§ 7311. Quality assurance
(a)
The Secretary shall—
(b)
(1)
As part of the quality-assurance program, the Under Secretary for Health shall periodically evaluate—
(2)
The evaluation under paragraph (1)(A) shall be made using the information compiled under subsection (c)(1). The evaluation under paragraph (1)(B) shall be made taking into account the factors described in subsection (c)(2)(B).
(3)
If, based upon an evaluation under paragraph (1)(A), the Under Secretary for Health determines that there is a deviation referred to in that paragraph, the Under Secretary for Health shall explain the deviation in the report submitted under subsection (f).[1]
(c)
(1)
The Under Secretary for Health shall—
(A)
determine the prevailing national mortality and morbidity standards for each type of surgical procedure performed by the Administration; and
(B)
collect data and other information on mortality and morbidity rates in the Administration for each type of surgical procedure performed by the Administration and (with respect to each such procedure) compile the data and other information so collected—
(2)
The Under Secretary for Health shall—
(A)
compare the mortality and morbidity rates compiled under paragraph (1)(B) with the national mortality and morbidity standards determined under paragraph (1)(A); and
(d)
Based on the information compiled and the comparisons, analyses, evaluations, and explanations made under subsections (b) and (c), the Under Secretary for Health, in the report under subsection (f),[1] shall make such recommendations with respect to quality assurance as the Under Secretary for Health considers appropriate.
(e)
[1] See References in Text note below.