S1390-119

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, meets the criteria described in clause (i)(I) of section 1820(c)(2)(B). Nothing in this paragraph shall be interpreted as requiring a covered rural hospital to meet any other criteria under section 1820(c)(2)(B). 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 hospital(A)In generalThe term covered rural hospital means a hospital that—(i)is located in a rural area (as defined in section 1886(d)(2)(D)); and(ii)as of the date that such hospital enrolls under this title, meets the criteria described in clause (i)(I) of section 1820(c)(2)(B).(B)ClarificationNothing in this paragraph shall be interpreted as requiring a covered rural hospital to meet any other criteria under section 1820(c)(2)(B).. (7)Sunset of expansion prohibitionThe requirement described in paragraph (1)(B) shall not apply beginning on the date of the enactment of this paragraph..