legislative, or regulatory proposals by HCFA 
    operating components. Reviews these proposals to determine the fiscal 
    impact on, and consistency with, HCFA and departmental management and 
    programmatic objectives.
         Develops financial management policy as it relates to 
    HCFA's programmatic objectives. Certifies the cost impact of all 
    proposed program and demonstration waivers.
         Reviews financial data and makes recommendations as to the 
    effectiveness of the waiver and potential termination or nonrenewal 
    actions.
         Directs the allocation of HCFA's staffing resources among 
    HCFA components, issues employment ceilings, and directs HCFA's 
    manpower management system. Assures the validity of cost allocation 
    data and monitors adherence to financial management policies among HCFA 
    components.
    c. Office of Human Resources (FLA2)
         Provides services, leadership, direction, and control with 
    respect to personnel and related services within HCFA.
         Serves as the principle advisor to the Director of the 
    Office of Financial and Human Resources on the operation of HCFA's 
    personnel system, including recruitment and placement, position 
    classification, personnel management evaluation, performance appraisal, 
    employee development and training, employee relations, ethics 
    functions, and labor relations.
         Administers the Agency special emphasis placement and 
    executive personnel programs.
         Serves in a leadership role in providing authoritative 
    advice and assistance to management officials in carrying out their 
    position management responsibilities.
         Provides for an employee counseling service for employees 
    in HCFA Central Office.
         Provides services, policy direction, and coordination with 
    respect to the organizational analysis activities.
         Provides direct service and establishes policy for other 
    HCFA components with respect to health and activities related to health 
    matters.
    (1) Division of Information and Organizational Management (FLA21)
         Coordinates all personnel information management 
    activities for the Office of Human Resources. Administers and operates 
    the Department's automated personnel/payroll system, Improved 
    Management of Personnel Administration through Computer Technology 
    (IMPACT), as it applies to HCFA components.
         Develops human resource functional requirements for and 
    access to HCFA's Comprehensive Personnel System. Provides systems 
    support and technical assistance on all other automated data processing 
    and office automation activities that relate to human resources 
    functions.
         Plans, directs, and implements a comprehensive HCFA 
    position classification and position management program for all 
    positions GS-15 and below in the Central and Regional Offices. Inputs 
    data into the automated personnel system and prepares statistical 
    information and reports relating to the position management and 
    classification program.
         Conducts the HCFA-wide organizational analysis program. 
    Studies HCFA's organizational and functional arrangements and develops 
    plans for assimilating new or modified functions into the HCFA 
    organization.
         Conducts in-depth analyses of new legislation affecting 
    HCFA for the purposes of determining the affect on HCFA's 
    organizational structure. Develops recommendations for organizational 
    changes, and submits proposals to upper management's consideration.
    (2) Division of Performance Management and Development (FLA22)
         Provides leadership, direction, and control with respect 
    to HCFA's employee training and career development activities, 
    performance management, and awards programs in both headquarters and 
    the regions.
         Provides management advisory service concerning the 
    regulatory and procedural aspects of implementing the assigned 
    programs.
         Serves as an Agency representative in dealing with 
    employee/management/union organizations, the Department of Health and 
    Human Services, and other Federal agencies on the issues concerning the 
    Division's programs.
         Plans, coordinates, and executes a wide range of major 
    studies and projects involving performance management, employee 
    development, and awards issues of Agency-wide magnitude.
    (3) Division of Staffing and Employee Services (FLA23)
         Provides service to all central office HCFA components in 
    the areas of recruitment, in-service staffing, selective placement, and 
    pre-employment investigations, and personnel security clearances for 
    all types of appointments and all occupational classes and levels of 
    work (except Senior Executive Service, Schedule C, and related 
    appointments).
         Provides advice, guidance, and consultation to HCFA 
    supervisory and management officials on such issues as optimal staffing 
    mixes, recruitment sources, and qualification factors.
         Interprets regulations, guides, directives, and bulletins 
    related to staffing and personnel services.
         Establishes and maintains the employment data base for 
    routine and special reports and statistical studies related to the 
    employee population.
         Plans and controls the central system for all personnel 
    and payroll employee transaction processes, (except U.S. Savings 
    Bonds), serves as the official custodian for all personnel folder 
    clearances, confidential reports, employment agreements and other 
    related areas.
         Plans, administers, and evaluates HCFA-wide employee 
    benefits, health, and wellness program activities.
         Provides general employee counseling on such matters as 
    retirement, life insurance, health plans, workers' compensation claims, 
    and unemployment compensation claims.
         Serves as the central HCFA reference point for inquiries, 
    guidance, and interpretation on employee benefits, health, and wellness 
    matters.
         Processes insurance claims and annuity applications for 
    retirees and survivors of deceased employees. Processes the full range 
    of employee benefit and payroll transaction documents, with the 
    exception of U.S. Savings Bonds.
         Directs programs for occupational health services, 
    employee health enhancement, physical fitness, and blood assurance 
    programs. Plans and administers the Agency's contract for the Employee 
    Assistance Program.
         Directs and administers HCFA's child care initiative. 
    Directs the Agency's Voluntary Leave Transfer and Video Display 
    Terminal Eye Care Programs.
         Under direction of the HCFA Deputy Ethics Officer, plans 
    and administers the entire ethics program for both central and regional 
    offices. Reviews financial disclosure reports prior to departmental 
    submittal and coordinates outside activity requests and approvals.
         Directs and coordinates all Agency medical determinations 
    related to employability issues, such as fitness for duty and 
    reasonable accommodation.
    d. Office of Acquisitions and Grants (FLA3)
         Provides procurement services for other HCFA components 
    including project grant, contract, and small purchase solicitation, 
    award, and administration; cost and advisory function; and procurement-
    related training. Monitors the annual HCFA contract plan and prepares 
    and submits required reports.
         Solicits, negotiates, analyzes, and coordinates proposal 
    evaluation and prepares and awards contracts. Provides HCFA cost 
    advisory and audit services on pre-award and post-award grant and 
    procurement actions to ensure conformance to legal and regulatory 
    requirements.
         Performs all HCFA cost/price analysis and evaluation 
    required for the review, negotiation, award administration, and close-
    out of grants and contracts. Provides field audit capability during the 
    pre-award and close-out phases of contract and grant activities.
         Coordinates and acts as liaison with the Defense Contract 
    Audit Agency, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Audit 
    Agency, Office of the General Counsel, and other HHS agencies to obtain 
    required audit support and resolution.
         Coordinates and/or conducts training for contracts and 
    grant personnel and project officers in HCFA components. Provides 
    services, policy direction, and coordination with respect to HCFA's 
    advisory and assistance services contracting.
    (1) Division of Health Standards Contracts (FLA31)
         Provides acquisition services in support of HCFA's Peer 
    Review Organization (PRO) and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) contracts, 
    including guidance and assistance to the Health Standards and Quality 
    Bureau.
         Solicits, negotiates, analyzes, and coordinates proposal 
    evaluations and prepares awards documents.
         Conducts post-award coordination, administration 
    (including progress report and voucher monitoring), modifications, and 
    all contract closeout functions.
         Provides guidance and assistance to incumbent and 
    prospective contractors.
         Assists in the direction of related procurement preference 
    programs wherever applicable.
         Participates in monitoring PRO/ESRD annual contract plans 
    and prepares and submits required reports.
         As required, on specific PRO/ESRD contract actions, serves 
    as liaison and provides information and documentation to the 
    Department, Congress, and other Government agencies.
         Develops PRO/ESRD specific policies and procedures and 
    provides guidance to PRO/ESRD program offices.
    (2) Division of Contracts and Grants (FLA32)
         Provides contracting support, guidance, and assistance to 
    all HCFA components and prospective contractors. Issues policy and 
    procedural guidance to program staff in contracts and grants areas.
         Assists in the direction of related small, disadvantaged, 
    8(a), (minority contracts), labor surplus area, and women-owned 
    business contracting efforts. Provides HCFA project (discretionary) 
    grants and cooperative agreements services.
         Solicits, analyzes, and coordinates proposal evaluations 
    and negotiates, prepares, and awards contracts. Directs the post-award 
    coordination, administration and modification, and participates in the 
    close-out of contracts.
         Serves as the HCFA liaison with the Department's Office of 
    Procurement, Assistance and Logistics, the Office of the General 
    Counsel, other Department of Health and Human Services' components, 
    Congress, other Government agencies, and private parties in contract, 
    grant, and cooperative agreement matters.
         Monitors the annual contract plans and assists in the 
    preparation and submittal of required reports. Provides HCFA project 
    (discretionary) grants and cooperative agreements services.
         Receives applications, operates the application referral 
    system, reviews the system for compliance with law, policies, and cost 
    principles, performs site visits, obtains clearances, negotiates and 
    issues grant awards, maintains funds control records and master grant 
    files.
         Provides HCFA small purchasing services, guidance, and 
    assistance to all HCFA components.
    e. Office of Administrative Services (FLA4)
         Provides services, policy direction, coordination, and 
    broad operational control of HCFA's voice telecommunication services, 
    administrative services, single-site planning, printing and 
    distribution services, conference management, records and mail 
    services, facilities management, space management, property management, 
    real property management, and related support services.
         Conducts extensive analyses in the areas of facilities 
    management, property management, real property management, 
    environmental safety and security, and space planning for HCFA's single 
    site.
         Determines the overall impact, budget and administrative, 
    of changes in the areas of facilities management, property management, 
    real property management, environmental safety and security, and space 
    planning.
         Coordinates and handles graphics services for the Agency.
    (1) Division of Facilities Management (FLA41)
         Provides direct services and establishes policy for other 
    HCFA components with respect to facilities management, real property 
    management, space management, supplies, space acquisition, management 
    and maintenance, conference facilities, and parking.
         Develops comprehensive budget estimates for and management 
    of centralized facilities management funds.
         Conducts extensive analyses in the areas of facilities 
    management, space management, real property management, property 
    management, environmental safety and security, printing and 
    distribution management for HCFA's single site.
         Analyzes and determines the budget and administrative 
    impact of changes in the areas of facilities management, space 
    management, real property management, property management, 
    environmental safety and security, printing and distribution 
    management.
         Coordinates all Information Resources Center activities.
    (2) Division of Safety and Property Management (FLA42)
         Provides direct service and establishes/implements 
    policies and procedures for the HCFA personal property and supply 
    management programs.
         Maintains and operates the warehouse and the computerized 
    property management and accountability system.
         Provides direct service and establishes/implements 
    policies and procedures for environmental safety nationwide, emergency 
    preparedness, civil defense, tort claims, and accident and fire 
    prevention.
         Conducts special studies and analyses in the areas of 
    personal property and supply management, and environmental safety and 
    security.
    (3) Division of Telecommunications and Graphics Services (FLA43)
         Manages all activities associated with the operation of 
    HCFA's nationwide voice telecommunications system.
         Conducts extensive research, studies, and analyses 
    associated with voice telecommunications activities in HCFA.
         Develops policies and procedures for nationwide 
    implementation and operation of various voice telecommunications 
    systems in HCFA.
         Develops policies, standards, and procedures for HCFA's 
    graphics management program.
         Provides graphics services to the Agency.
         Serves as the Agency's liaison on all matters concerning 
    graphics policy and the acquisition of graphics supplies and services.
    (4) Division of Printing and Distribution Services (FLA44)
         Provides printing, reprographic, distribution, and forms 
    management services for HCFA.
         Conducts research, planning, and analyses to determine 
    Agency needs for photocopying equipment and printing services.
         Develops policies, standards, and procedures for HCFA's 
    printing, reprographics, forms, and distribution programs.
         Obtains printing, binding, and distribution services from 
    private vendors under contracts negotiated and entered into by the 
    Government Printing Office (GPO).
         Manages and maintains centralized program (except for 
    research and demonstrations) for the distribution, printing, and 
    reproduction of forms and other printed materials.
         Manages HCFA's acquisition, leasing and utilization of 
    copying equipment.
         Provides HCFA liaison on all forms, distribution, and 
    printing matters with the HHS, the Government Printing Office and the 
    Congressional Joint Committee on Printing.
    4. Bureau of Program Operations (FLB)
         Provides direction and technical guidance for the 
    nationwide administration of the Medicare health care financing 
    programs.
         Develops, negotiates, executes, and manages contracts with 
    Medicare contractors.
         Manages the Medicare financial management system and 
    national budgets for Medicare contractors.
         Establishes national policies and procedures for the 
    procurement of claims processing and related services from the private 
    sector.
         Defines the relative responsibilities of all parties in 
    the health care financing operations and designs the operational 
    systems which link these parties.
         Directs the establishment of standards of performance for 
    contractors. Compiles operational and performance data for recurring 
    and special reports to reflect status and trends in program operations 
    effectiveness.
         Prepares recommendations regarding terminations, awards, 
    penalties, non-renewals, or other appropriate contract actions.
         Establishes national policy and procedures for the 
    recovery of overpayments.
         Directs the processing of Part A beneficiary appeals and 
    issues instructions and guidance for resolving beneficiary 
    overpayments.
         Following coordination with pertinent HCFA components, 
    notifies carriers and fiscal intermediaries of findings resulting from 
    quality control programs.
         Makes recommendations to the Associate Administrator for 
    Operations and Resource Management regarding financial penalties 
    authorized and determined appropriate under regulations.
         Assists Medicare contractors in improving the management 
    of Federally required quality control programs.
         Identifies significant trends and priority problems 
    through comprehensive analyses of program operations and performance 
    and evaluates findings surfaced through various assessment programs.
         Develops and conducts comprehensive analyses and studies 
    of selected areas of policy and operations to evaluate the 
    appropriateness, cost effectiveness, or other impact resulting from the 
    implementation of law, regulations, policies, or operational procedures 
    and systems.
         Develops recommendations for specific policy or 
    operational improvements based on assessment findings.
         Coordinates, monitors, and evaluates all corrective action 
    initiatives resulting from program assessment findings.
         Develops program-wide policies, regulations, procedures, 
    guidelines, and studies dealing with program oversight and improvement.
         Coordinates the preparation of manuals and other policy 
    issuances required to meet the instructional and informational needs of 
    providers, contractors, State Agencies, Regional Offices, Peer Review 
    Organizations, the Social Security Administration, and other audiences 
    directly involved in the administration of HCFA programs.
    a. Executive Secretariat (FLB-1)
         Coordinates, for the Bureau Director, matters concerning 
    bureau policy in the administration of the Medicare program.
         Directs studies to identify problems in such areas as 
    inconsistencies of interpretation and application of Medicare 
    legislation, regulations and policy. Recommends solutions to such 
    problems and initiates necessary corrective action.
         Directs the management of the bureau's assignment control 
    system including the receipt, review, coordination, and control of all 
    correspondence, assignments, written congressional and public 
    inquiries, and the preparation of responsive replies for the signature 
    of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Administrator of HCFA, 
    the Bureau Director, and other high level management officials.
         Serves as the primary focal point for the bureau on 
    operational as well as administrative inquiries, including telephone 
    inquiries from Presidential Staffs, congressional offices, other 
    Government agencies, private institutions, and individuals seeking 
    information concerning the various regulations and policies of the 
    bureau.
         Establishes and maintains contact with HCFA's Executive 
    Secretariat in the Office of Executive Operations, the Congressional 
    Liaison Office, the Office of the General Counsel, and with other HCFA 
    components and Federal departments and agencies, to obtain or provide 
    information and coordinate correspondence replies.
         Provides bureau-wide guidance and technical assistance on 
    related procedures and standards for content of memoranda and 
    correspondence.
    b. Issuances Staff (FLB-3)
         The Director, Issuances Staff assures the exchange of 
    important information among HCFA components and the Office of the 
    Secretary.
         Prepares or coordinates the preparation of written 
    documents in order to assist the Director, Bureau of Program Operations 
    in resolving HCFA program and administrative policy issues.
         Coordinates the preparation of manuals and other policy 
    issuances required to meet the instructional and informational needs of 
    providers, contractors, State agencies, regional offices, Peer Review 
    Organizations, the Social Security Administration, and other audiences 
    directly involved in the administration of HCFA programs.
         Manages the HCFA system for developing regulations, 
    setting regulation priorities, and corresponding work agendas.
         Serves as the HCFA Federal Register contact point.
    c. Office of Contracting and Financial Management (FLB1)
         Administers contracts with private organizations to 
    perform various aspects of Medicare program operations falling under 
    the bureau's area of responsibility.
         Develops, negotiates, maintains, and modifies primary 
    contracts and agreements with intermediaries, carrier, and other 
    organizations authorized under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act.
         Provides direction and guidance to Central Office and 
    Regional Office staff on Medicare intermediary and carrier contracts 
    and contracting activities under the bureau's area of responsibility.
         Establishes policies and procedures to be used by all 
    Medicare intermediary and carrier contractors in the procurement of 
    equipment, facilities management, software, and other services.
         Establishes the policies and procedure by which Medicare 
    intermediary and carrier contractors and regional offices prepare and 
    submit periodic budget estimates.
         In consultation with other HCFA and bureau components, 
    develops and negotiates the national budget for Medicare contractors, 
    including workload estimates.
         Controls and manages the Medicare cash flow and related 
    banking activities.
         Reviews periodic contractor expenditure reports to 
    evaluate Medicare intermediary and carrier budget execution and 
    determines the allowability of costs.
         Prepares analysis of Medicare intermediary and carrier 
    expenditure trends and patterns.
         Reviews regional office and contractor performance in 
    determining the correct amount of provider, physician, and supplier 
    overpayments, and assists contractors in negotiations related to the 
    acceptability of techniques for determining the amount of an 
    overpayment and the methods of recovery.
         Prepares cases when compromises are not appropriate and 
    overpayments are collectable and assists the HCFA Claims Collection 
    Officer in preparing such cases for disposition.
         Prepares manual instructions concerning the procedures for 
    the recovery of provider, physician and supplier overpayments.
         Designs, implements, and maintains a Medicare overpayment 
    tracking system.
         Plans, directs, and coordinates operational policy and 
    procedures for the establishment and maintenance of premium billing and 
    collection.
         Develops plans for possible transitions between new and 
    current contractors, and manages transition activities in coordination 
    with the regional offices.
         Plans, develops, and directs Medicare intermediary and 
    carrier operating contracting experiments.
    (1) Division of Acquisitions and Contracts (FLB11)
         Develops, maintains, negotiates, and modifies all 
    agreements with intermediaries, and contracts with carriers as 
    authorized under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act.
         Develops procedures for the award, non-renewal, 
    termination, extension, and amendment of Medicare contracts.
         Represents the bureau in processing contractor claims 
    resulting from changes in contract requirements or other disputes 
    involving the selection or non-selection of contractors.
         Directs contract-related surveys requested by both the 
    Executive and Legislative Branches of the Federal Government.
         Directs and guides Central Office and Regional Office 
    staff on contracts and contract procurement and maintains an oversight 
    role on regional activity in the areas of Title XVIII contracting.
         Coordinates Fiscal Intermediary Group and Carrier 
    Representative Group activities.
         Serves as a HCFA resource in regard to technical Medicare 
    contracting issues concerning matters.
         Reviews the Bureau's contractors' requests for change 
    orders and adjustments in price, determines where liquidated damages 
    should be assessed against contractor and takes proper action.
         Develops and directs policy regarding regional 
    intermediary concept such as for Home Health Agencies.
         Develops necessary regulations and other issuances dealing 
    with Medicare contract administration.
         Provides liaison with contractor management.
         Provides leadership in litigation activities related to 
    contract disputes.
    (2) Division of Financial Management (FLB12)
         Provides leadership in developing, implementing, and 
    evaluating policies and procedures for the Medicare contractor budget 
    process.
         Formulates and approves the national budget for Medicare 
    contractor administrative costs.
         Develops, implements, and monitors cash management letter-
    of-credit procedures for contractors and servicing banks.
         Develops, implements, and monitors fund control for the 
    Medicare contractor administrative costs.
         Sets requirements and procedures for contractors and 
    regional offices to prepare and submit periodic budget estimates and 
    reports.
         Participates in negotiations and approval of all related 
    price adjustments and reviews periodic contractor expenditure reports 
    to evaluate budget execution and determination of the allowability of 
    costs.
         Designs, maintains, and as necessary, prepares 
    specifications to revise the Medicare financial administration and 
    benefit payment systems.
         Analyzes contractor administrative cost data and trends.
         Directs and prepares instructions to guide regional office 
    performance to assure consistency in implementation of financial 
    policy.
    (3) Division of Contractor Planning and Management (FLB13)
         Plans, develops, and directs contracting experiments that 
    involve HCFA contractors, agencies, and separate contracts with 
    commercial organizations.
         Develops plans for possible transitions between new and 
    current contractors and provides oversight of these transition 
    activities in coordination with the regional offices.
         Assists, manages, monitors, and provides oversight of 
    contractor transition activities in coordination with the regional 
    offices, and carries out plans for transition between new and old 
    contractors.
         Evaluates implementation proposals associated with 
    Medicare electronic data processing (EDP) facility management 
    procurement, software acquisitions, and major systems changes and 
    testing.
         Provides technical assistance to regional offices with 
    respect to Medicare EDP procurements and reviews, proposed hardware and 
    software modifications, and equipment upgrades.
         Incorporates current procurement and operating policy as 
    well as lessons learned from prior transitions into the implementation 
    sections of Request for Proposals and subsequent transitions.
         Evaluates Medicare claims processing contracting 
    arrangements, formulates plans for improvement, and carries out these 
    improvement plans.
    (4) Division of Account Management and Collection (FLB14)
         Directs the nationwide administration of the institutional 
    and physician and supplier recovery activity.
         Develops regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, 
    and recommendations for regional offices and HCFA contractors to assure 
    timely and accurate provider overpayment identification, interest 
    assessment, collection, and reduction of incidence of overpayment.
         Assures that the accounting practices, recovery 
    procedures, and collection activities of regional offices and 
    contractors properly and sufficiently implement the providers 
    overpayment recovery policies, procedures, and regulations of HCFA, the 
    Department of Health and Human Services, the General Accounting Office, 
    the Department of Justice, and all applicable Federal statutes.
         Plans, develops, and issues operational policy, 
    specifications, requirements, procedures, and instructional material to 
    administer Third Party agreements for enrollment and premium payments 
    for States, Office of Personnel Management (OPM), third party groups, 
    professional organizations, carriers and intermediaries, and Social 
    Security Administration, the Medicare Lock-Box premium collection for 
    Medicare beneficiaries, and the direct billed beneficiaries.
         Assists in the negotiation and modification of agreements 
    for third party and direct billing premium collection operations. 
    Manages lock-box contracts for collection of State buy-in and third 
    party group premiums, and for collection of direct billed beneficiary 
    premiums.
         Resolves premium collection problems for States, OPM, 
    third party groups and beneficiaries.
         Develops procedures and provides training and assistance 
    to regional offices for the review and evaluation of the institutional 
    provider, physician, supplier, and beneficiary overpayment recovery, 
    and third party systems.
         Serves as the Agency systems manager for premium 
    collection requirements.
    d. Office of Medicare Benefits Administration (FLB2)
         Oversees the operations and administration of various 
    Medicare program areas including Medigap, Medicare Secondary Payer 
    (MSP), audit and payment management, benefit integrity, entitlement, 
    medical review, and utilization analysis.
         Develops, implements, and administers MSP and Medigap 
    operational policy. Analyzes and evaluates specific operating policy 
    and procedures in the MSP and Medigap programs and initiates proposals 
    to better achieve program objectives.
         Reviews, analyzes, and prepares recommendations regarding 
    approval or disapproval of State regulatory programs for Medicare 
    supplemental health insurance to ensure compliance with the Social 
    Security Act. Conducts the mandatory Certification Program in those 
    States not having an approved regulatory program.
         Develops, implements, and monitors the Medicare SELECT 
    direct contracting option for medical necessity determinations.
         Reviews State regulatory programs for Medicare 
    supplemental insurance and Medicare supplemental health insurance 
    policies for compliance with the Social Security Act.
         Develops national MSP budget and annual savings goals, 
    enforces MSP provisions and supports MSP litigation and post pay 
    activities.
         Plans and develops methods to improve and enhance the 
    audit and payment management functions and makes recommendations for 
    improvements in the management of the audit program. Analyzes 
    regulations, executive orders, policies, and legislative proposals and 
    assesses their financial impact on the audit budget.
         Develops, implements, and maintains programs and systems 
    to ensure that Medicare benefits are paid within the meaning of 
    applicable law, regulations, and program policy and to ensure that 
    internal or external allegations of fraudulent or abusive behavior are 
    promptly acknowledged, developed, and disposed of including referral to 
    the Office of Inspector General.
         Directs the development and issuance of specifications, 
    requirements, procedures, forms, and instructional material to 
    implement and maintain operational systems for Part A and Part B 
    medical review and utilization analysis.
         Develops the national budget for intermediary and carrier 
    medical review activities, linking programmatic expectations with 
    funding requirements and available resources.
         Implements new legislation impacting on the medical review 
    processes and/or Medicare covered services.
         Serves as the Agency systems manager for entitlement 
    requirements.
    (1) Division of Utilization Analysis (FLB21)
         Directs the development of analytical studies, tools, and 
    methodologies, for assessing health care utilization, beneficiary 
    episodes of care, quality of care, patterns, and trends to improve the 
    effectiveness of the medical review program.
         Directs the development and issuance of specifications, 
    requirements, procedures, forms, and instructional material to 
    implement and maintain operational systems for Part A and Part B 
    medical review and utilization analysis.
         Designs edits and specifications for contractor medical 
    review screens, systems and reports, including nationally mandated 
    screens and reports, and conducts ongoing analysis of the effectiveness 
    of national requirements.
         Utilizes the National Claims History Database to analyze 
    and compare utilization patterns and to assess national trends in the 
    provision of care to the Medicare population.
         Develops the national budget for intermediary and carrier 
    medical review activities linking programmatic expectations with 
    funding requirements.
         Reviews proposed policy, payment, and legislative 
    proposals to evaluate the operational impact on the Medical Review and 
    Utilization Review (MR/UR) program. Implements new legislation 
    affecting MR/UR and develops program safeguards for new and revised 
    procedures.
         Provides contractors with analytical techniques for 
    analysis of provider specific data, development of cost effective 
    review methodologies, and clarification of Medicare policies. Monitors 
    development and use of contractor MR/UR policies and implementation of 
    MR directives and provides training and technical support to 
    contractors.
         Directs contractor workgroups to develop, enhance, and 
    maintain the most effective MR/UR program.
         Assists with the development of contractor performance 
    standards to assess the effectiveness of the contractor's MR/UR 
    program.
         Provides technical support and assistance to the bureau, 
    other HCFA and non-HCFA components on contractor MR/UR programs.
         Serves as liaison with representatives of the health care 
    industry on MR/UR issues to obtain expert input into policy 
    development, to promote understanding of the MR/UR program, and to 
    ensure that HCFA's MR/UR processes are compatible with health 
    practices.
    (2) Division of Entitlement and Benefit Coordination (FLB22)
         Develops, implements, and administers Medicare Secondary 
    Payer (MSP) operational policy for coordinating Medicare benefits with 
    other health insurance benefits. Analyzes and evaluates specific 
    operating policy and procedural problems in the benefit coordination 
    program and initiates proposals to better achieve program objectives.
         Plans and directs operational liaison and outreach 
    activities, including public relations, publications, conferences, and 
    presentations.
         Develops national MSP budget and annual performance 
    objectives and priorities. Analyzes contractors' MSP expenditures and 
    goal performance.
         Participates in the design, performance, and analysis of 
    evaluations of contractor MSP performance assessment.
         Enforces MSP provisions and supports MSP litigation and 
    post pay activities.
         Monitors regional office and contractor operations on 
    negotiation, waiver, and compromise of liability settlements where 
    Medicare has a claim for recovery of prior conditional payments.
         Designs and conducts special projects to improve national 
    coordination of Medicare benefits with other health coverage.
         Develops and monitors the ongoing operations of a data 
    match of the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security 
    Administration data to identify MSP cases. Coordinates MSP operations 
    with HCFA and non-HCFA governmental components and with other payers 
    and their representative organizations, particularly State insurance 
    departments and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and 
    like organizations.
         Develops operational policy and instructional material for 
    the establishment and maintenance of Medicare entitlement.
         Conducts studies and demonstrations to improve the 
    systems, methods, and procedures for establishing and maintaining 
    entitlement information. Develops and recommends entitlement related 
    legislative and policy proposals.
         Develops procedures for issuing and reissuing health 
    insurance cards, monitoring records maintenance and correction, and 
    processing voluntary and other identification problems from the 
    Medicare claim process.
         Serves as the Agency systems manager for entitlement 
    requirements.
    (3) Division of Audit and Payment Management (FLB23)
         Analyzes regulations, executive orders, policies, and 
    legislative proposals and assesses their financial impact on the audit 
    budget. Develops the plan, necessary audit programs, guidelines and 
    instructions for the implementation of current and future legislation, 
    regulations, and court orders.
         Plans and develops methods to improve and enhance the 
    audit function and makes recommendations for improvements in management 
    of the audit program, including the identification and implementation 
    of automated data processing programs in the desk review, audit, and 
    settlement activities.
         Develops rationale for the audit and payment management 
    portion of the current and future national contractor budgets. 
    Establishes and monitors return ratio requirements for provider audits 
    to assure maximum return on investment expenditures.
         Reviews and analyzes Contractor Auditing and Settlement 
    Reports to determine the effectiveness of contractor audit and payment 
    performance and compliance with established audit guidelines, 
    priorities, funding limitations, and workload objectives.
         Researches and responds to all Office of Inspector General 
    and General Accounting Office payment and financial audit reports and 
    studies. Prepares position papers and reports offering alternative 
    methods of resolution.
    (4) Division of Medigap Operations (FLB24)
         Develops, implements, and administers Medigap operational 
    policy.
         Analyzes State laws and regulations for Medicare 
    supplemental health insurance to ensure compliance with the Social 
    Security Act.
         Conducts the mandatory Certification Program in those 
    States not having an approved regulatory program. Reviews and analyzes 
    Medicare supplemental health insurance policies for compliance with the 
    Social Security Act and recommends that certification be granted or 
    denied.
         Develops, implements, and monitors the Medicare SELECT 
    direct contracting option for medical necessity determinations.
         Conducts periodic operational reviews of State regulatory 
    programs for continued operational compliance the Social Security Act. 
    Monitors States' application and enforcement of standards; i.e., 
    simplification standards, anti-duplication standards, loss ratios and 
    premium standards, pre-existing conditions and medical underwriting 
    limitation standards.
         Provides liaison with governmental entities (both Federal 
    and State) regulating other payers for health care and their 
    representative organizations, particularly State insurance departments 
    and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and like 
    organizations. Serves as liaison with internal HCFA and departmental 
    components, the General Accounting Office, and the Office of Inspector 
    General on Medigap issues.
         Provides service, advice, guidance, and consultation 
    directly, and through joint efforts with other HCFA components and 
    Medicare contractors, to States, other Government entities, employers, 
    insurers, providers, physicians, beneficiaries, and their 
    representative organizations, to insure the Medigap program is 
    understood.
         Prepares and assists in preparation of various reports to 
    Congress on Medigap related issues.
         Coordinates the Medigap Federal penalty provisions 
    referenced in the Social Security Act.
    e. Office of Program Operations Procedures (FLB3)
         Develops and administers the specification, requirements, 
    methods, systems, standards, procedures, and budget guidelines to 
    implement and maintain the operational systems for the Medicare program 
    including detailed definitions of the relative responsibilities of 
    providers, contractors, HCFA, and the beneficiaries of the Medicare 
    program.
         Reviews and evaluates systems, systems plans and 
    proposals, and Automated Data Processing acquisition and modifications 
    involving carriers and intermediaries.
         Develops and promulgates specification and requirements 
    for contractor processing of beneficiary and provider appeals.
         Develops specifications and recommends budget necessary 
    for more effective methods to process Medicare claims.
         Reviews proposed policy, payment, and legislative 
    proposals to evaluate the operational impact on claims processing and 
    appeals activities including the development of cost estimates for the 
    implementation of such proposals.
         Develops and maintains forms and electronic formats used 
    by intermediaries and carriers to process claims.
         Develops, maintains, and disperses a quarterly task 
    management plan which reviews contractor budget workload and 
    initiatives.
    (1) Division of Claims Processing Procedures (FLB31)
         Directs the development and issuance of specifications, 
    requirements, procedures, and instructional material to implement and 
    maintain operational systems for processing Medicare claims and 
    defining their applications to Medicare carriers, Medicare 
    intermediaries, providers, physicians, other independent medical 
    professionals, suppliers of service, beneficiaries, and HCFA.
         Maintains the intermediary and carrier instructional 
    manuals including the Common Working File (CWF) interface instructions 
    for processing claims from Medicare providers, physicians, other 
    independent medical professionals, and suppliers of services.
         Reviews proposed policy, payment, and legislative 
    proposals to evaluate the operational impact on Medicare claims 
    processing operations.
         Implements new legislation impacting on Medicare claims 
    processing operations.
         Develops the discharge data set specifying required 
    information to be provided by intermediaries to Peer Review 
    Organizations (PRO) in support of PRO medical review activities.
         Maintains liaison with representatives of the health care 
    industry to ensure the HCFA processes are compatible with the 
    industry's administration practices.
         Develops bill processing edits for intermediaries, 
    carriers, and the CWF processing of Medicare claims.
         Develops instructions for and maintains and monitors 
    supplier numbering clearinghouse.
    (2) Division of Claims Processing Requirements (FLB32)
         Prepares general systems plans and develops requirements 
    for the detailed design and programming for claims processing modules 
    to be used by Medicare contractors.
         Plans, conducts, and evaluates studies aimed at long-range 
    improvements in electronic claims processing systems, methods, and 
    procedures as they relate to the administration of the Medicare program 
    and integration of operations within the framework of HCFA policies, 
    goals, and objectives to promote efficiency and cost effectiveness.
         Develops programs to promote acceptance and usage of 
    electronic claims processing, electronic funds transfer, and electronic 
    remittance advice.
         Develops cost estimates for proposed legislation and 
    regulations.
         Participates in the review and evaluation of systems-
    related applications project.
         Participates in the government-wide national disaster 
    planning initiative and review of Medicare contractors' systems 
    security.
         Develops and maintains billing forms and formats used by 
    intermediaries and carriers.
         Serves as HCFA focal point with American National 
    Standards Institute on electronic claims processing formats used by the 
    health insurance industry.
         Reviews proposed policy, payment, and legislative 
    proposals to evaluate the operational impact on claims processing 
    activities, including the development of cost estimates for the 
    implementation of such proposals.
         Develops budget guidelines and cost estimates for Medicare 
    claims processing activities.
         Develops, maintains, and disperses a quarterly workload 
    plan as it relates to budget initiatives.
    (3) Division of Appeals and Communications (FLB33)
         Plans, develops, and issues operating policy, 
    specifications, procedural requirements, and other materials to 
    implement, maintain, or revise the appeals process for Part A and B 
    claims.
         Develops, monitors, and approves formats and messages for 
    the Medicare Explanation of Medicare Benefits.
         Plans, conducts, and evaluates studies to streamline and 
    make more effective the appeals process and to develop both long-range 
    and short-range improvements in systems, methods, and procedures 
    relating to beneficiary and provider communications.
         Initiates improvements and develops procedures for 
    providing beneficiary and provider services for telephone, written, and 
    personal contacts by Medicare contractors and other field facilities.
         Develops standard language for use by Medicare contractors 
    in communicating with beneficiaries and providers.
         Reviews proposed policy, payment, and legislative 
    proposals to evaluate the operational impact on the appeals process for 
    Part A and Part B claims.
         Identifies management's information needs for data 
    relating to Administrative Law Judge's (ALJ) decisions concerning both 
    Part A and B claims and initiates appropriate actions for establishing 
    or modifying the reporting and information systems to satisfy these 
    needs (i.e., ALJ database, reversal reports, and decision reports).
         Develops procedures for conforming with the Privacy Act 
    including maintaining a system of records for the Federal Register, 
    clearing requests for information, and developing agreements with the 
    States on releasing information.
    (4) Division of Operational Systems Development (FLB34)
         Designs, develops, and manages, at the national level, 
    activities required to enhance systems for improvement of the Medicare 
    eligibility systems, Part A and Part B claims processing systems, and 
    the Medicare program database.
         Prepares systems plans and develops policies for the 
    design, implementation, and evaluation of shared systems and 
    standardized modules for use by Medicare carriers, intermediaries, and 
    hosts.
         Directs the design, development testing, and 
    implementation of innovative system enhancements to the Common Working 
    File (CWF) shared claims processing systems resulting in improvements 
    to the national Medicare claims payment process.
         Provides national analysis and planning for changes to CWF 
    and standard systems as required by legislative initiatives.
         Evaluates HCFA-wide systems plans for their impact on 
    functions related to Part A and Part B of Medicare.
         Integrates systems changes within the framework of HCFA 
    policies, goals, and objectives in an efficient and cost effective 
    manner and coordinates system changes with other HCFA components, the 
    Social Security Administration, HCFA regional offices, provider groups, 
    and other affected organizations.
    f. Office of Quality and Evaluation (FLB4)
         Designs and implements evaluation programs to assess and 
    improve the overall effectiveness and quality of Medicare contractor 
    operations.
         Designs, develops, implements, monitors and, as necessary, 
    revises performance standards for measuring and evaluating all aspects 
    of Medicare contractor operations.
         Develops and applies policies, standards, and guidelines 
    for quality assurance programs to provide uniform and comparative 
    evaluation of contractor performance in areas of program eligibility 
    and payment, bill and claim payment, audit, beneficiary services, and 
    other contractor activities.
         Designs and monitors systems of internal controls and 
    standards for Medicare contractors to ensure the Medicare program is 
    adequately safeguarded against inappropriate expenditures.
         Develops, conducts, and/or directs Central Office and/or 
    regional office participation in quality assurance reviews and studies 
    of selected areas of contractor operations and evaluates policy and 
    operations to improve program operations and implement policy and 
    legislative directives.
         Designs, establishes, and maintains reporting and 
    information management systems for Medicare contractor program 
    operations and administrative data.
         Provides data and systems analysis support for the 
    production and interpretation of program operations and performance 
    indicators.
         Serves as the focal point for Medicare intermediary and 
    carrier contractor performance for the contracting officer.
    (1) Division of Quality Programs (FLB41)
         Develops, implements, directs, and operates national 
    quality assurance programs to determine the effectiveness and quality 
    of Medicare contractors' operations, including claims payment, and 
    payments to institutional providers.
         Evaluates the quality of contractor audits/settlements of 
    cost-based, prospective, and alternate payment systems, and oversees 
    chain providers' home office costs.
         Assures uniform national assessment of Medicare 
    contractors' compliance with claims payment performance standards and 
    program requirements.
         Develops and publishes guides and requirements for the 
    direction on Medicare payment evaluation and quality assurance 
    programs.
         Establishes, develops, implements, and operates a 
    comprehensive system for analyzing quality assurance program results 
    and for evaluating and assuring adherence to requirements for operating 
    Medicare claims payment quality assurance and evaluation programs.
         Reviews established Medicare payment quality assurance and 
    evaluation programs and implements appropriate enhancements reflecting 
    operations, legislative, and administrative changes.
         Identifies inaccurate or inconsistent performance, and 
    reviews and approves corrective action planning and monitoring.
    (2) Division of Standards (FLB42)
         Develops, operates, and manages a program of qualitative 
    and quantitative standards and requirements for Medicare contractors, 
    including the development and implementation of contractor performance 
    evaluation programs for intermediaries, carriers, Regional Home Health 
    Intermediaries, and Common Working File Host.
         Quantifies and describes acceptable levels of performance 
    by which Medicare contractors are evaluated.
         Negotiates with regional offices, contractors, providers, 
    other HCFA components, and national public and private professional 
    organizations to arrive at proposed or revised performance standards or 
    requirements prior to their formal issuance.
         Assures that new program and performance standards and 
    subsequent modifications are incorporated into the performance 
    evaluation programs and related reports.
         Reviews program instructions and makes recommendations to 
    issuing components to ensure guidelines contain effective safeguards 
    and standards for ensuring accurate implementation.
         Analyzes all quantitative and qualitative standards and 
    program requirements to assess their operational validity and makes 
    recommendations for appropriate changes.
         Serves as the focal point for Medicare intermediary and 
    carrier contractor performance for the contracting officer.
         Designs, develops, implements, and operates a national 
    system for collecting and reporting results of performance as measured 
    against established standards.
         Initiates, interprets, evaluates, and maintains data on 
    each Medicare contractor in terms of compliance with performance 
    requirements.
         Designs, develops, and conducts special projects and/or 
    coordinates with other HCFA components on the conduct of special 
    projects which have an impact on contractor performance evaluation.
    (3) Division of Program Evaluation (FLB43)
         Conducts in-depth evaluations of selected programmatic 
    areas to determine whether established policy and operational criteria 
    are effectively and accurately met.
         Conducts special surveys in critical areas, identifying 
    problems and barriers to problem resolution, and develops and 
    recommends alternative solutions to promote program quality.
         Analyzes trends and identifies problems or potential 
    problems requiring program action.
         Initiates, interprets, evaluates, and maintains data on 
    each Medicare contractor in terms of compliance with program 
    initiatives and performance requirements, administrative expenditures, 
    and implementation of program and operating policies, systems, and 
    procedures.
         Develops, conducts, and/or directs Central Office and/or 
    regional office participation in quality assurance reviews and studies 
    of selected areas of contractor operations to improve operations.
         Uses statistical databases and applications to analyze, 
    evaluate, and make recommendations towards improving program 
    operations, including operational efficiency.
    (4) Division of Reports and Information Management (FLB44)
         Designs, establishes, and maintains reporting and 
    information management systems for Medicare contractor program 
    operations and administrative data.
         Reviews contractors' reporting systems for consistency and 
    the ability to transmit the required information and prepares the 
    appropriate reporting requirements.
         Prepares written interpretations and analyses of operating 
    data to provide other bureau components with information necessary in 
    conducting program and performance evaluations.
         Develops the specifications for an automated operational 
    data system for Medicare contractor program operations.
         Prepares recurring and special reports on the status and 
    trends in program administration and operational effectiveness.
         Provides technical assistance to regional offices and 
    contractors on reporting requirements.
         Monitors systems of internal controls for use by Medicare 
    contractors to ensure the Medicare program is adequately safeguarded 
    against inappropriate expenditures.
         Directs the bureau's microcomputer activities including: 
    providing technical assistance to the bureau components applications, 
    developing automation strategy based on long term needs and new 
    initiatives, documenting requirements and coordinating design, 
    development, end user training, and implementation activities with the 
    Bureau of Data Management and Strategy.
    
    5. Bureau of Data Management and Strategy (FLC)
    
         Serves as the focal point for the management of HCFA's 
    information resources.
         Provides Agency-wide information management, decision 
    support, automated data processing (ADP), and data communication 
    services essential to the management and administration of HCFA 
    programs.
         Provides technical information planning and developmental 
    review of HCFA data collection initiatives.
         Collects, analyzes, and disseminates data on beneficiary 
    eligibility, enrollment entitlement, and medical utilization.
         Collects and maintains data on Medicare contractor claims 
    processing workloads and maintains contractor quality assurance and 
    performance evaluation systems.
         Manages statistical data systems on HCFA programs to 
    support policy and program decisions.
         Coordinates the development of special purpose statistical 
    data bases and tabulations required for assessing 1) the impact of 
    proposals which change health care financing programs, 2) the 
    characteristics of HCFA beneficiaries and 3) the utilization and cost 
    of program benefits.
         Provides applications software support to HCFA 
    headquarters and Regional Offices in administrative/program management 
    systems.
         The Director serves as HCFA's Principal IRM Official and 
    is responsible for overseeing the Agency's IRM programs including those 
    of the Medicare contractors, Peer Review Organizations, and End Stage 
    Renal Disease Networks.
         Directs the HCFA ADP systems security program including 
    its application to Medicare contractors.
         Develops common coding standards and quality assurance 
    monitoring mechanisms.
         Negotiates and administers agreements and provides ADP 
    liaison between HCFA users and other external organizations for the 
    provisions of ADP capacity and support services.
         Provides support and data handling capability to control/
    examine, audit, investigate, and process/release a variety of provider 
    billing, query, enrollment, and premium billing correspondence and 
    transactions.
    a. Office of Information Resources Management (FLC1)
         Plans, organizes, and coordinates the activities required 
    to maintain a HCFA-wide Information Resources Management (IRM) program 
    including the management of funds to support IRM operations and 
    information systems development activities.
         Formulates and executes the HCFA IRM common expense budget 
    and Information Technology Systems plans and budgets in conjunction 
    with HCFA-wide budgetary submissions to the Department.
         Develops and maintains a process to administer, document, 
    and monitor the software and hardware changes planned and implemented 
    within HCFA.
         Provides systematic identification, assessment, and 
    certification of new, revised, or existing HCFA information systems and 
    processes in accordance with HCFA policies, standards, information 
    plans, and department requirements.
         Develops, coordinates, and directs the HCFA automated data 
    processing (ADP) Systems Security Program to ensure the protection of 
    HCFA systems and ADP equipment.
         Designs, evaluates, and performs analyses related to HCFA-
    wide data administration and database administration improvement 
    projects.
         Negotiates and administers agreements and provides ADP 
    liaison between HCFA users, the Social Security Administration, and 
    other external organizations for the provision of ADP capacity and 
    support services.
         Formulates strategies, prepares procurement documents, and 
    performs contract administration activities for major contractual 
    agreements in support of Agency IRM requirements.
    (1) Division of Information Systems Management (FLC11)
         Directs the planning, design, and maintenance of 
    information systems development standards and database administration 
    policies and standards, including review of work products for 
    compliance with standards, and the support of the Standards Board 
    activities.
         Plans, directs, and coordinates the development and 
    maintenance of a project management and software metrics program to 
    monitor, evaluate, and improve the information systems development 
    processes for HCFA. Directs the establishment and maintenance of the 
    HCFA IRM systems inventory.
         Directs and coordinates the performance of post-
    implementation reviews for Agency systems to validate that all systems 
    components are maintained concurrently with the operational systems.
         Formulates strategies and performs contract administration 
    activities for major software contractual agreements across all phases 
    of the information systems development life cycle.
         Formulates strategies and performs contract administration 
    activities for major IRM contractual agreements.
    (2) Division of ADP Planning and Resources Management (FLC12)
         Plan, develops, and implements HCFA-wide policies, 
    procedures and analyses related to IRM planning and ADP resource 
    management.
         Formulates and assures compliance with HCFA's IRM Plan and 
    associated long range strategic and operational plans. Formulates and 
    executes the HCFA Information Technology System (ITS) 5-year plan and 
    the HCFA ADP common expense budget.
         Develops, implements, and maintains a HCFA-wide financial 
    management program to fund and support IRM operations and information 
    systems development activities, all HCFA equipment and related IRM/ADP 
    services.
         Administers the HCFA project management program and 
    performs Agency-wide resource accounting functions to assess and 
    monitor ADP resource utilization.
         Develops, coordinates, and directs the HCFA ADP Systems 
    Security Program.
         Negotiates and administers agreements between HCFA users 
    and other external organizations for the provision of ADP/IRM support 
    services.
         Coordinates HCFA's participation in the Federal 
    Information Processing Standards Program and administers HCFA's ADP/IRM 
    Contract Administration Program.
    b. Office of Statistics and Data Management (FLC2)
         Performs strategic planning to enhance program data and 
    analysis to meet program policy development and program assessment 
    requirements.
         Develops, disseminates and monitors data release policies 
    for HCFA.
         Identifies, documents, and measures the trends in the 
    reliability of program decision support data and information needed to 
    support HCFA's policy development, research, and program assessment 
    goals.
         Represents the Agency as the primary contact with the 
    Department, other Federal agencies, the health care community, and the 
    public for the use and release of HCFA program data.
         Plans, organizes, and coordinates data development and 
    information analysis activities required to identify, develop, 
    implement, and document decision support and statistical analysis 
    processes.
         Provides decision support information and analysis to meet 
    the Agency's research, actuarial, legislative, economic, and policy 
    analysis; and the objectives of the Department's Medical Treatment 
    Effectiveness initiative.
    (1) Division of Payment Policy Support (FLC21)
         Develops strategic short- and long-range plans to acquire 
    the data necessary to meet program payment policy development and 
    assessment requirements.
         Organizes and analyzes data to develop the information 
    systems necessary to support the Agency's and the Department's needs 
    for HCFA program data in support of payment policy analysis and related 
    research.
         Defines, develops, and implements quality assurance 
    procedures covering decision support processes to measure and improve 
    the reliability and usefulness of program data for decision support and 
    statistical analysis. Develops statistical analyses and trend data to 
    monitor data reporting and data reliability.
         Provides technical data analysis and processing support 
    required to develop payment rates to advise Senior HCFA management of 
    the information necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of current and 
    proposed health care financing systems, the implications of 
    experimental financing methods on providers and physicians, the cost 
    aspect of the effectiveness of care being received by beneficiaries, 
    and the monetary effects of new legislation on alternative 
    reimbursement methodologies.
    (2) Decision Support Division (FLC22)
         Develops strategic short- and long-range plans to define, 
    acquire, and measure the reliability of the data and information 
    necessary to support intramural and extramural health services research 
    to advance the Department's mission. Reviews legislation to define the 
    program decision support activities needed to implement and monitor 
    legislatively-mandated health services research initiatives and program 
    changes.
         Defines, develops, and implements quality assurance 
    programs to measure trends and improve the reliability and usefulness 
    of Medicare program data.
         Plans, organizes, and coordinates activities required to 
    define the sources, uses and reliability of HCFA data to support 
    research, program administration and evaluation, actuarial and 
    statistical initiatives, and the Department's needs for HCFA program 
    data in health services, medical effectiveness and epidemiologic 
    research.
         Performs liaison function to advise researchers, program 
    analysts, and actuaries on the sources, uses and limitations of program 
    data. Provides technical data analysis and processing assistance 
    required to effectively use HCFA program data for decision support.
         Analyzes and organizes information analysis describing the 
    Medicare and Medicaid programs and national health care expenditures 
    and develops information dissemination systems necessary to support the 
    Agency's need for Medicare and Medicaid program data.
         Develops and maintains the sample data sets necessary to 
    support beneficiary-based program surveys and assessments, including 
    support to the Medicare Beneficiary Health Status Registry, the Current 
    Beneficiary Survey, and the Medicare History Sample, and the Peer 
    Review Organizations.
         Participates in the development and establishment of data 
    standards used for HCFA programs, including beneficiary enrollment, 
    uniform billing, uniform coding systems, and common reporting systems 
    (e.g., Common Working File).
    (3) Division of Special Programs (FLC23)
         Develops strategic short- and long-range plans to define 
    and acquire institutional financial data and special medical data on 
    specific Medicare populations.
         Analyzes and organizes data to develop the information 
    systems necessary to support the Agency's and the Department's special 
    program data and information requirements.
         Designs, develops, implements, and operates special 
    program data collection and processing systems, e.g., Hospital Cost 
    Report Information System (HCRIS) and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) 
    Program Management and Medical Information System (PMMIS), to identify 
    and meet special program data and information needs.
         Defines, develops, and implements quality assurance 
    programs pertaining to special program systems to improve the 
    reliability and usefulness of program decision support and statistical 
    data.
         Identifies and implements processes and procedures that 
    will take maximum advantage of the multi-tier data processing 
    architecture, as well as to maximize the efficient use of the mainframe 
    to process large scale special program applications.
         Represents the bureau as primary contact for special 
    program data collection and use issues within the Department and with 
    outside groups.
    c. Office of Program Systems (FLC3)
         Handles the receipt, control, edit, quality assurance, and 
    basic monitoring of common working file claims data and input data 
    relating to program management systems, including development and 
    maintenance of ADP application telecommunications software providing 
    access and front end quality control.
         Performs the planning, organization, and coordination 
    activities required to build and control HCFA's National Claims History 
    databases (NCHDB) for both the Medicare and Medicaid programs and 
    related hardware requirements.
         Implements and maintains the centralized provider survey, 
    certification (including clinical labs), and billing databases which 
    provide on-line query and reply capabilities through a national 
    telecommunications network.
         Provides standard and ad hoc data files and reports on 
    health standards and quality data, intermediary and provider 
    statistical and reimbursement data, and information regarding chain 
    ownership data.
         Designs, implements, maintains, and ensures the continuing 
    operations of software applications which provide access and array NCH 
    and Program Management (PM) data in accordance with the ongoing program 
    management needs of HCFA.
         Develops short- and long-range NCHDB and PM IRM plans to 
    ensure that the proper hardware and software is available to meet the 
    Agency's NCH and PM operations support needs and to support budget 
    development and life cycle planning.
         Defines and coordinates an NCHDB and PM quality assurance 
    program to ensure that the databases are reliable for use in program 
    development and evaluating ongoing program operations.
         Designs, implements, and maintains a number of computer 
    systems that are used by HCFA to monitor the performance of the fiscal 
    intermediary contracting community.
    (1) Division of Program Management Systems (FLC31)
         Handles the receipt, control, edit, quality assurance, and 
    basic monitoring of input data relating to program management systems.
         Implements and maintains the centralized provider survey, 
    certification (including clinical labs), and billing databases which 
    provide on-line query and reply capabilities through a national 
    telecommunications network.
         Provides standard and ad hoc data files and reports on 
    health standards and quality data, intermediary and provider 
    statistical and reimbursement data, and information regarding chain 
    ownership data.
         Maintains and enhances the systems that enable HCFA to 
    monitor the quality of claims processing in carrier and intermediary 
    sites.
         Designs, implements, maintains, and ensures the continuing 
    operations of software applications which array Program Management (PM) 
    data in accordance with the ongoing program management needs of HCFA.
         Negotiates user requirements and develops design 
    alternatives, systems specifications, test, conversion and 
    implementation plans, operation plans (e.g., HDC support requirements), 
    and documentation for PM and related applications.
         Defines and coordinates a PM data quality assurance 
    program including the development of process controls, edits and 
    statistical measures to ensure that the databases are reliable for use 
    in program development and evaluating ongoing program operations.
         Manages PM database administration activities directed 
    toward ensuring the integrity of the databases.
         Participates in the development and establishment of data 
    standards used for HCFA programs, including uniform billing, uniform 
    coding systems and common reporting systems.
    (2) National Claims History Division (FLC32)
         Manages and directs the receipt, control, editing, quality 
    assurance, and basic monitoring of the common working file claims and 
    program liability data.
         Performs the planning, organization, technical 
    consultation, and coordination activities required to design, develop, 
    document control, and ensure the integrity of HCFA's National Claims 
    History database (NCHDB) for the Medicare program and related hardware 
    requirements.
         Defines systems accesses, interfaces, and operational 
    requirements to ensure the efficient development and use of the NCHDB 
    for program purposes.
         Negotiates user requirements and develops design 
    alternatives, systems specifications, test, conversion and 
    implementation plans, operation plans (e.g., HDC support requirements), 
    and documentation for the NCHDB and related applications.
         Defines and coordinates an NCHDB and beneficiary record 
    quality assurance program including the development of process 
    controls, edits, and statistical measures to ensure database validity 
    and integrity for use in program development and evaluating ongoing 
    program operations. Defines and coordinates a beneficiary record 
    quality assurance program to ensure the consistency of data maintained 
    at the Common Working File sites with the enrollment databases.
         Manages NCH database administration activities directed 
    toward ensuring the integrity of the databases.
         Participates in the development and establishment of data 
    standards used for HCFA programs, including uniform billing, uniform 
    coding systems, and common reporting systems.
    (3) Division of Medicaid Statistics (FLC33)
         Manages and directs the receipt, control, edit, quality 
    assurance, and basic monitoring of input data relating to the Medicaid 
    Statistical Information System (MSIS) and the HCFA-2082.
         Performs the planning, organization, technical 
    consultation, and coordination activities required to design, develop, 
    document control, and ensure the integrity of HCFA's National Claims 
    History database (NCHDB) for the Medicaid program and related hardware 
    requirements.
         Provides standard and ad hoc data files and reports on 
    Medicaid data.
         Designs, implements, and maintains the Medicaid drug 
    information databases.
         Develops, implements and maintains ADP application 
    telecommunications software to provide access and front end quality 
    control for the various systems maintained in the branch.
         Designs, implements, maintains, and ensures the continuing 
    operations of software applications which array Medicaid data in 
    accordance with the ongoing program management needs of HCFA.
         Develops short- and long-range Medicaid IRM plans to 
    ensure that the proper hardware and software is maintained to meet the 
    Agency's PM operations support needs.
         Negotiates user requirements and develops design 
    alternatives, systems specifications, test, conversion and 
    implementation plans, operation plans (e.g., HDC support requirements), 
    and documentation for Medicaid and related applications.
         Defines and coordinates a Medicaid data quality assurance 
    program including the development of process controls, edits, and 
    statistical measures to ensure that the databases are reliable for use 
    in program development and evaluating ongoing program operations.
         Identifies and implements processes and procedures that 
    will take maximum advantage of HCFA's multi-level data processing 
    architecture; e.g., taking advantage of the microcomputers to put data 
    and application development at the desk-top where appropriate, as well 
    as to maximize the efficient use of the mainframe to process large-
    scale applications.
    d. Office of Enrollment Systems (FLC4)
         Performs the planning, organization, and coordination 
    activities required to build and control HCFA's Medicare Enrollment 
    database (EDB) and related hardware requirements and software 
    applications.
         Designs, implements, maintains, and ensures the continuing 
    operations of software applications which develop EDB data in 
    accordance with the ongoing program management needs of HCFA, including 
    the ADP operations to prepare bills for the receipt and processing of 
    Medicare premium remittances and the generation of Health Insurance 
    cards.
         Defines and negotiates user requirements, design 
    alternatives, systems specifications, test, conversion and 
    implementation plans, operation plans and documentation for the EDB and 
    related applications.
         Defines and coordinates an EDB quality assurance program, 
    including the development of process controls, edits, and statistical 
    measures to ensure that the database is reliable for use in program 
    operations and development.
         Coordinates operational and program development 
    requirements for data about Medicare Enrollment with other components 
    within HCFA, the Department, other Federal agencies and local 
    governments, the private sector and the public. This includes support 
    for the Common Working File by maintaining and providing accurate and 
    timely information regarding beneficiary enrollment status for Medicare 
    claims processing purposes.
    (1) Division of Enrollment Applications (FLC41)
         Responsible for the integration and coordination of all 
    EDB database design, development, and management activities.
         Assures the viability of the databases including 
    maintenance, backup, recovery, on-line access, etc.
         Responsible for the integration of the EDB database(s) 
    with other database systems; planned/proposed systems software efforts; 
    and overall IRM policies.
         Provides a technical review point within the Office of 
    Enrollment Systems to insure adequate control, testing, validation, and 
    documentation of all applications database software within the office.
         Receives, controls, edits, and validates transactions 
    which affect HCFA's authoritative record of enrollment in the Medicare 
    program.
         Coordinates operational and program development 
    requirements for data about Medicare Enrollment with other components 
    within HCFA, the Department, other Federal agencies and local 
    governments, the private sector and the public. This includes support 
    for the Common Working File by maintaining and providing accurate and 
    timely information regarding beneficiary enrollment status for Medicare 
    claims processing purposes.
    (2) Division of Capitation and Collection Systems (FLC42)
         Bills and collects Medicare premiums from the direct-
    paying beneficiary population and from third-party payers such as State 
    agencies, private groups and the Office of Personnel Management.
         Insures that premium-related entitlement data received 
    from other sources (such as the Social Security Administration) is 
    validated and applied properly to HCFA's authoritative database of 
    Medicare enrollment information.
         Enables and records enrollment in and disenrollment from 
    health maintenance organizations and other group health plans.
         Computes the individual capitation amounts due for each 
    beneficiary enrolled in a group health plan, and communicates that 
    information to other automated processes that provide for paying the 
    plans.
         Notifies beneficiaries of their enrollment in group health 
    plans, and supports solicitation of beneficiary participation in 
    managed health care delivery systems.
    (3) Division of Medicare Operations Support (FLC43)
         Oversees clerical operations and manages work requests to 
    resolve data errors.
         Oversees the receipt, resolution, and response to 
    correspondence concerning Health Insurance questions from a wide 
    variety of sources including beneficiaries, Congressional Offices, 
    Social Security Offices, States, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) 
    and others.
         Directs review of Part B payment records and 
    reconciliation related to Medicare billing exceptions and a multitude 
    of exceptions created between SSA, HCFA, and RRB exchange of data.
         Provides clerical support to process accretions and 
    deletions for State Buy-In and third party beneficiaries; ensures 
    investigation of Medicare premium problem cases.
         Directs the processing of applications for enrollment of 
    individuals to receive Supplemental Medical Insurance benefits.
         Coordinates the planning, design, and implementation of 
    major work processes involving outside components. Resolves problems 
    related to Medicare insurance with other HCFA components, regional 
    offices, and SSA components.
    e. Office of Information Technology (FLC5)
         Provides applications software support to HCFA 
    headquarters and regional offices in administrative management systems.
         Serves as focal point for the personal computing and 
    office information systems technology used throughout the agency.
         Develops short and long range plans for administrative, 
    personnel, and financial systems.
         Manages all aspects of the Agency's investment in 
    microcomputing technology.
         Develops and manages the Agency's ADP training program.
    (1) Division of Administrative Systems (FLC51)
         Provides applications software support to HCFA 
    headquarters and regional offices in administrative management systems.
         Provides applications software services to other HCFA 
    components in the development of administrative systems, including 
    those utilizing microcomputer technology. Responsible for the macro 
    design and evaluation of prototype administrative systems.
         Develops short and long range plans for administrative, 
    personnel, and financial systems.
         Develops approriate standards and guidelines to govern the 
    development and ongoing support of administrative systems.
    (2) Division of Office Automation Systems (FLC52)
         Serves as focal point for the personal computing and 
    office information systems technology use throughout the Agency.
         Develops the acquisition strategy for personal computing 
    hardware, software, and services in HCFA-both central and regional 
    offices.
         Manages all aspects of the Agency's investment in 
    microcomputing technology.
         Develops the Agency strategy for acquisition and use of 
    office information systems technology including the HCFA-wide office 
    automation and electronic mail capabilities.
         Develops user requirements, plans, and implements use of 
    office information systems technology including text management, 
    imaging, and executive information systems.
         Develops and manages the Agency's ADP training program.
    f. Office of Computer Operations (FLC6)
         Directs the planning, budgeting, evaluation, procurement, 
    operation, maintenance, control, and security of all centralized 
    automated data processing (ADP) and data communications (DC) equipment 
    and services for HCFA's Data Center (HDC) which includes: DC activities 
    and equipment; centralized large-scale computers; nationally 
    distributed departmental minicomputers; vendor supplied operating 
    systems; utility software; OCO utilization of the Facilities Management 
    Contract; and various intra/inter Agency agreements.
         Advises the bureau and HCFA executive staff on ADP and DC 
    issues and concerns and represents HCFA in dealings with Federal and 
    non-Federal agencies and organizations in these areas.
         Serves as the Agency's final technical authority for the 
    approval of the purchase, lease, and maintenance of all ADP and DC 
    equipment and systems.
         Manages the HDC and DC resource planning function to 
    ensure the availability of resources for Agency approved projects.
         Develops HDC and DC plans and policies and provides 
    program direction to HCFA staff and contractor support organizations to 
    ensure that the Agency mission is efficiently and effectively met.
    (1) Division of Data Center Services (FLC61)
         Directs the planning, budgeting, operation, maintenance 
    control, and security for the HCFA Data Center (HDC) data processing 
    resources and related support facilities (backup power, environmental 
    systems, fire protection, etc.).
         Develops standards and policies for efficient use of the 
    HDC. Effects these policies and standards through software and hardware 
    controls.
         Manages, evaluates, installs, and maintains HDC operating 
    systems software, utility software products, and data base management 
    systems.
         Plans, organizes, schedules, and controls activities 
    required to maintain a contingency and disaster recovery plan for the 
    HDC.
         Develops HDC operations policies, operational plans, and 
    technical guidelines, and provides program direction to contractor 
    support organizations to ensure that the Agency mission is efficiently 
    and effectively met.
         Develops and maintains the HCFA-wide accounting and 
    chargeback system for HDC and DC users, determining and/or recommending 
    the allocation of resources to the user community. Oversees the 
    resource billing to non-HCFA users of the HDC.
    (2) Division of Data Communications and Distributed Services (FLC62)
         Directs and manages HCFA's data communications (DC) and 
    minicomputer systems at central and regional HCFA sites, including the 
    Agency-wide installations/relocations of microcomputer, minicomputer, 
    and DC equipment.
         Manages the evaluation and implementation of minicomputer 
    hardware, operating system, and utility software products. Establishes 
    workload planning and controls and schedules services to be provided.
         Assists in the evaluation and implementation of 
    application software and other office automation products for operation 
    on the minicomputer systems.
         Conducts studies to determine DC network requirements and 
    provides technical advice and consultation to the DC user community.
         Directs and manages the HCFA Data Center (HDC) action desk 
    providing on-line assistance for resolving HDC user problems.
         Develops DC, minicomputer, and action desk operating plans 
    and policies and provides program direction to contractor support 
    organizations to ensure that the Agency mission is efficiently and 
    effectively met.
    
    6. Office of the Regional Administrators (FLD(I-X))
    
         The Office of the Regional Administrator manages regional 
    operation in each of the Health Care Financing Administration's (HCFA) 
    10 regions.
         The Regional Administrators provide executive leadership 
    and guidance on behalf of the Associate Administrator for Operations 
    and Resource Management to HCFA components at the regional level.
         Implements national policy at the regional level.
         Assures the effective administration of HCFA programs 
    including Medicare, Medicaid, Peer Review Organizations (PROs), HMOs/
    CMPs, quality control, and certification of institutional providers in 
    a major geographical area.
         Participates in the formulation of new policy and 
    recommends changes in existing national policy for HCFA programs.
         Develops and implements a professional relations program 
    within the region for all HCFA programs and serves as the principal 
    HCFA contact for all professional organizations such as hospital and 
    medical associations.
         At the regional level, takes action to implement HCFA 
    national initiatives undertaken to integrate HCFA program operations 
    and is responsible for coordination of HCFA programs with other 
    departmental components and Federal agencies.
         Coordinates with the Department's Regional Director to 
    assure effective relationships with State and local governments. 
    Manages all administrative activities for HCFA components and 
    coordinates such activities with the Regional Administrative Support 
    Center.
         Initiates and directs the implementation of special 
    regional and headquarters projects affecting HCFA programs.
         Directs regional responsibilities relating to experimental 
    and demonstration projects.
         Oversees a beneficiary services program within the region 
    for HCFA programs.
         Provides regional perspective to the Administrator, 
    Associate Administrators, Bureau Directors, and Staff Office Directors 
    in the development of HCFA policies, programs, and objectives.
    a. Division of Health Standards and Quality (FLD(I-X)A)
         Assures that health care services provided under the 
    Medicare and Medicaid programs are furnished in the most effective and 
    efficient manner consistent with recognized professional standards of 
    care.
         Interprets and implements health safety standards and 
    evaluates their impact on utilization and quality of health care 
    services.
         Determines approval and denial of all provider and 
    supplier certification actions under the Medicare program.
         Initiates and implements remedial actions, including 
    termination of agreements against health care facilities not in 
    compliance with Medicare requirements.
         Makes final determination on all initial and supplemental 
    budget requests submitted by State survey agencies.
         Monitors and evaluates State activities related to 
    Medicare and Medicaid survey and certification.
         Oversees, monitors, and evaluates Peer Review 
    Organizations (PROs), including recommendations for contract renewal, 
    extension, and modification.
         Recommends approval or withholding of monthly voucher 
    payments to PROs.
         Authorizes investigation of complaints received from the 
    public, the Congress, the media, and other sources which allege 
    deficiencies in the quality of care rendered by certified health care 
    providers.
         Coordinates State survey agency activities related to 
    sanctions and civil money penalties.
    b. Division of Medicaid (FLD(I-X)B)
         Provides Federal leadership to State agencies in program 
    implementation, maintenance, and regulatory review of State Medicaid 
    program management activities under Title XIX of the Social Security 
    Act.
         Assures the propriety of Federal Medicaid expenditures 
    and, where appropriate, takes action to disallow claims.
         Consults with and provides guidance to States on 
    appropriate matters including the interpretation of Federal 
    requirements, options available to States under these requirements, and 
    information on practices in other States.
         Provides consistent policy guidance to States on Medicaid 
    program administration and the amount, duration, scope, and payment for 
    health services under the State program.
         Monitors State agency Medicaid activities by conducting 
    periodic program management and financial reviews to assure State 
    adherence to Federal laws and regulations.
         Reviews, approves, and maintains official State plans and 
    State plan amendments for medical assistance.
         Reviews, approves or recommends for disapproval, and 
    monitors State institutional payment plans and systems (after central 
    office concurrence for hospitals and long term care facilities).
         Reviews States' quarterly statements of expenditures and 
    recommends appropriate action on amounts claimed.
         Defers payment action on questionable State claims for 
    allowability.
         Issues orders suspending Federal financial participation 
    on unallowable State Title XIX payments and defends disallowance 
    actions at Departmental Appeals Board.
         Plans, directs, and coordinates the review and approval of 
    Medicaid State agency data processing systems, proposals, 
    modifications, operations, and contracts.
         Implements Title XIX special initiatives, such as Maternal 
    and Child Health, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Prepaid Health 
    Plans, Health Maintenance Organization contracts, and other special or 
    experimental programs and operations of major management initiatives.
         Performs Medicaid eligibility quality control reviews over 
    State Medicaid eligibility and inspection of care practices to assure 
    their ongoing compliance with Medicaid laws and regulations.
    c. Division of Medicare (FLD(I-X)C)
         Directs Medicare program administration through working 
    relationship with contractors, providers, physicians, the Social 
    Security Administration regional offices, the Administration on Aging, 
    the Office of Inspector General, and other local and national 
    organizations and individuals, as required.
         Directs the review and evaluation of the effectiveness of 
    the Medicare program.
         Directs activities in support of the Managed Care Program 
    including technical support and oversight of Health Maintenance 
    Organizations, and other prepaid contractors.
         Monitors all aspects of contractor performance including 
    claims processing, coverage decisions, overpayment identification and 
    collection, Medicare secondary payor, provider payment and audit, 
    payment to physicians and suppliers, and electronic media claims.
         Coordinates ongoing contractor fiscal management 
    activities, including subcontracting.
         Negotiates and approves Medicare contractor budget 
    modifications.
         Evaluates Medicare contractor performance and prepares 
    annual contractor evaluation report.
         Manages beneficiary, provider, and public information 
    programs.
         Recommends renewals, non-renewals, recessions, and 
    terminations of Medicare contracts.
    7. Health Standards and Quality Bureau (FLE)
         Provides leadership and overall programmatic direction for 
    implementation and enforcement of health quality and safety standards 
    for providers and suppliers of health care services and evaluates their 
    impact on the utilization, quality and cost of health care services.
         Plans, develops and establishes procedures and guidelines 
    for administering and evaluating the nationwide Medicare and Medicaid 
    survey and certification program.
         Monitors and validates the process for certifying that 
    participating providers and suppliers are in compliance with 
    established conditions and standards.
         Responsible for implementation and operation of 
    professional review and other medical review programs.
         Administers a comprehensive system for assessment of 
    individual professional and medical review organizations to determine 
    compliance with program requirements and to document the effectiveness 
    and impact of their activities.
         Establishes specifications for information and data 
    reporting, collection and systems requirements for the survey and 
    certification, professional review and other medical review activities.
    a. Management Resources Staff (FLE-1)
         Directs and manages the bureau's management and 
    administrative operations including facilities management, space 
    utilization, records, publications, travel, correspondence, printing, 
    mail distribution, regulations and issuances control, equipment 
    management, supply operations, facilities maintenance, safety, 
    security, telephone systems and parking.
         Plans, directs, and administers the Wang office automation 
    activities for all Associate Administrator for Operations & Resource 
    Management bureaus including access to shared and local data bases, and 
    other office information activities.
         Plans, directs and coordinates the bureau's correspondence 
    and public inquiries activities and all related paperwork management 
    functions.
         Administers the bureau's personnel utilization and 
    position management programs as well as the bureau's training and staff 
    development programs.
         Develops annual and long-range administrative budgets and 
    operating plans for the Health Standards and Quality Bureau.
         Reviews and processes requests for procurement or purchase 
    and provides required contract support, service and consultation.
         Initiates and develops financial data and analytical 
    reports on operations.
         Allocates and reprograms approved funds within the Bureau 
    policies and guides to assist program divisions in formulating budget 
    estimates.
         Develops, implements and maintains a management planning 
    and control program for the bureau to ensure the efficient and 
    effective utilization of available resources including: (a) bureau-wide 
    workplanning and work measurement systems, (b) organization and 
    operational analysis studies and (c) coordination and control of a 
    variety of planning, reporting and monitoring systems required by the 
    Office of Management and Budget, Department of Health and Human 
    Services and other HCFA components.
         Researches and evaluates new management concepts and 
    techniques for improving the bureau's management practices and 
    operations.
    b. Office of Peer Review (FLE1)
         Coordinates implementation of peer review and other 
    medical review organizations.
         Develops and interprets policies related to the conduct of 
    peer review at various levels of care.
         Develops and implements operational procedures and 
    instructions relating to fiscal management of peer review programs, 
    including the principles of payment for review, development of program 
    related budgets, accounting procedures, reports management, statistical 
    reporting, geographic variations of medical treatments, and auditing 
    requirements applicable to such peer review organizations.
         Develops, implements, and maintains data systems in 
    support of the Office of Peer Review data requirements for the 
    management of the peer review program and contracts.
         Establishes guidelines relating to the oversight of peer 
    review and other medical review organizations.
         Evaluates and provides advice and assistance to regional 
    offices in overseeing fiscal and program management activities.
         Directs and oversees the End-Stage Renal Disease program 
    and the Uniform Clinical Data Set function.
    (1) Division of Program Operations (FLE11)
         Provides overall programmatic and technical management of 
    contracts and any other financial agreements with organizations 
    conducting medical reviews including establishment of expenditure 
    levels, final approval of funding requests and resolution of audit 
    findings.
         Provides program guidance and assistance to regional 
    office staff in performance of their responsibilities.
         Develops and monitors plans for funding of Peer Review 
    Organizations (PROs).
         Defines reporting requirements for PROs and other medical 
    review entities.
         Develops, implements and administers a comprehensive 
    system for assessment of individual PROs to determine compliance with 
    program requirements and to document the effectiveness and impact of 
    their activities.
         Initiates and designs studies to analyze data provided 
    through the Office of Peer Review data systems on routine and as needed 
    bases.
    (2) Division of Review Programs (FLE12)
         Develops and interprets review methodologies and systems 
    for all programs related to Peer Review Organizations' review of 
    medical necessity, reasonableness, quality, and appropriateness of 
    services (e.g., ancillary, inpatient, outpatient, or suppliers of 
    practitioner care) reimbursed under Titles XVIII and XIX of the Social 
    Security Act.
         Develops and interprets policies related to the conduct of 
    peer review at various levels of care.
         Communicates and interprets HCFA's medical review policies 
    to peer and other medical review organizations and provides or arranges 
    for the provision of technical assistance.
         Develops and interprets operational policies for the 
    involvement of physicians and other health care professionals in the 
    conduct of peer review.
         Develops, with other Office of Peer Review components, 
    criteria for objective setting and the application of norms, criteria 
    and standards of peer review.
         Develops criteria for evaluation of peer review.
         Develops and interprets medical review policies regarding 
    the impact of review on technical issues such as waiver of liability, 
    inappropriate level of care, ``grace days,'' and denials of payment 
    based on medical necessity and substandard quality with attendant 
    reconsiderations and appeals.
         Monitors legislative, regulatory and operational 
    developments related to medical review.
         Identifies and initiates necessary changes resulting from 
    such developments.
         Develops legislative agenda and proposals related to 
    statutory changes in medical review policies or procedures.
         Serves as a technical resource within the bureau for 
    resolving medical review issues and providing assistance on other 
    program decision areas.
    (3) Division of Systems Management (FLE13)
         Establishes national policies for collection and 
    processing of peer review data and directs and monitors the End Stage 
    Renal Disease (ESRD) Network program.
         Designs, operates, monitors, maintains and, as necessary, 
    revises the Peer Review Organization (PRO) Management Information 
    System (PMIS), which includes a variety of data in support of the 
    Office of Peer Review (OPR) and regional office medical review branch 
    Automatic Data Processing (ADP) requirements.
         Responsible for the central office and regional Dispersed 
    Terminal Network which is used to access other HCFA data systems.
         Designs, tests, and implements new component subsystems 
    using both personal computers and mainframe hardware; develops data 
    input and output requirements, as well as specifications for the 
    modification of systems processes to adapt to new forms, policies, 
    procedures, and subsystems.
         Develops and installs the necessary procedures for report 
    and quality control, including screening, editing, logic, and 
    consistency.
         Analyzes and designs methodology for submission of data to 
    OPR ADP systems.
         Designs, tests, implements, and maintains automated 
    software systems, manual systems, and data bases with emphasis on 
    assuring the accuracy of reported information and retrieval 
    capabilities supportive of program and management information needs.
         Consults with other components to identify existing or 
    planned data systems strategic to management and program activities.
         Plans and develops new systems to generate management and 
    analytical information from PRO deliverables and other data sources and 
    meet the needs of management.
         Performs the Systems Security Officer functions for HSQB.
         Provides technical assistance in implementing and 
    maintaining ADP systems to other components and the ROs through 
    conducting regional workshops and training sessions; developing 
    technical assistance materials; and maintaining ongoing liaison with 
    affected systems personnel.
         Responds to special nonroutine requests for PMIS data from 
    congressional committees, general public, professional organizations, 
    and other government offices.
         Manages the interface of OPR data with external components 
    and organizations to ensure the compatibility of data systems with HCFA 
    data policy, as articulated by the Bureau of Data Management and 
    Strategy.
         Directs and reviews all aspects of the ESRD Network 
    program including quality assurance initiatives, data gathering, 
    contractor performance, organ procurement, fiscal procedures, liaison 
    with Congress and outside organizations, and technical assistance to 
    the ESRD organizations.
    (4) Division of Program Assessment and Information (FLE14)
         Oversees a variety of research techniques to review the 
    quality of care activities in health care settings.
         Directs the development of strategies for improving the 
    assessment of quality of health care through research and analytical 
    techniques.
         Directs and monitors the research, assessment, and 
    dissemination of information on the quality of care.
         Develops data and information dissemination protocols to 
    provide feedback to the public and the professional medical community 
    on the quality of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries.
         Maintains liaison with other HCFA components, the 
    Department of Health and Human Services, Congress, and external 
    professional and medical organizations.
    c. Office of Survey and Certification (FLE2)
         Develops and establishes procedures and oversees the 
    implementation and enforcement of health and safety standards for 
    providers and suppliers of health services under Medicare and Medicaid.
         Administers and monitors the nationwide Medicare and 
    Medicaid provider and supplier certification program.
         Develops procedures/guidelines for regional certification 
    responsibilities under Medicare and Medicaid.
         Monitors and validates the application of health and 
    safety standards and the adherence to Medicare and Medicaid policies by 
    State survey agencies and other approved accrediting bodies.
         Monitors and evaluates regional performance of oversight 
    responsibilities in survey and certification.
         Reviews the validity and effectiveness of existing 
    standards.
         Develops and analyzes national data on the administration 
    of the Medicare and Medicaid standards and certification program and 
    develops methods for improvement.
         Conducts surveyor training, informational and other 
    initiatives for improving the performance of State survey agencies and 
    the providers and suppliers under the Medicare and Medicaid program.
    (1) Division of Long-Term Care Services (FLE21)
         Directs and coordinates activities that implement, enforce 
    and monitor health quality and safety standards and other health care 
    procedures for long term care facilities under Medicare and Medicaid.
         Coordinates and applies regulations, procedures and 
    guidelines for the improvement of standards enforcement and validation 
    processes.
         Reviews and analyzes existing standards to determine their 
    initial and continued effectiveness and impact on utilization, quality 
    and cost of long-term care services and initiates new or revised 
    instructions or standards, as necessary.
         Reviews and maintains guidelines and instructions for 
    interpretation, implementation and enforcement of health quality and 
    safety standards by the regional offices and State survey agencies.
         Prepare provider participation materials and instructions.
         Develops survey and certification forms utilized by State 
    survey agencies in the survey and certification process.
         Monitors the enforcement of health quality and safety 
    standards and compliance with established policy by State survey 
    agencies and accrediting organizations whose standards and enforcement 
    processes are deemed to meet Federal requirements for the Medicare and 
    Medicaid programs.
         Maintains liaison with professional groups and standards 
    setting organizations.
         Serves as the focal point for responding to regional 
    office, State agency, congressional, organizational and individual 
    inquiries relating to application of health and safety requirements and 
    certification procedures for participating providers.
    (2) Division of Systems Management and Data Analysis (FLE22)
         Maintains Section 1864 Agreements and oversees regional 
    office (RO) 1864 negotiations and approval.
         Responsible for financial operations, including funding 
    requirements and budget justifications, of the Medicare and Medicaid 
    State certification program.
         Designs, tests and manages the centralized Medicare/
    Medicaid Automated Certification System (MMACS) to provide program 
    related and health management information on all providers and 
    suppliers participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
         Develops data input and output requirements and 
    specifications for modification of computer processing activities.
         Provides technical assistance and training to central and 
    RO personnel on the operation of MMACS equipment, use of forms, and 
    utilization of data output.
         Develops new approaches for survey and certification on 
    the basis of needs identified through MMACS data, RO direct surveys, 
    comments from State survey agencies and other program areas.
         Tests improvements in the State agencies (SAs) 
    certification process including modification of reporting procedures, 
    utilization of personnel and use of financial incentives.
         Develops procedures for evaluating the effectiveness of RO 
    performance and oversight of State survey agency performance.
         Collects and analyzes data derived from MMACS for use by 
    ROs and SAs in pinpointing specific certification problems and for 
    development of criteria and procedures to assess the quality of care 
    being provided by Medicare and Medicaid providers.
         Collects, analyzes and studies data provided from the 
    MMACS data system on a routine and special basis for use by ROs and SAs 
    to identify specific certification and health and safety problems.
         Develops criteria and procedures through data analysis to 
    assess the quality of care being provided by Medicare and Medicaid 
    providers.
    (3) Division of Program Operations (FLE23)
         Reviews State agency (SA) performance by conducting onsite 
    reviews and assisting regional offices in program and administrative 
    reviews.
         Reviews SA certification process with a view to improve 
    management of the survey and certification process.
         Performs special studies to improve the survey and 
    certification process and prepare guidelines and instructions for 
    regional office (RO) and SA use.
         Develops procedures for the administration of provider 
    agreements and revises, as needed, the State Operations and Regional 
    Office Manuals.
         Maintains a system of communications to SAs and ROs 
    relating to provider survey and certification and SA management.
         Develops and conducts surveyor training and other 
    initiatives for improving the performance of State survey agencies and 
    the providers and suppliers under the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
         Updates existing training materials to state of the art 
    techniques.
    (4) Division of Laboratory Standards and Performance (FLE24)
         Directs and coordinates activities that implement, 
    enforce, and monitor the provisions of the Clinical Laboratory 
    Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) and the Medicare laboratory 
    program.
         Prepares regulation specifications for laboratory 
    standards including comment review and summaries.
         Prepares and implements interpretive guidelines, survey 
    procedures, forms, and related sections of the Regional Office Manual 
    and the State Operations Manual.
         Reviews and recommends approval for proficiency testing 
    programs and monitors their performance.
         Reviews and recommends approval for accreditation and 
    State licensure programs and monitors their performance. Develops and 
    administers the cytology proficiency testing program, as required.
         Assists in the design of data systems and in the 
    evaluation of CLIA data. Conducts studies and prepares reports to 
    Congress on laboratory, proficiency testing, and accreditation program 
    performance.
         Prepares and participates in CLIA surveyor training.
         Responds to regional office, State survey agency, 
    congressional, organizational, and individual inquiries relating to the 
    application of laboratory requirements and certification procedures.
         Executes and participates in a comprehensive interagency 
    agreement with the Public Health Service to exchange technical 
    information in the management of CLIA.
         Manages procurement related to the CLIA survey process.
         Provides liaison and support to other HCFA components, HHS 
    components, and other governmental agencies such as the Department of 
    Defense and the Veterans Administration on issues to implement and 
    operate CLIA, including the survey process, user fees, appeals process, 
    application procedures, forms development, data collection, regulatory 
    issues relating to payment and compliance, and other related issues.
         Represents HCFA in presentations and meetings with outside 
    interested individuals and organizations on CLIA matters involving 
    laboratory standards and performance.
    (5) Division of Hospitals, Home Health, and Ambulatory Services (FLE25)
         Directs and coordinates activities that implement, 
    enforce, and monitor health quality and safety standards and other 
    health care procedures for acute care providers and suppliers under 
    Medicare and Medicaid. These providers and suppliers include hospitals, 
    rural health clinics, End-Stage Renal Disease facilities, physical 
    therapists in independent practice, and home health agencies, etc.
         Coordinates and applies regulations, procedures, and 
    guidelines for the improvement of standards enforcement and validation 
    processes.
         Reviews and analyzes existing standards to determine their 
    initial and continued effectiveness and impact on utilization, quality, 
    and cost of provider and supplier services and initiates new or revised 
    instructions or standards, as necessary.
         Reviews and maintains guidelines and instructions for 
    interpretation, implementation, and enforcement of health quality and 
    safety standards by the regional offices and State survey agencies.
         Prepares provider and supplier participation materials and 
    instructions.
         Develops survey and certification forms and procedures 
    utilized by State survey agencies in the survey and certification 
    process.
         Monitors the enforcement of health quality and safety 
    standards and compliance with established policy by State survey 
    agencies and other accrediting organizations whose standards and 
    enforcement processes are deemed to meet Federal requirements for the 
    Medicare and Medicaid programs.
         Conducts liaison with other government organizations, 
    professional groups, and standards setting organizations.
         Serves as the focal point for responding to regional 
    office, State Agency, congressional, organizational, and individual 
    inquiries relating to the application of health and safety requirements 
    and certification procedures for participating acute care providers and 
    suppliers.
    
        Dated: March 16, 1994.
    Bruce C. Vladeck,
    Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration.
    [FR Doc. 94-7346 Filed 3-28-94; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4120-01-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
03/29/1994
Department:
Health Care Finance Administration
Entry Type:
Uncategorized Document
Document Number:
94-7346
Pages:
0-0 (1 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Federal Register: March 29, 1994