While the temporary, one-year SGR bill included a number of rural victories, including the extension of critical rural Medicare extenders, the package left many rural health care providers wanting more. Among other items, the bill did not address the problematic 96-hour condition of payment rule for Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) or changes to the physician supervision guidelines that are causing significant challenges for CAHs and small PPS hospitals.
But NRHA has not given up. NRHA supported legislation in both the House and the Senate would address both of these issues, and we need you to help us push them forward. The Critical Access Hospital Relief Act (S. 2037/H.R. 3991) is a bipartisan effort to permanently address the 96-hour condition of payment issue by eliminating the problematic statutory language that CMS is basing its decision on. The Protecting Access to Rural Therapy Services (PARTS) Act (S. 1143/H.R. 2801) would mandate that CMS revert all physician supervision levels to "general" for CAHs and small, rural PPS facilities.
Your engagement on these issues, and your advocacy with members of Congress, will be critical to moving these legislative items forward. NRHA Government Affairs is happy to help any interested parties get in contact with your Representatives and Senators, write op-ed pieces, or organize letter campaigns. Again, your efforts will be critical to advancing these important issues. Act now!