Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 124.djvu/206

124 STAT. 180 PUBLIC LAW 111–148—MAR. 23, 2010 (B) the implementation of activities to prevent hospital readmissions through a comprehensive program for hos- pital discharge that includes patient-centered education and counseling, comprehensive discharge planning, and post discharge reinforcement by an appropriate health care professional; (C) the implementation of activities to improve patient safety and reduce medical errors through the appropriate use of best clinical practices, evidence based medicine, and health information technology under the plan or coverage; and (D) the implementation of wellness and health pro- motion activities. (2) GUIDELINES.—The Secretary, in consultation with experts in health care quality and stakeholders, shall develop guidelines concerning the matters described in paragraph (1). (3) REQUIREMENTS.—The guidelines developed under para- graph (2) shall require the periodic reporting to the applicable Exchange of the activities that a qualified health plan has conducted to implement a strategy described in paragraph (1). (h) QUALITY IMPROVEMENT.— (1) ENHANCING PATIENT SAFETY.—Beginning on January 1, 2015, a qualified health plan may contract with— (A) a hospital with greater than 50 beds only if such hospital— (i) utilizes a patient safety evaluation system as described in part C of title IX of the Public Health Service Act; and (ii) implements a mechanism to ensure that each patient receives a comprehensive program for hospital discharge that includes patient-centered education and counseling, comprehensive discharge planning, and post discharge reinforcement by an appropriate health care professional; or (B) a health care provider only if such provider imple- ments such mechanisms to improve health care quality as the Secretary may by regulation require. (2) EXCEPTIONS.—The Secretary may establish reasonable exceptions to the requirements described in paragraph (1). (3) ADJUSTMENT.—The Secretary may by regulation adjust the number of beds described in paragraph (1)(A). (i) NAVIGATORS.— (1) IN GENERAL.—An Exchange shall establish a program under which it awards grants to entities described in paragraph (2) to carry out the duties described in paragraph (3). (2) ELIGIBILITY.— (A) IN GENERAL.—To be eligible to receive a grant under paragraph (1), an entity shall demonstrate to the Exchange involved that the entity has existing relation- ships, or could readily establish relationships, with employers and employees, consumers (including uninsured and underinsured consumers), or self-employed individuals likely to be qualified to enroll in a qualified health plan. (B) TYPES.—Entities described in subparagraph (A) may include trade, industry, and professional associations, commercial fishing industry organizations, ranching and farming organizations, community and consumer-focused Grants. Effective date. Reports.