SC Nebraska News

Reps. Adrian Smith and Terri Sewell have reintroduced the Critical Access Hospital Relief Act, aiming to repeal the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' 96-hour rule for Critical Access Hospitals. This bipartisan effort seeks to alleviate regulatory burdens on rural hospitals.

Rep. Smith emphasized the importance of removing obstacles that hinder patient care, stating, “Ensuring unnecessary red tape does not prevent hospitals from providing the care patients need is essential.” He expressed gratitude towards Rep. Sewell for her collaboration on this initiative.

Rep. Sewell highlighted the struggles faced by Alabama's rural hospitals, saying, “Far too many of Alabama’s rural hospitals are struggling to keep their doors open, putting at risk the health and well-being of our communities.” She noted that the legislation would offer much-needed relief to these facilities.

The 96-hour rule mandates that physicians certify a Medicare patient's discharge or transfer within 96 hours upon admission at Critical Access Hospitals. Non-compliance could result in non-reimbursement.

The Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) and the American Hospital Association (AHA) have expressed support for this legislative move. Jeremy Nordquist, President of NHA, stated, "Critical access hospitals are vital to health care in our rural communities." Lisa Kidder Hrobsky from AHA praised the representatives' leadership in promoting rural healthcare access.

Smith initially introduced similar legislation in 2014. The enforcement of the 96-hour rule has been suspended since 2018 due to actions taken by the Trump administration and subsequent waivers.