Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (3 Sep 2026): Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
What this bill does
H.R. 10293, the Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act, would amend Medicare and Medicaid law to change how rural emergency hospitals (REHs) are designated and paid. It would broaden eligibility so facilities that operated as a hospital or critical access hospital at any point between 2015 and the current cutoff date could qualify, and it directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to write rules waiving certain requirements for facilities that operate similarly to an REH. It allows REHs to include distinct-part psychiatric, rehabilitation, and obstetric units, and to offer "swing bed" skilled nursing-type services paid on a reasonable-cost basis. It adds a 5% payment increase for certain diagnostic laboratory tests starting in 2027, and extends Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program grant eligibility to REHs. It also directs regulations allowing hospitals that revert from REH back to critical access hospital status to regain "necessary provider" status, and deeming REHs eligible sites for National Health Service Corps placements. Finally, it amends Medicaid to explicitly cover REH services and nursing facility services within REH distinct-part units.
The bill primarily affects rural hospitals considering or holding REH designation, their patients, and state Medicaid programs, which would need to update coverage rules, with some flexibility if state legislation is required.
The bill was introduced September 3, 2026, and referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means. No further action has occurred; it would need committee consideration and votes in both chambers before becoming law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
3 Sep 2026
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 10293 do?
- H.R. 10293, the Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act, would amend Medicare and Medicaid law to change how rural emergency hospitals (REHs) are designated and paid. It would broaden eligibility so facilities that operated as a hospital or critical access hospital at any point between 2015 and the current cutoff date could qualify, and it directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to write rules waiving certain requirements for facilities that operate similarly to an REH. It allows REHs to include distinct-part psychiatric, rehabilitation, and obstetric units, and to offer "swing bed" skilled nursing-type services paid on a reasonable-cost basis. It adds a 5% payment increase for certain diagnostic laboratory tests starting in 2027, and extends Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program grant eligibility to REHs. It also directs regulations allowing hospitals that revert from REH back to critical access hospital status to regain "necessary provider" status, and deeming REHs eligible sites for National Health Service Corps placements. Finally, it amends Medicaid to explicitly cover REH services and nursing facility services within REH distinct-part units. The bill primarily affects rural hospitals considering or holding REH designation, their patients, and state Medicaid programs, which would need to update coverage rules, with some flexibility if state legislation is required. The bill was introduced September 3, 2026, and referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means. No further action has occurred; it would need committee consideration and votes in both chambers before becoming law.
- Has H.R. 10293 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 10293. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10293?
- H.R. 10293 was sponsored by Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2] (D-HI), with 7 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10293?
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (3 Sep 2026).
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