Smith Introduces Legislation To Extend Funding For Rural Hospitals

Press Release

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today introduced the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Extension Act of 2009, legislation extending funding for the Rural Community Hospital program for five years while expanding the program to include an additional 15 rural hospitals from around the country. The current program is set to expire in November of this year.

The Rural Community Hospital (RCH) demonstration project was initiated by the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. This provision was included in the law in response to financial concerns of rural hospitals unable to participate as critical access hospitals due to their size.

Columbus Community Hospital in Columbus, Nebraska, is one of the hospitals which would qualify for the extended funding.

The final report on the RCH demonstration project will not be submitted to Congress until 2011. Smith's legislation would extend funding for the facilities until the findings are issued.

"The Rural Community Health program has played a critical role in helping rural hospitals continue serving their communities and patients. Access to trained medical personnel and 24-hour emergency care is tremendously important, and I want to make sure this funding is there to ensure these community hospitals remain effective," Smith said.

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