Definitions.

Case-mix index

Case-mix index means a scale that measures the relative difference in resource intensity among different groups in the resident classification system.

Market basket index

Market basket index means an index that reflects changes over time in the prices of an appropriate mix of goods and services included in covered skilled nursing services.

Resident classification system

Resident classification system means a system for classifying SNF residents into mutually exclusive groups based on clinical, functional, and resource-based criteria. For purposes of this subpart, this term refers to the current version of the resident classification system, as set forth in the annual publication of Federal prospective payment rates described in § 413.345.

Rural area

Rural area means, for services provided on or after July 1, 1998, but before October 1, 2005, an area as defined in § 412.62(f)(1)(iii) of this chapter. For services provided on or after October 1, 2005, rural area means an area as defined in § 412.64(b)(1)(ii)(C) of this chapter.

Urban area

Urban area means, for services provided on or after July 1, 1998, but before October 1, 2005, an area as defined in § 412.62(f)(1)(ii) of this chapter. For services provided on or after October 1, 2005, urban area means an area as defined in §§ 412.64(b)(1)(ii)(A) and 412.64(b)(1)(ii)(B) of this chapter.