US SB521

Waives distance requirements for certain hospitals seeking designation as Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) under Medicare

Allows rural community hospitals participating in the Medicare demonstration program under Section 410A of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to qualify for CAH designation

Creates a 1-year application window beginning 6 months after enactment for eligible hospitals to receive CAH designation under the waiver

Amends Section 1820(c)(2)(B)(i) of the Social Security Act to add this new pathway for CAH eligibility

Updates conforming language in the 2003 Act to clarify that participating hospitals cannot already be designated as critical access hospitals