This bill ends a Medicare rule that required a doctor to certify that a patient in a critical access hospital would be discharged or moved to another hospital within 96 hours. The goal is to give small, rural hospitals more flexibility to keep patients as long as needed without risking Medicare payment issues. This change takes effect for care given on or after January 1, 2026. Under current law, Medicare pays only if a doctor signs off that the patient is likely to leave within 96 hours; this bill repeals that requirement for inpatient stays at critical access hospitals.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Patients at critical access hospitals and the doctors and staff who care for them, especially in rural areas.
• What changes: The 96-hour doctor certification for Medicare payment is removed for inpatient services at these hospitals.
• When: Applies to items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2026.