Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2025

HR 538, the Critical Access Hospital Relief Act of 2025, removes a Medicare requirement that hospitals needed a physician's certification within 96 hours for inpatient services. This change directly affects critical access hospitals (CAHs) and their patients by simplifying billing processes for Medicare reimbursement. The bill amends the Social Security Act to eliminate this specific certification rule, reducing administrative burden on CAHs. The change will take effect for services provided on or after January 1, 2026.