Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act

Hozzl · 2025-04-03T13:59:04Z

Explore the details of House Bill 2191 Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Health. Stay informed on legislative developments.

4/3/2025, 1:59 PM

Summary of Bill HR 2191

Bill 119 HR 2191, also known as the Physician Self-Referral Reform Act, aims to make changes to the Social Security Act in order to address concerns related to physician-owned hospitals. The bill specifically focuses on revising certain exemptions that allow physicians to refer patients to hospitals in which they have a financial interest.

Under current law, physician-owned hospitals are able to receive Medicare payments for services provided to patients referred by their physician owners. This has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the potential for overutilization of services.

The proposed changes in Bill 119 HR 2191 seek to tighten regulations around physician self-referrals to ensure that patients are receiving appropriate care based on medical necessity rather than financial incentives. The bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in the healthcare system by requiring physician-owned hospitals to disclose their ownership interests and financial relationships. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to strengthen oversight and enforcement mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure compliance with the new regulations. This includes penalties for violations and increased reporting requirements for physician-owned hospitals. Overall, Bill 119 HR 2191 represents a bipartisan effort to address concerns related to physician self-referral practices and promote integrity in the healthcare system. The bill aims to protect patients and ensure that healthcare decisions are made based on the best interests of the patient rather than financial gain.

Congressional Summary of HR 2191

Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act

This bill expands flexibilities for physicians and physician-owned hospitals under the Stark law (i.e., the Physician Self-Referral Law).

The Stark law generally prohibits physicians from referring patients to receive services that are payable under Medicare or Medicaid from entities in which the physician or an immediate family member has a financial relationship. The bill allows physicians or their immediate family members to have financial interests in rural hospitals that are located more than 35 miles (or 15 miles in certain mountainous areas or areas with only secondary roads) from a hospital or critical access hospital.

The Stark law also generally prohibits physician-owned hospitals from expanding the number of operating rooms, procedure rooms, or beds beyond the number in existence as of March 23, 2010, in order to be excepted under the Stark law. The bill removes this restriction.

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Current Status of Bill HR 2191

Bill HR 2191 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 18, 2025. Bill HR 2191 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on March 18, 2025. Bill HR 2191's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. as of March 18, 2025