Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2025
Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would remove a Medicare requirement that currently limits how long patients can stay in critical access hospitals. Specifically, it would eliminate the rule requiring doctors to certify that patients will likely be discharged or transferred within 96 hours (4 days) of admission. Critical access hospitals are small hospitals, typically in rural areas, that receive special Medicare funding in exchange for following certain requirements. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects rural communities and small hospitals that rely on critical access hospital status.
It would also impact Medicare patients in these areas, as well as doctors and hospital administrators who currently must comply with the 96-hour requirement. The bill could potentially increase Medicare spending if hospitals admit patients for longer stays. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Adrian Smith (R-Nebraska) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2025This 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.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.