Hospital Expanded Capacity Program; extend period during which expenses incurred by hospitals for ICU beds may be reimbursed under.

HB 671 extends Mississippi's reimbursement period for hospitals that created ICU beds or negative pressure beds during the pandemic, allowing them to seek payment for eligible expenses incurred through December 31, 2026 (previously ending December 31, 2024). Hospitals that expanded capacity under the program can receive up to $200,000 per ICU bed or $50,000 per negative pressure bed, subject to available funds. The bill requires hospitals to certify expenses comply with federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) guidelines and mandates annual reporting to the legislature. The program, funded by federal Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds, will end on July 1, 2026.