Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 117.djvu/2188

 PUBLIC LAW 108–173—DEC. 8, 2003

117 STAT. 2169

(d) REPORT.—By not later than January 1, 2005, the Commission shall submit to the President and Congress a report that contains a detailed proposal (including specific legislative or administrative recommendations, if any) and such other recommendations as the Commission deems appropriate. (e) SUPPORT.—The Secretary shall provide the Commission with the administrative support services necessary for the Commission to carry out its responsibilities under this section. (f) TERMINATION.—The Commission shall terminate 30 days after the date of submission of the report under subsection (d).

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SEC. 107. STUDIES AND REPORTS.

(a) STUDY REGARDING REGIONAL VARIATIONS IN PRESCRIPTION DRUG SPENDING.— (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall conduct a study that examines variations in per capita spending for covered part D drugs under part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act among PDP regions and, with respect to such spending, the amount of such variation that is attributable to— (A) price variations (described in section 1860D– 15(c)(2) of such Act); and (B) differences in per capita utilization that is not taken into account in the health status risk adjustment provided under section 1860D–15(c)(1) of such Act. (2) REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS.—Not later than January 1, 2009, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under paragraph (1). Such report shall include— (A) information regarding the extent of geographic variation described in paragraph (1)(B); (B) an analysis of the impact on direct subsidies under section 1860D–15(a)(1) of the Social Security Act in different PDP regions if such subsidies were adjusted to take into account the variation described in subparagraph (A); and (C) recommendations regarding the appropriateness of applying an additional geographic adjustment factor under section 1860D–15(c)(2) that reflects some or all of the variation described in subparagraph (A). (b) REVIEW AND REPORT ON CURRENT STANDARDS OF PRACTICE FOR PHARMACY SERVICES PROVIDED TO PATIENTS IN NURSING FACILITIES.— (1) REVIEW.— (A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a thorough review of the current standards of practice for pharmacy services provided to patients in nursing facilities. (B) SPECIFIC MATTERS REVIEWED.—In conducting the review under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall— (i) assess the current standards of practice, clinical services, and other service requirements generally used for pharmacy services in long-term care settings; and (ii) evaluate the impact of those standards with respect to patient safety, reduction of medication errors and quality of care. (2) REPORT.—

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42 USC 1395w–111 note.

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42 USC 1395i–3 note.

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