PAATCH Act

The PAATCH Act amends Medicare rules to preserve "sole community hospital" designations for specific hospitals. It extends the timeframe for hospitals that met certain requirements before March 13, 2020, to maintain their designation for a 5-year period starting when the bill becomes law. This applies directly to community hospitals currently recognized under this Medicare classification. The bill changes the existing rule by adding a new provision (subclause IV) to the Social Security Act, ensuring these hospitals retain their status without needing to reapply during the extended period. It does not create new hospital designations or alter Medicare payment rates.