Punctuation appears to be missing in the 5th paragraph. Consider breaking up the text through the use of bullets (see proposed wording) and removing the space between this text and the preceding paragraph (paragraph 4) since this text is a continuation of "The Act requires:". This will simplify reading. Also, consider removing extraneous mention of settings (see proposed wording; or alternatively "Reporting of standardized patient assessment data through commonly used PAC assessment instruments in each setting:").

Existing Wording:

Reporting of standardized patient assessment data through commonly used PAC assessment instruments for LTCHs, SNFs, HHAs, and IRFs Minimum Data Set (MDS)for SNFs Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility – Patient Assessment Information (IRF – PAI) for IRFs LTCH Continuity Assessment Record and Evaluation (CARE) Data Set (LCDS) for LTCHs Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) for HHAs Implementation of data elements specified in each assessment domain using standardized data elements to be nested within the assessment instruments currently required for submission by LTCH, IRF, SNF, and HHA providers Data to be standardized and interoperable to allow exchange of data between PAC providers, among others, using common standards and definitions to provide access to longitudinal information and facilitate coordinated care.

Proposed Wording:

In 2014, the Social Security Act was amended to include the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation (IMPACT) Act, which required the standardization and interoperability of patient assessment in specific categories for post-acute care (PAC) settings, including long-term care hospitals (LTCHs), home health agencies (HHAs), skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs). It focuses on standardizing data elements in specified quality measure domains and patient assessment domains for cross setting comparison and clinical information exchange, respectively. The Act requires:
• Reporting of standardized patient assessment data through commonly used PAC assessment instruments:
‣ Minimum Data Set (MDS) for SNFs
‣ Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility – Patient Assessment Information (IRF – PAI) for IRFs
‣ LTCH Continuity Assessment Record and Evaluation (CARE) Data Set (LCDS) for LTCHs
‣ Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) for HHAs

• Implementation of data elements specified in each assessment domain using standardized data elements to be nested within the assessment instruments currently required for submission by LTCH, IRF, SNF, and HHA providers.

• Data to be standardized and interoperable to allow exchange of data between PAC providers, among others, using common standards and definitions to provide access to longitudinal information and facilitate coordinated care.