arrow_back Back to App

Rural Hospitals: Ensuring Access to Care in Remote Areas.

This act aims to simplify operations for small-town hospitals, vital for rural residents. It helps these hospitals maintain their status, ensuring continuous healthcare access for those living far from major cities. It also mandates public consultation before changing rules for these hospitals.
Key points
Maintaining rural hospital status: Hospitals designated before July 31, 2015, will be evaluated under previous, less strict road distance rules, making it easier for them to continue operating.
Greater healthcare stability: Rural residents can expect more stable access to local hospitals, often their only source of emergency medical help.
Citizen participation in lawmaking: Any future changes to rural hospital rules will require at least a 60-day public comment period, allowing citizens to voice their opinions.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Expired
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_489
Sponsor: Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]
Process start date: 2021-01-25
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Protecting Rural Access to Care Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_489.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-01-25.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Maintaining rural hospital status: Hospitals designated before July 31, 2015, will be evaluated under previous, less strict road distance rules, making it easier for them to continue operating.
  • Greater healthcare stability: Rural residents can expect more stable access to local hospitals, often their only source of emergency medical help.
  • Citizen participation in lawmaking: Any future changes to rural hospital rules will require at least a 60-day public comment period, allowing citizens to voice their opinions.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2026-01-02.

CATEGORIES

Health