AHA convenes Capitol Hill forum on path forward for rural hospital priorities

The AHA today held a Rural Hospital Policy Forum on Capitol Hill. AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack welcomed senators, congressional and AHA staff, who updated rural hospital leaders on their legislative priorities and outlook for passing critical rural legislation this year. Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee; Pat Roberts (R-KS), co-chair of the Senate Rural Health Caucus; and John Tester (D-MT) addressed the 80 or so participants, voicing their support for small and rural hospitals. Senior staff from the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means committees also participated in a panel discussion moderated by AHA Executive Vice President Tom Nickels on rural hospital concerns. In addition, AHA staff provided an update on the AHA Task Force on Ensuring Access in Vulnerable Communities, which this fall will recommend options to stabilize access to health care services in vulnerable communities, many of which will require legislative action.