H.R. 3778: Preserving Emergency Access in Key Sites Act

This bill, titled the Preserving Emergency Access in Key Sites Act or PEAKS Act, aims to amend the Social Security Act to improve ambulance services provided by critical access hospitals (CAHs). Here's a breakdown of what the bill would accomplish:

1. Update to Ambulance Fee Schedule

The bill proposes to adjust the fee schedule for ambulance services that are provided by critical access hospitals. Specifically, it changes the distance requirement for reimbursement from certain locations. Currently, there is a set requirement for ambulance services based on a <15-mile drive> from the hospital. This bill would further define conditions where a <15-mile drive> may apply, particularly for areas characterized by mountainous terrain or those that only have access via secondary roads. The addition aims to clarify and possibly expand the reimbursement parameters for ambulance services in these challenging geographical areas.

2. Criteria for Critical Access Hospitals

The legislation also introduces provisions for how critical access hospitals can qualify based on their geographical challenges. Starting January 1, 2026, certain hospitals that meet specific conditions will be acknowledged as meeting the necessary distance requirements if they:

• Are already designated as critical access hospitals.
• Can demonstrate that they previously met the distance criteria for mountainous terrain or secondary roads during their last certification as a critical access hospital.
• Have a new facility located between 10 to 15 miles from the hospital after the enactment of this law.

3. Regulations and Implementation

The Secretary of Health and Human Services will be tasked with developing the regulations needed to implement these changes, ensuring that updates are in place within one year from the bill's enactment date.

4. Purpose Behind the Bill

The intent of the bill is to improve access to emergency medical services in rural and underserved areas, recognizing the unique challenges these hospitals face in providing timely care. By revising the reimbursement parameters and criteria for critical access hospitals, the legislation aims to support better ambulance service availability.

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