Tools

Congressman Smith shares concern over rural healthcare

Story Created: Dec 12, 2012 at 5:22 PM CST

Story Updated: Dec 12, 2012 at 5:38 PM CST

Congressman Adrian Smith is expressing concern about rural healthcare. He sent a letter Wednesday to the director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services saying he's worried about a new physician supervision requirement.

He said the new rule that requires critical access hospitals to have a physician present for outpatient procedures is unnecessary and could even discourage physicians from looking for jobs in rural America.

Smith wrote, "It is my hope CMS will more seriously consider the effects of this rule on small rural health care facilities and continue allowing practitioners the discretion and flexibility they need to manage care for their patients."

On Demand

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Weather Closings

Poll

Do you think the U.S. Senate should confirm Chuck Hagel as the Secretary of Defense?

  • Yes
  • No

Local Gas Prices

Lowest Gas Prices in Tri-Cities
Nebraska Gas Prices provided by GasBuddy.com

KHASTV on Facebook