Second Chances for Rural Hospitals Act

Bill 119 HR 1775, also known as the Rural Emergency Hospital Act, aims to make changes to the criteria for designating rural emergency hospitals under title XVIII of the Social Security Act.

Currently, rural hospitals face unique challenges in providing emergency care to their communities. This bill seeks to address these challenges by modifying the criteria for designating rural emergency hospitals.

Specifically, the bill aims to expand the definition of a rural emergency hospital to include facilities that provide emergency care services on a 24/7 basis, have a designated emergency department, and are located in a rural area. Additionally, the bill seeks to provide flexibility for rural hospitals to meet the criteria for designation as a rural emergency hospital. This includes allowing hospitals to demonstrate their ability to provide emergency care services through alternative means, such as telemedicine or partnerships with other healthcare providers. Overall, the Rural Emergency Hospital Act aims to improve access to emergency care services in rural communities by making it easier for hospitals to qualify for designation as rural emergency hospitals.