HR 538
Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2025
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Bill overview
This bill aims to simplify the process for critical access hospitals to receive Medicare payments for inpatient services. Currently, a physician must certify that a patient will be discharged or transferred within 96 hours of admission. The bill removes this 96-hour certification requirement, allowing hospitals to receive payments more easily. This change is intended to reduce administrative burdens and improve access to care for patients in rural areas.
Key provisions
- Removes the 96-hour physician certification requirement for inpatient critical access hospital services.
- Amends Section 1814(a) of the Social Security Act.
- The changes will take effect on January 1, 2026.
Who is affected
- Critical Access Hospitals
- Physicians
- Medicare beneficiaries
- Rural healthcare providers
Notable changes
- Eliminates the requirement for physician certification of patient discharge timelines.
- Simplifies Medicare payment processes for critical access hospitals.
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Primary sponsor
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119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
H. R. 538
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A BILL
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove the 96-hour physician certification requirement for inpatient critical access hospital services.
This Act may be cited as the Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2025
.
in paragraph (6), by adding and
at the end;
in paragraph (7), at the end of subparagraph (E), by striking ; and
and inserting a period; and
by striking paragraph (8).
The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2026.