MS HB752

Removes certain requirements for licensure of freestanding emergency rooms by allowing them to be located in counties or municipalities where a hospital permanently closed no more than five years before the application date and where no other hospital exists.

Requires freestanding emergency rooms licensed under the new provision to be located in the same county or municipality as the closed hospital.

Maintains the existing 15-mile distance requirement from the nearest hospital-based emergency room for freestanding emergency rooms in other eligible locations.

Requires freestanding emergency rooms to meet minimum standards established by the State Department of Health and remain open 24 hours a day for treatment of urgent and emergent medical conditions.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.