Critical Access Hospital Relief Act Introduced
Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE), who spoke at NRHA's Rural Health Policy Institute earlier today, has introduced the Critical Access Hospital Relief Act (H.R. 3991). This bill, which is cosponsored by Representatives Lynn Jenkins (R-KS), Greg Walden (R-OR), and David Loebsack (D-IA), would eliminate the current Condition of Payment requirement that physicians at Critical Access Hospitals certify, at the time of admission, that Medicare and Medicaid patients will not be at the facility for more than 96 hours. This important legislation will go far in helping alleviate unnecessary red-tape for Critical Access Hospitals throughout the nation. NRHA commends these rural health champions for their leadership and encourages Congress to act quickly to pass this legislation.