Rebuild America’s Health Care Schools Act of 2025
Rebuild America’s Health Care Schools Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Rebuild America's Health Care Schools Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would expand Medicare reimbursement rules for hospitals that train nursing and allied health students (like nursing assistants, physical therapists, etc.). Currently, hospitals can only get Medicare funding to cover training costs if the instruction happens at the hospital itself or in the immediate surrounding area. This bill would allow hospitals to receive the same reimbursement even if training occurs at affiliated facilities—meaning hospitals owned or controlled by the same parent organization—located elsewhere. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects hospitals, nursing schools, and allied health training programs that are part of larger healthcare systems. It could indirectly benefit nursing and allied health students by potentially improving training resources if hospitals increase educational investments.
Medicare beneficiaries could be affected depending on how reimbursement changes influence hospital costs and operations. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 1708) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Illinois) and is currently in committee review. It has not yet been voted on by the full House or Senate. The bill would require approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to implement any changes to how Medicare reimburses these training costs.
CRS Official Summary
Rebuild America’s Health Care Schools Act of 2025This bill allows hospitals to receive reimbursement under Medicare for certain costs associated with training nursing and allied health students in settings other than the hospital itself. Currently, hospitals may receive reimbursement under Medicare for the reasonable costs associated with training nursing and allied health students if certain conditions are met; the criteria vary depending on whether the students are enrolled in an educational program that is operated by the hospital or another entity. If the students are part of a program that is operated by another entity, the training must occur at the hospital itself or in areas immediately surrounding the hospital in order to qualify for reimbursement (among other requirements). The bill allows hospitals to receive reimbursement for these costs if the training is conducted at an entity that is related to the hospital (i.e., common ownership or control).The bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to update regulations to reflect these changes. Additionally, the CMS may not recoup or reduce payments to hospitals with respect to costs that are allowed under the bill and must refund any such recoupments or reductions that occurred during the six-year period prior to the bill's enactment.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.