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A 1708

Provides for payments to rural hospitals designated as critical access hospitals

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Smullen and 1 co-sponsor

New York bill A 1708 would pay rural hospitals designated as Critical Access Hospitals to improve financial stability and service to rural patients.

REFERRED TO HEALTH
0
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Bill Summary · A 1708

Summary: Assembly Bill A 1708 – Payments to Rural Hospitals Designated as Critical Access Hospitals

Overview

Bill A 1708, titled "Provides for payments to rural hospitals designated as critical access hospitals," is currently in the New York Assembly and has been referred to the Health Committee. The bill was introduced on January 14, 2025. The primary sponsor is Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, with Assemblymember Robert Smullen listed as a cosponsor. A companion Senate bill exists (S 3430).

Purpose and intent

  • The bill is designed to establish or authorize a payment program for rural hospitals that have designated status as Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs). The intent appears to be to bolster the financial stability and operational viability of CAHs in rural areas through targeted payments.

What the bill would do

  • The core provision, as stated in the bill’s title, is to provide payments to rural hospitals designated as CAHs. The summary provided does not include detailed mechanisms, such as:

    • Eligibility criteria beyond CAH designation
    • Payment amounts, formulas, or funding sources
    • Administration or oversight of the payment program
    • Frequency, duration, or sunset provisions
    • Reporting or accountability requirements

  • The exact statutory text would specify these details; readers should consult the full bill text for the precise framework.

Who would be affected

  • Rural hospitals designated as Critical Access Hospitals in New York, as well as their patients and local healthcare markets, would be the primary beneficiaries of the program.
  • State agencies or departments involved in health financing and rural health policy would administer or oversee the program (per standard legislative practice, though specifics are not included in the summary).

Legislative timeline and procedural status

  • Status: Referred to Health (Assembly Health Committee) as of January 14, 2025.
  • Legislative actions recorded: two entries dated 2025-01-14 indicating the referral to Health (the duplicate entry appears to be a clerical repetition rather than a separate action).

Related bills and advocacy context

  • Related/companion bills:
    • S 3430 (companion in the Senate)
    • Other related prior-session bills: S 6617, A 10572, A 4561, A 2668, A 3361
  • The existence of multiple related bills suggests ongoing interest in CAH funding and rural hospital support across chambers and sessions.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Financial: If enacted, the program could provide critical funding to sustain CAHs, potentially improving patient access in rural communities.
  • Operational: Hospitals may need to meet eligibility criteria, maintain reporting standards, and align with any state-imposed program requirements.
  • Budgetary: The measure could require state funding—subject to appropriations and budget priorities—which would influence fiscal planning.

Next steps for readers

  • Monitor amendments and amendments to the bill text as it advances through the Health Committee and the full Assembly.
  • Review the companion Senate bill (S 3430) for parallel provisions and potential cross-chamber alignment.
  • If interested in fiscal impact or implementation details, obtain the full bill language and any fiscal notes from the legislative website.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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