A bill that creates a new category of ‘rural emergency hospitals’ in Florida is awaiting the governor’s signature.
The Legislature sent the measure (SB 644) over to the governor’s office Tuesday. If approved, rural hospitals will be eligible to receive additional federal funding.
“The intent was to give rural hospitals another option in the event that they are struggling financially," said Mary Mayhew, the President and CEO of the Florida Hospital Association.
Since last year, emergency care facilities in rural communities have been taking advantage of a federal program that gives rural hospitals extra money for the services they provide to low-income patients who have Medicaid insurance coverage. But states must first grant them a license to operate as a rural emergency hospital.
Under SB 644, hospitals must provide emergency and observation care and outpatient services that that do not exceed a length of stay of 24 hours.
That’s important for Gadsden County Commissioner Brenda Holt, who lost her child years ago to heart failure.
“Any parent that lives this far from a hospital has some major concerns and they should," explained Holt. "You’re paying your taxes, you’re doing everything—so why can't we have good health care.”
The law goes into effect on July 1.
