Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) introduced H.R. 2878 to prevent Medicare's enforcement of unreasonable and inflexible direct supervision rules for outpatient therapy services at Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and other small, rural hospitals. The legislation was introduced with Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA).
This legislation was introduced by Congresswoman Jenkins in the 113th Congress and passed the House by a voice vote on September 9, 2014. The bill was signed by the President on December 4, 2014 and became public law. However, the law has expired and was introduced again by Congresswoman Jenkins and Congressman Loebsack.
"Rural communities in Kansas and across the country depend on Critical Access Hospitals,"said Congresswoman Jenkins. "CAHs are the lifeblood of their communities, and this legislation corrects a decision from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that puts a strain on providers without providing any quality improvements for the patients they serve. I was proud to lead a bipartisan push with Senator Moran last Congress to make this bill law, extend the direct supervision requirement moratorium, and give much-needed certainty to rural hospitals. I hope that Members from both parties can once again come together to ensure that high-quality, timely care is available no matter where you live in America."
"I am pleased to again join with Rep. Jenkins and work in a bipartisan manner to ensure all Iowans have access to high-quality health care no matter where they live, said Congressman Loebsack. Critical Access Hospitals play an important role in rural communities by providing access to primary, emergency, and acute care services. I have visited multiple CAHs across my District that have struggled to meet the direct supervision requirement, and this important legislation will provide them with certainty that they deserve."