SEC. 404. MORE FREQUENT UPDATE IN WEIGHTS USED IN HOSPITAL
MARKET BASKET.
(a) MORE FREQUENT UPDATES IN WEIGHTS- After
revising the weights used in the hospital market basket under section 1886(b)(3)(B)(iii)
of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(b)(3)(B)(iii)) to reflect the most
current data available, the Secretary shall establish a frequency for revising
such weights, including the labor share, in such market basket to reflect the
most current data available more frequently than once every 5 years.
(b) INCORPORATION OF EXPLANATION IN RULEMAKING-
The Secretary shall include in the publication of the final rule for payment
for inpatient hospital services under section 1886(d) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)) for fiscal year 2006, an explanation of the reasons
for, and options considered, in determining frequency established under subsection
(a).
