CMS http://www.cms.gov has released a new proposed rule to protect access to emergency care and additional outpatient services for people living in rural communities.
The rule is titled “Conditions of Participation (CoP) for Rural Emergency Hospitals (REH)”. CMS is implementing the new REHs which will provide an opportunity for small rural hospitals and CAHs to right size their service footprint to avoid potential closure so they can continue to provide essential services for their communities.
The proposed rule will allow small rural hospitals to seek the new healthcare provider designation which will provide continued access to emergency services, observation care, and additional medical and outpatient services. REHs will be eligible to receive payment for services provided on or after January 1, 2023.
“The availability of the new REH provider type will maintain access to essential healthcare services and help to reduce disparities in rural communities,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure.
Allowing providers to take advantage of the new designation will ensure that people in rural communities will be able to receive critical outpatient services, including emergency maternal health, behavioral health, and substance use disorder services.
CMS anticipates including further discussions on REHs, to include Medicare enrollment, payment, quality reporting, and more in the upcoming Calendar Year 2023 “Outpatient Prospective Payment System” and the “Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System Proposed Rule”.
Stakeholders are encouraged to review both proposed rules, as applicable and submit formal comments by each respective deadline. All feedback will be considered as CMS develops their final comprehensive policies for REHs later this year.
Go to https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/current for more information on the REH and Critical Access Hospital Conditions of Participation.