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NRHA supports S.3435, the R-HoPE bill

By Erin Mahn Zumbrun posted 10-06-2016 10:50 AM

  

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) applauds Senators Pat Roberts (R-KS), John Barrasso (R-WY), Al Franken (D-MN), and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) for introducing S.3435, the Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act (R- HoPE). This important bipartisan bill will provide regulatory relief for rural hospitals and extend important rural provisions that are set to expire or have expired. 

Rural hospitals are a critical link in serving rural Americans, who are more likely to be older, sicker and poorer than their urban counterparts. With 76 rural hospitals already closed, and 673 more on the brink of closure, regulatory relief, such as which is included in this legislation, will provide some of the support these hospitals need to continue the care of rural patients.  

The R-HoPE bill will provide common-sense regulatory relief to small, rural hospitals, including the “96 hour” condition of payment and supervision requirements for outpatient therapy services. Removing regulatory barriers will allow more rural Americans the access to care they need. This legislation is a step in helping rural communities’ access local care.

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