What is the purpose of the Impact Act of 2014?

The Impact Act of 2014 is specifically designed to improve the quality of care in post-acute settings by ensuring better care transitions for Medicare beneficiaries. The primary focus of the legislation is on the integration of data across various post-acute care facilities, including skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and long-term care hospitals. By enhancing the ability to measure and compare care quality across these settings, the Act aims to facilitate smoother transitions for patients moving from one level of care to another. This can lead to improved outcomes for patients as they receive more coordinated and efficient care, which is essential for reducing hospital readmissions and enhancing overall patient experience. The emphasis on data standardization and interoperability is key to achieving these objectives within the Medicare program.