Medicare program; payment adjustments for sole community hospitals--HCFA. Final rule with comment period.

This rule changes Medicare prospective payment regulations for inpatient hospital services in order to allow an adjustment to the payment amounts (if warranted) under the prospective payment system for sole community hospitals that experience a significant increase in inpatient operating costs attributable to the addition of new inpatient services or facilities. In addition, in accordance with section 9302(e)(4) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986, we are extending certain payment provisions for sole community hospitals.