Medicare program; allowing certifications and recertification by nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists for certain services--HCFA. Final rule with comment period.

This final rule with comment period authorizes nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists, working in collaboration with a physician, to certify and recertify that extended care services are needed or continue to be needed. In addition, it sets forth the qualification requirements that a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist must meet in order to sign certification or recertification statements. This final rule is necessary to implement section 6028 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989.