Next Steps for New Rural Emergency Hospital Designation

The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy is funding a new resource to assist states in conjunction with the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) as they establish new licensure standards for Rural Emergency Hospitals (REH).  This new NCSL website includes information on the requirements for the REH designation and relevant state actions. State policymakers have an important role to play in establishing and regulating this new provider type, as REHs are required to meet applicable state licensing, staffing, educational training, and scope of practice requirements. State-level officials and other stakeholders may visit this webpage to find examples of specific actions state legislatures have either proposed or established related to REH licensure. At the Federal level, CMS intends to finalize policies on the REH Conditions of Participation (COPs), payment policies, and provider enrollment procedures this fall before the new REH provider type becomes effective January 1, 2023.