Provider Relief Fund Improvement Act

Provider Relief Fund Improvement Act

This bill extends deadlines, expands the uses of, and makes other changes pertaining to the Provider Relief Fund. The fund reimburses health care providers for increased expenses or lost revenue attributable to COVID-19.

Specifically, the bill extends the deadline by which providers must use any reimbursements they received in 2020 from the fund to the end of the COVID-19 emergency. Providers must use reimbursements received in the first half of 2021 by the end of the emergency or June 30, 2022, whichever is later.

Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services must distribute the remaining provider relief funds by March 31, 2022. Providers must use these funds by June 30, 2023.

The bill also allows the use of the funds for workplace safety activities, such as hiring additional security personnel.

The Provider Relief Fund Improvement Act, also known as Bill 117 hr 5963, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to make improvements to the Provider Relief Fund, which was established to support healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill includes several key provisions, including increasing transparency and accountability in the distribution of funds, ensuring that funds are distributed in a timely manner, and requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to provide regular updates on the status of the fund.

Additionally, the bill aims to address issues related to the distribution of funds to rural healthcare providers, who have faced unique challenges during the pandemic. It also includes provisions to ensure that funds are distributed equitably to providers serving underserved communities. Overall, the Provider Relief Fund Improvement Act seeks to strengthen the Provider Relief Fund and ensure that healthcare providers have the support they need to continue providing care during the ongoing public health crisis.