The bill H. 5173 aims to amend Section 44-7-130 of the South Carolina Code of Laws to update the definition of "hospital." The amendment is in response to the federal government's establishment of Rural Emergency Hospitals as a new Medicare provider type, which was introduced to address the issue of rural hospital closures and enhance healthcare access in rural communities. The revised definition clarifies that hospitals include those that convert to Rural Emergency Hospitals under specific federal regulations, ensuring that these facilities are recognized within South Carolina's healthcare framework.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the definition of "hospital" may encompass residential treatment facilities for children, adolescents, or young adults requiring mental health treatment, provided they are part of a licensed psychiatric hospital. However, these facilities are not mandated to offer on-campus emergency services. The bill is set to take effect upon approval by the Governor, reflecting the General Assembly's intent to improve healthcare accessibility in rural areas of the state.

Statutes affected:
Latest Version: 44-7-130