North Texas News

Washington, D.C. - Today, Chairman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Congressman Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) introduced the Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to increase access to care for American patients in rural areas across Texas and the United States by allowing certain exemptions to rules for physician-owned hospitals in these regions and removing a ban that prevents existing physician-owned hospitals from expanding.

The bill seeks to address issues related to healthcare consolidation, rural hospital closures, and limited patient choices. "Texans in rural areas face constant challenges due to limited access to patient care and hospitals," said Congressman Burgess. "The Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act will enable physicians to continue practicing medicine through physician ownership and support the expansion of existing hospitals in rural communities."

Congressman Griffith emphasized the bill's significance: “The Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act is a critical step towards greater access to medical care and services for rural Americans.” Similarly, Congressman Cárdenas noted, “As we assess the need for more affordable and quality health care for hardworking Americans, we must consider every viable option.”

Congressman Gonzalez highlighted the disparities faced by rural Texans: “It is an unfortunate truth that rural Texans are at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing comprehensive health care than their urban counterparts.”

The act proposes amendments including revisions related to physician self-referral for physician-owned hospitals under title XVIII of the Social Security Act. It defines a "covered rural hospital" as one located in a rural area more than a 35-mile drive from another hospital or critical access hospital.

Stakeholders have expressed strong support for the legislation. Joseph Alhadeff, MD, PHA’s president stated: “This bill represents a tool communities could utilize to provide additional healthcare options for patients.” Frederic Liss, MD, PHA’s Chairman remarked on how consolidation has reduced healthcare choices since the Affordable Care Act's passage.

Dr. Adam Bruggeman from the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons commented on financial pressures faced by rural hospitals: “This legislation would provide a targeted solution to empower physician-led hospitals in underserved rural areas.”

Dr. Carlos J. Cardenas of DHR Health supported repealing what he called an obsolete moratorium on physician-owned hospitals: “Repealing this ensures we can continue increasing access to health care services.”

Gene Austin from Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute praised various aspects of the bill including improving access, expanding services, and supporting physician leadership.

Bruce A. Scott, M.D., President of the American Medical Association concluded: "We applaud Reps. Michael Burgess and Vicente Gonzalez for putting forth a bipartisan solution that will undoubtedly usher in high-quality health care across the country."