Critical Access Hospital Relief Act Introduced
Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE), Greg Walden (R-OR), David Loebsack (D-IA) and Todd Young (R-IN) have introduced the H.R. 169, the Critical Access Hospital Relief Act. This bill 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.