Smith's Rural Hospital Relief Provision Passes House

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act. The bill, which passed the House today, contains Smith’s provision requiring the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) to report on the economic and staffing impacts of physician supervision requirements on Critical Access Hospitals.

Physician supervision rules require a physician’s presence and supervision over nearly all routine procedures administered in hospitals, which can be especially burdensome for rural hospitals with fewer doctors and resources.

“Today’s passage of 21st Century Cures opens the door to more personalized treatments and brings regulatory relief to rural hospitals to help make quality care accessible to more patients,” Smith said. “Though rural providers know best which procedures can be safely performed in their facilities, the heavy hand of the federal government makes it more difficult for these professionals to serve their patients. Based on discussions I have had with hospitals across Nebraska’s Third District, I expect MedPAC’s findings will make a strong case for repealing these arbitrary rules outright.

“Mindful of our country’s $19 trillion debt, I am pleased these advancements will be made without increasing mandatory spending. This bill is an important step toward better care and greater choice for all patients.”