Smith’s Bill Protecting Seniors Included in Package Fighting COVID-19

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after his bill, the Reducing Unnecessary Senior Hospitalization (RUSH) Act, was included in the Commitment to Defeat the Virus and Keep America Healthy Act (H.R. 14), a package of bipartisan provisions designed to aid Americans in addressing the impact of COVID-19 by promoting policies which incentivize innovation and supports healthy workplaces.

The RUSH Act, introduced by Smith in March, brings much needed technological innovation to Medicare through expanded access to telehealth. The transfer of a skilled nursing facility resident to the emergency room has always been complicated and expensive, carrying serious risks to patients already dealing with complex health needs. The COVID pandemic dramatically increased this risk as a trip to the hospital now also carries a serious risk of COVID exposure and subsequent infection.

This language pairs telehealth technologies with trained onsite providers in skilled nursing facilities to safely treat certain patients in place, such as those experiencing falls, delirium, infections, or adverse medication interaction, rather than transferring them to a hospital. In addition to reducing the risk of COVID exposure, treatment in place can provide for quicker diagnoses and treatment and avoids costly ambulance trips.

"During COVID, seniors have taken extra steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. Avoiding unnecessary trips and allowing them to be treated in place will help tremendously. I am grateful this critical language to protect our seniors has been included in this package."

Smith is a senior member of the Committee on Ways and Means, which has jurisdiction over both the RUSH Act and H.R. 14.

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