Nebraska lawmaker voices support for permanent COVID-19-era flexibilities 

More than 1,000 executive leaders from the nation’s top hospitals and health systems convened at the 2023 AHA Annual Membership Meeting, April 23-25 in Washington, D.C.

Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., told attendees he supports making permanent some flexibilities initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic that have improved the nation’s health care system.  
 
“The world did not come to an end when there were some flexibilities, whether it was in the training for a certified nurse's aide or other aspects of the flexibilities,” Smith said. “So, let's make these permanent where and when appropriate, and leave room for even more innovation moving forward.” 
  
Smith, a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, expressed dissatisfaction with the 96-hour rule, saying it neither produces good results nor reflects the unique needs of critical access hospitals in different parts of the country. Smith has introduced AHA-supported legislation that would repeal the 96-hour rule.  

For more on the 2023 AHA Annual Meeting, read AHA's coverage.