MS SB2474

Establishes the Rural Hospital Pilot Program allowing the State Health Officer to license up to 3 rural hospitals each to operate outpatient dialysis units, ambulatory surgical facilities, and geriatric psychiatric units without standard certificate of need requirements.

Defines "rural hospital" as a hospital located in a county without any municipality exceeding 15,000 population according to the 2020 census, with Washington County hospitals also qualifying as rural.

Requires all licensed facilities (dialysis units, surgical facilities, psychiatric units) to be located within 5 miles of the rural hospital's main location as of January 1, 2026.

Makes the State Health Officer's licensing decisions final and not subject to judicial review, though parties may request reconsideration within 7 calendar days and receive an informal hearing within 14-21 days of the original decision.

Amends Section 41-7-191 of the Mississippi Code to conform existing certificate of need requirements with the new pilot program provisions.