Which legislation implemented the long-term (acute) care hospital inpatient prospective payment system?

The legislation that implemented the long-term (acute) care hospital inpatient prospective payment system is the Balanced Budget Refinement Act (BBRA). This act was designed to modify the provisions of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and provided specific adjustments to Medicare payment systems, including the establishment of a prospective payment system for long-term care hospitals. This change was aimed at improving the efficiency and quality of care provided to patients in such facilities, ensuring that reimbursement was better aligned with patient needs and outcomes.

Other legislation mentioned, like TEFRA (Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act), primarily focused on establishing payment protocols for nursing homes and other acute care settings, while OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) deals broadly with various healthcare reforms, including some aspects of Medicaid. Although each piece of legislation plays a significant role in shaping healthcare policy and reimbursement, the BBRA specifically pertains to the transition toward a prospective payment system for long-term acute care hospitals.