I
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 538
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 16, 2025
Mr. Smith of Nebraska (for himself and Ms. Sewell) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
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.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Removing Medicare 96-hour physician certification requirement for inpatient critical access hospital services
(a) In general
Section 1814(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395f(a)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (6), by adding and
at the end;
(2)
in paragraph (7), at the end of subparagraph (E), by striking ; and
and inserting a period; and
(3)
by striking paragraph (8).
(b) Application
The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2026.