Chuck Grassley: “Today I introduced S. 817, legislation designed to maintain rural communities' access to hospital care. Today many rural…”

“Today I introduced S. 817, legislation designed to maintain rural communities' access to hospital care. Today many rural Americans live in fear that they may lose access to local and regional hospital care. In these rural areas, where serious accidents, often related to farm equipment, are a constant threat. Access to an emergency care hospital within 35 miles can mean the difference between life and death. The ability to be referred to a major regional hospital for more specialized care can be of like importance. Congress must recognize the special needs of rural America and work to meet them. This bill is a step in the right direction. The Rural Health Care Protection Act of 1997 focuses on providing support to Sole Community Hospitals and Rural Referral Centers. Sole Community Hospitals [SCH's] are hospitals located at least 35 miles from other hospitals and are often the sole source of emergency care or inpatient services in their areas. There are currently 728 SCH's in 46 States. There are 11 in my home State of Iowa. Rural Referral Centers [RRC's] are relatively large and specialized rural hospitals which receive referrals from community hospitals throughout a region. There are currently 142 RRC's in 39 states, including five in Iowa. This legislation contains four proposals designed to help keep these care centers operating.”