Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2025

Hozzl · 2025-02-13T19:57:17Z

Explore the details of House Bill 538 Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2025 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Health. Stay informed on legislative developments.

2/13/2025, 7:57 PM

Summary of Bill HR 538

Bill 119 HR 538 aims to make a change to title XVIII of the Social Security Act by eliminating the 96-hour physician certification requirement for inpatient critical access hospital services. Currently, critical access hospitals are required to have a physician certify that a patient will need hospital care for at least 96 hours in order to qualify for Medicare reimbursement. This bill seeks to remove this requirement, allowing critical access hospitals more flexibility in providing care to patients without the burden of meeting a specific time frame.

The bill is intended to streamline the process for critical access hospitals and improve access to care for patients in rural areas. By removing the 96-hour certification requirement, hospitals will be able to admit and treat patients based on medical necessity rather than arbitrary time constraints. This change is expected to benefit both hospitals and patients by reducing administrative burdens and ensuring that patients receive the care they need in a timely manner.

Overall, Bill 119 HR 538 is a non-partisan effort to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of critical access hospital services. It is a step towards ensuring that all patients, regardless of their location, have access to high-quality healthcare.

Congressional Summary of HR 538

Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2025

This bill repeals the 96-hour physician-certification requirement for inpatient critical access hospital services under Medicare. Under current law, as a condition for Medicare payment for such services, a physician must certify that a patient may reasonably be expected to be discharged or transferred to a hospital within 96 hours after admission to the critical access hospital.

Current Status of Bill HR 538

Bill HR 538 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 16, 2025. Bill HR 538 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 16, 2025. Bill HR 538's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. as of January 16, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 538

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 538

Primary Policy Focus

Health

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Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 538

Adrian Smith

Nebraska(Republican)

Terri A. Sewell

Alabama(Democrat)

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