Bill > HR538

This bill seeks to remove the 96-hour physician certification requirement for inpatient critical access hospital (CAH) services under Medicare. Critical access hospitals are small, rural healthcare facilities that provide essential medical services in areas with limited healthcare access. Currently, Medicare requires physicians to certify the medical necessity of a patient's hospital stay if it extends beyond 96 hours. The bill would eliminate this specific certification requirement, which could simplify administrative processes for rural hospitals and potentially make it easier for patients to receive longer-term care in these facilities. The changes would take effect on January 1, 2026, and apply to medical items and services provided on or after that date. By removing this specific certification step, the bill aims to reduce bureaucratic burden on rural healthcare providers while maintaining the overall quality and accessibility of medical care in underserved areas.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/538/all-info