Rural Health
News by Topic: Critical Access Hospitals
May 15, 2024 - Senators Jerry Moran of Kansas and Tina Smith of Minnesota introduced the Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act, which would expand access to federal resources for rural hospitals. The legislation would increase opportunities for Critical Access Hospitals and rural hospitals to convert to Rural Emergency Hospital status.
Source: Office of Senator Jerry Moran
May 7, 2024 - Provides an overview of new legislation aimed at improving healthcare access, with a focus on rural and underserved areas. Details six bills addressing a range of issues including telehealth access, rural hospital stabilization, and healthcare workforce shortages.
Source: House Committee on Ways and Means
Apr 10, 2024 - Announces proposed bipartisan legislation modifying regulations for Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in mountainous areas. Legislation would allow ambulatory services with enhanced Medicare payments as well as protecting CAH designation when a new facility is constructed within 15 miles.
Source: Office of Senator Joe Manchin
Apr 1, 2024 - Describes challenges rural health systems face when fighting infectious diseases, including shortages of infectious diseases physicians, geographic isolation, and difficulties in accessing mentoring in infection prevention and control.
Source: JAMA Network