Medicare and Medicaid programs: conditions of participation for hospitals--HCFA. Proposed rule.

We are proposing a general revision of the Conditions of Participation for hospitals. The Conditions are those requirements that hospitals must meet in order to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs [titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act]. This proposed rule is part of the Department's regulatory relief efforts and is designed to reduce Federal requirements, simplify and clarify regulations, and provide maximum flexibility in administration, while protecting patient health and safety.