WAIVER OF CERTAIN STAFFING REQUIREMENTS FOR HOSPICE CARE PROGRAMS IN NONURBANIZED AREAS.

SEC. 4446. WAIVER OF CERTAIN STAFFING REQUIREMENTS FOR HOSPICE CARE PROGRAMS IN NONURBANIZED AREAS. Section 1861(dd)(5) (42 U.S.C. 1395x(dd)(5)) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (B), by inserting “or (C)” after “subparagraph (A)” each place it appears; and (2) by adding at the end the following: “(C) The Secretary may waive the requirements of paragraph (2)(A)(i) and (2)(A)(ii) for an agency or organization with respect to the services described in paragraph (1)(B) and, with respect to dietary counseling, paragraph (1)(H), if such agency or organization— “(i) is located in an area which is not an urbanized area (as defined by the Bureau of Census), and “(ii) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the agency or organization has been unable, despite diligent efforts, to recruit appropriate personnel.”.