FL S0644

Creates a new designation of "rural emergency hospital" in Florida, allowing qualifying rural hospitals or critical access hospitals with no more than 50 beds to apply to the Agency for Health Care Administration for this designation, effective July 1, 2024

Rural emergency hospitals must provide emergency services 24/7, be sufficiently staffed and equipped, and maintain a transfer agreement with a Level I or Level II trauma center

"Rural emergency services" are defined as emergency and other care not requiring treatment for more than 24 hours on average, observation care, and optionally certain outpatient services specified by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services

Designated rural emergency hospitals are exempt from general hospital requirements to offer acute inpatient care, care beyond 24 hours, surgery, obstetrical care, or similar services, as long as the designation is maintained

Extends the rural hospital designation for hospitals licensed as rural during the 2010-2011 or 2011-2012 fiscal year from June 30, 2025 to June 30, 2031, provided they continue to have up to 100 licensed beds and an emergency room