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Easier Qualification for Rural Emergency Hospitals: Modified Criteria.

This Act modifies the criteria for designating hospitals as Rural Emergency Hospitals (REHs) under the Social Security Act. The change expands the definition of eligible facilities, potentially allowing more small, rural hospitals to maintain operations and provide essential emergency care. For rural residents, this means potentially improved access to urgent medical services that might otherwise be lost.
Key points
Modified Qualification Criteria: Hospitals can now qualify as REHs if they were designated as rural by the Office of Rural Health Policy of the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Reference Date Change: The criteria for designation will be assessed as of January 1, 2014, allowing facilities that might not meet current requirements to qualify.
Improved Rural Healthcare Access: The goal is to enhance the financial and operational stability of small hospitals, crucial for maintaining healthcare access in rural areas.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_4201
Sponsor: Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS]
Process start date: 2024-04-23
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Rural Health Sustainability Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_4201.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2024-04-23.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Modified Qualification Criteria: Hospitals can now qualify as REHs if they were designated as rural by the Office of Rural Health Policy of the Health Resources and Services Administration.
  • Reference Date Change: The criteria for designation will be assessed as of January 1, 2014, allowing facilities that might not meet current requirements to qualify.
  • Improved Rural Healthcare Access: The goal is to enhance the financial and operational stability of small hospitals, crucial for maintaining healthcare access in rural areas.
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 Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

CATEGORIES

Health