Chuck Grassley Highlights Success of Rural Emergency Hospital Program

Rural Emergency Hospital Program Overview

• 📌 Senator Chuck Grassley discusses the Voluntary Rural Emergency Hospital Program, enacted into law in December 2020.
• 💡 The program allows rural hospitals to voluntarily rightsize their infrastructure while keeping essential medical services available.
• 🏥 These hospitals can operate without inpatient services but must retain a 24/7 emergency department, ambulance services, and outpatient services.

Program Implementation and Impact

• 🗓️ CMS implemented the program three years after its enactment, in 2023.
• 📈 To date, 42 rural hospitals across 17 states have transitioned to this model and continue to operate.
• ⚠️ Some states are still working on establishing the necessary licensing flexibility for hospitals to participate.

Community Benefits and Examples

• 💬 Grassley shares three examples of the program's positive impact:
  • In Friend, Nebraska, the transition has been a "lifeline" for the community.
  • In Union Springs, Alabama, it allowed the hospital to "remain open instead of leaving a void."
  • In Scotland, South Dakota, the rural emergency hospital will "enhance local health services."

Future Outlook and Commitment

• 🔍 Grassley is seeking to understand the challenges rural hospitals face when considering this program.
• ✉️ He has sent letters to existing rural emergency hospital CEOs and healthcare leaders for feedback.
• ✅ He is committed to ensuring the program remains a viable tool for rural healthcare and will keep constituents and colleagues informed.