Bill > HB0284

This bill establishes new requirements for hospitals in Wyoming that receive public funding and provide inpatient acute care. These hospitals will be mandated to offer minimum services including emergency services, radiology services, laboratory services, and nursing services, and will also be required to provide obstetrics, labor, and delivery services, with a potential waiver process. Hospitals seeking to waive the obstetrics services requirement must submit an application to the state health department demonstrating one of three conditions: undue financial hardship, insufficient patient volume to ensure staff competency, or lack of necessary personnel, equipment, or medical expertise. The application must also include a signed letter from county commissioners or hospital board of trustees attesting to the inability to provide these services. The health department will have 30 calendar days to review and decide on the waiver application, and the bill defines "hospital" according to specific existing state statutes. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, and makes a minor technical amendment to update a cross-reference in existing law. The goal appears to be ensuring basic medical services are available in public hospitals while providing flexibility for rural or financially constrained healthcare facilities.

Health and Social Services

https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2025/HB0284