HR2191-119

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act.

2. Revising certain physician self-referral exemptions relating to physician-owned hospitals Section 1877 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395nn) is amended— in subsection (d)— in paragraph (2)(C), by inserting (other than a covered rural hospital (as defined in subsection (h))) after a hospital; and in paragraph (3)(D), by inserting in the case of a hospital other than a covered rural hospital (as defined in subsection (h)), before the hospital; and in subsection (h), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The term covered rural hospital means a hospital that— is located in a rural area (as defined in section 1886(d)(2)(D)); and as of the date that such hospital enrolls under this title, is located more than a 35-mile drive (or, in the case of mountainous terrain or in areas with only secondary roads available, a 15-mile drive) from a hospital or a critical access hospital. Section 1877(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395nn(i)) is amended— in paragraph (1)(B), by striking in paragraph (3) and inserting in paragraph (3) or (7); and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The requirement described in paragraph (1)(B) shall not apply beginning on the date of the enactment of this paragraph. (8)Covered rural hospitalThe term covered rural hospital means a hospital that— (A)is located in a rural area (as defined in section 1886(d)(2)(D)); and (B)as of the date that such hospital enrolls under this title, is located more than a 35-mile drive (or, in the case of mountainous terrain or in areas with only secondary roads available, a 15-mile drive) from a hospital or a critical access hospital.. (7)Sunset of expansion prohibitionThe requirement described in paragraph (1)(B) shall not apply beginning on the date of the enactment of this paragraph..