### Question
What is the definition of eligible hospital?


### Answer
The definition of **eligible hospital** is as follows in *42 U.S.C. § 280j*:

> a hospital that the Secretary determines has a high rate of risk adjusted readmissions for the conditions described in section 1395ww(q)(8)(A) of this title and has not taken appropriate steps to reduce such readmissions and improve patient safety as evidenced through historically high rates of readmissions, as determined by the Secretary

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 280j*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 6A-PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE > SUBCHAPTER II-GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES > Part S-Health Care Quality Programs > subpart i-national strategy for quality improvement in health care**

