MS SB2297

Defines "freestanding emergency room" as a facility open 24 hours per day for treatment of urgent and emergent medical conditions not located on a hospital campus, with eligibility for licensure in rural communities where a critical access hospital designation has been revoked and the facility is at least 15 miles from the nearest hospital-based emergency room.

Requires a license from the State Department of Health to establish, conduct, operate, or maintain a freestanding emergency room in Mississippi.

Authorizes the State Department of Health to adopt, amend, promulgate, and enforce rules, regulations, and standards for freestanding emergency rooms, including requirements for patient transfer agreements with general hospitals.

Amends Mississippi Code sections 41-75-1, 41-75-3, 41-75-5, and 41-75-13 to include freestanding emergency rooms under the existing regulatory framework for ambulatory surgical facilities and abortion facilities.

Takes effect July 1, 2016.