Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act

Changes the federal physician self-referral rules (Stark Law) so physician‑owned hospitals can expand again. It also defines a “covered rural hospital” using a distance test (generally 35 miles from the nearest hospital, or 15 miles from a rural referral center).

By lifting the expansion ban, physician‑owned hospitals—especially in rural areas—could add beds, services, or locations once the law takes effect. Patients may see more options and capacity, while some experts warn about risks of self‑referral, higher utilization, and potential impacts on nearby community hospitals and Medicare spending.