H.R. 538

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove the 96-hour physician certification requirement for inpatient critical access hospital services.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · January 16, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Smith of Nebraska · Committee: Committee on Ways and Means

Table of contents

• H.R. 538
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Removing Medicare 96-hour physician certification requirement for inpatient critical access hospital services

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2025.

SEC. 2. Removing Medicare 96-hour physician certification requirement for inpatient critical access hospital services

• (a) In general
  • Section 1814(a) of the Social Security Act () is amended— 42 U.S.C. 1395f(a)
    • in paragraph (6), by adding at the end; and
    • in paragraph (7), at the end of subparagraph (E), by striking and inserting a period; and; and
    • by striking paragraph (8).
• (b) Application
  • The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2026.