PUBLIC LAW 106-554—APPENDIX F 114 STAT. 2763A-527 (2) physician assistant (as defined in subsection (aa)(5)(A) of such section); (3) nurse practitioner (as defined in such subsection); and (4) clinical nurse specialist (as defined in subsection (aa)(5)(B) of such section). The study shall separately examine the appropriateness of such payment rates for orthopedic physician assistants, taking into consideration the requirements for accreditation, training, and education. (b) REPORT.—Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under subsection (a), together with any recommendations for legislation that the Commission determines to be appropriate as a result of such study. SEC. 435. MEDPAC STUDY AND REPORT ON MEDICARE COVERAGE OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY CERTAIN NONPHYSICIAN PROVIDERS. (a) STUDY.— (1) IN GENERAL.—The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission shall conduct a study to determine the appropriateness of providing coverage under the medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act for services provided by a— (A) surgical technologist; (B) marriage counselor; (C) marriage and family therapist; (D) pastoral care counselor; and (E) licensed professional counselor of mental health. (2) COSTS TO PROGRAM.—The study shall consider the shortterm and long-term benefits, and costs to the medicare program, of providing the coverage described in paragraph (1). (b) REPORT. — Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under subsection (a), together with any recommendations for legislation that the Commission determines to be appropriate as a result of such study. SEC. 436. GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON THE COSTS OF EMERGENCY AND MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES. (a) STUDY.— The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the costs of providing emergency and medical transportation services across the range of acuity levels of conditions for which such transportation services are provided. (b) REPORT. — Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under subsection (a), together with recommendations for any changes in methodology or payment level necessary to fairly compensate suppliers of emergency and medical transportation services and to ensure the access of beneficiaries under the medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act. SEC. 437. GAO STUDIES AND REPORTS ON MEDICARE PAYMENTS. (a) GAO STUDY ON HCFA POST-PAYMENT AUDIT PROCESS. — (1) STUDY.— The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the post-payment audit process under the medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act as such process applies to physicians, including the proper
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