U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) has co-introduced new bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting healthcare access in rural communities by expanding eligibility for a critical federal designation.

The Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act is designed to provide financial flexibility and operational support to Critical Access Hospitals and other rural facilities at risk of closure.

“Across West Virginia and in rural communities nationwide, far too many hospitals are facing challenges that threaten their ability to maintain operations,” Capito said in a statement. “The Rural Emergency Hospital designation offers an important option for preserving access to care.”

Capito emphasized that expanding the program is a practical step to keep care close to home, giving local families peace of mind.

Key Provisions of the Legislation:

If passed, the bill would make several technical and programmatic improvements to the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation, including:

Reopening Closed Facilities: Allowing previously closed rural hospitals to reopen and apply for the REH designation if they met eligibility requirements between Jan. 1, 2015, and Dec. 27, 2020.

Expanded Care Services: Allowing REH facilities to maintain or create dedicated units for inpatient psychiatric care, obstetric care, and limited inpatient rehabilitation services.

Waiver & Transition Programs: Directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a waiver program for similar facilities to convert to REHs.

Patient Transfers: Authorizing REH facilities to transfer patients from acute care directly to a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) without requiring them to leave the hospital.

Funding & Grants: Ensuring REH facilities qualify for Small Rural Hospital Improvement grants and directing CMS to provide additional funding for laboratory services.

Reversion Option: Allowing an REH facility to revert back to a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) status to regain necessary provider status under specific conditions.