New York State Health Care Reform Act (HCRA)

January 29, 2001

Dear Administrator/Comptroller:

Re: 2001 Public Goods Pool Reporting Forms - Freestanding Clinical Laboratories

As you are likely aware, the provisions of Public Health Law (PHL) Sections 2807-j(1-a)(a)(iii) and 2807-j(3)(c) has exempted freestanding clinical laboratory services provided on or after October 1, 2000 from the surcharges established under the Health Care Reform Acts of 1996 and 2000. Although this exemption has been effectuated, laboratories must continue to file monthly Public Goods Pool reports through December 31, 2001, or until all claims for the January 1, 1997 through September 30, 2000 service period have been properly adjudicated. Upon adjudication of all affected claims, the laboratory must submit a final monthly report (clearly marked "FINAL" in red ink) along with a completed "Change of Designated Provider Status" form (enclosed).

Enclosed are the forms and instructions which freestanding laboratories must use when calculating and remitting payments to the Public Goods Pools for the January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001, reporting period. Also enclosed is a schedule of report and payment due dates for the months of January through December 2001. Note that the first report, covering the month of January 2001, must be submitted (postmarked) by March 2, 2001.

Reports must be completed and submitted in accordance with the enclosed instructions. If, upon review, a report is deemed unacceptable, the report may be returned and a delinquency notice issued. Failure to comply with the reporting provisions provided in Sections 2807-j and 2807-s of the Public Health Law (PHL) may result in the recoupment of the facility´s estimated monthly assessment liability, along with interest and/or penalty, from various third party payments pursuant to Section 2807-j(6) of the Public Health Law. Additionally, PHL Section 2807-j(7)(c) authorizes the Commissioner to assess civil penalties for certain reporting delinquencies.

Should you have any questions concerning the foregoing or the enclosed forms, please contact a HCRA representative at (518) 474-1673.

Sincerely,

Mark H. Van Guysling
Assistant Director
Division of Health Care Financing

Enclosures