H.R. 538 — Introduced in House

I 119th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 538 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 16, 2025Mr. Smith of Nebraska (for himself and Ms. Sewell) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means A BILL To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove the 96-hour physician certification requirement for inpatient critical access hospital services. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2025. 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 (42 U.S.C. 1395f(a)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (6), by adding and at the end; (2) in paragraph (7), at the end of subparagraph (E), by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (3) 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.