CHARTS Act

This bill mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a grant program for long-term care and post-acute care providers, to be awarded within two years of enactment. These grants, lasting three years and capped at $500,000 per provider, are specifically for developing and adopting advanced health information technology. The primary goal is to enhance communication, coordination, and electronic exchange of patient health data among various healthcare entities.

The funds will improve care effectiveness, efficiency, and quality through tools like clinical decision support and enhanced interoperability. This includes implementing systems to improve care transitions, prevent redundant services, and facilitate real-time data exchange to better address patient needs. Priority for grants will be given to providers likely to improve health outcomes for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, ensuring a diverse and nationally representative sample based on population demographics and insurance status.

The Secretary is required to submit a preliminary report within three years, identifying grant recipients. A final report, due within six years, will evaluate the technology's impact on care coordination, patient outcomes such as reduced falls and rehospitalizations, and potential reductions in federal expenditures. This final report will also include recommendations for extending or expanding the grant program based on its effectiveness.