Sponsors (14)
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Adds a new subparagraph (K) to subsection (a)(2) to include specified emergency services furnished by a freestanding emergency center as a payable service under this part.
Adds a new subsection (nnn) defining the terms 'freestanding emergency center' (with detailed facility, staffing, hospital affiliation, governance, quality program, location, and State requirement criteria) and 'specified emergency services' (excluding certain services identified by HCPCS codes 99281–99282 as of the date of enactment).
Amends subsection (e) by making specified textual insertions in paragraph (2) and adding a sentence at the end of paragraph (5) referencing the 'Emergency Care Improvement Act'.
Inserts a new subparagraph (I) in subsection (a)(2) establishing that, for specified emergency services furnished by a freestanding emergency center, payment is the amount that would have been determined under subsection (t) if such services had been covered OPD services.
Amends subsection (a)(2) to alter the list of services covered under Medicaid to account for the provision(s) described in this Act (coverage of specified emergency services furnished by freestanding emergency centers).
Adds a new paragraph (6) to subsection (b) creating an exception to the physician self-referral (Stark) prohibition for laboratory and imaging services furnished by a freestanding emergency center in connection with specified emergency services.
Adds freestanding emergency centers (FECs) into Medicare and Medicaid coverage and payment rules so certain emergency services they provide are eligible for payment. It defines FECs, treats them like hospital outpatient departments for payment, adjusts EMTALA-related rules to recognize them, and creates a limited exception to physician self-referral rules for lab and imaging tied to those emergency services. The changes apply to items and services furnished on or after enactment.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced May 1, 2025 by Jodey Cook Arrington · Last progress May 1, 2025