PHYSPRC STUDY OF PAYMENTS FOR ASSISTANTS AT SURGERY.

SEC. 6138. PHYSPRC STUDY OF PAYMENTS FOR ASSISTANTS AT SURGERY. (a) Study; Contents.—The Physician Payment Review Commission shall conduct a study of the payments made under title XVIII of the Social Security Act for assistants at surgery. Such study shall examine— (1) the necessity and appropriateness of using an assistant at surgery; (2) the use of physician and non-physician assistants at surgery; (3) the appropriateness of providing for payments, and the appropriate level of payment, under title XVIII of the Social Security Act for assistants at surgery, and (4) the effect of the amendments made by section 9338 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 on the employment of registered nurses as assistants at surgery, and whether or not the reductions described in subsection (d) of such section have been implemented. (b) Report.—By not later than April 1, 1991, the Commission shall submit a report to Congress on the study conducted under subsection (a), and shall include in the report such recommendations as it deems appropriate.