PennsylvaniaEligible rural hospitals could seek licenses for emergency-only care
Hospitals meeting rural-location and size rules from December 27, 2020, could seek licenses to provide round-the-clock emergency care without inpatient services.
What it does
Facilities that were licensed rural hospitals with no more than 50 licensed beds on December 27, 2020, could seek emergency-only licenses. They would provide round-the-clock emergency care and meet state safety and staffing standards.
With federal approval, the Department of Human Services would set rules for coverage and payments to rural emergency hospitals participating in the Medical Assistance program.
A rural emergency hospital would pay a $250 application fee when seeking or renewing a regular or special license.
Argument forEligible rural hospitals could offer round-the-clock emergency care without running inpatient services, while meeting state staffing and safety standards.
Argument againstSkipping usual rulemaking steps could limit opportunities for patients and hospital workers to weigh in on licensing and payment rules.
More detail
The Department of Health would license eligible rural emergency hospitals and set safety and staffing standards. These hospitals would provide emergency care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and no inpatient services. The facility must have been a licensed hospital in a rural area with no more than 50 licensed beds on December 27, 2020. Temporary rules could skip specified rulemaking and review steps. The act would take effect 180 days after becoming law. Authority to adopt temporary rules would end December 31, 2027; each temporary rule would expire within three years of publication.
The Department of Human Services would set coverage and payment rules for participating rural emergency hospitals. The rules would cover rural emergency hospitals participating in the Medical Assistance program. Federal approval would be required. These rules would bypass specified rulemaking and review steps. The act would take effect 180 days after becoming law. This special rulemaking authority would end December 31, 2027; later revisions would follow the usual rulemaking process.
Rural emergency hospitals would pay $250 to apply for or renew a regular or special license. The fee would apply to applications for regular or special licenses and their renewals. The act would take effect 180 days after becoming law.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 13Referred to Health & Human ServicesIntroduced
Healthcare