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Lifts Doctor Approval Requirement for Hospitals
Recent Bills/Lifts Doctor Approval Requirement for Hospitals

Lifts Doctor Approval Requirement for Hospitals

IntroducedJanuary 16, 2025
Introduced1 year ago
Intro
House
Senate
Pres
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
More:Recently Introduced BillsHealthcareHouse Bills
Why This Matters

This bill removes the 96-hour doctor certification requirement for patients in critical access hospitals, making it easier for them to receive care.

If you are a patient in a rural area, this bill allows you to receive care without a 96-hour doctor approval starting in 2026.
Who this affects
patients in rural areas · critical access hospitals
What changes is this bill making?
  1. 1This bill removes the need for a doctor to certify a patient's stay in a critical access hospital for 96 hours.
  2. 2The change applies to inpatient services starting January 1, 2026.
  3. 3Critical access hospitals can provide care without the lengthy certification process.
  4. 4Patients may experience faster admissions and less administrative delay in receiving care.
  5. 5This bill aims to improve healthcare access in rural areas.
Read the detailed 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.

Bill Progress1 of 4
Bills must pass the House, Senate, and be signed by the President to become law.
Intro
House
Senate
Pres
IntroducedCurrentJan 16, 2025

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Sponsors
See all 3 sponsors
House
Senate
President

The President

Joe Biden
46th President
Awaiting Vote
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