MS SB2735

Creates a new "pilot freestanding emergency room" license category for 24-hour emergency facilities located at least 15 miles from the nearest hospital-based emergency room in counties without 24-hour emergency hospital care

Limits the State Department of Health to issuing no more than 5 pilot freestanding emergency room licenses statewide

Requires pilot freestanding emergency rooms to establish patient transfer agreements with general hospitals as part of licensing requirements

Directs the Department of Health to develop priority criteria for selecting which applicants receive licenses if more than 5 applications are submitted

Effective date of July 1, 2022