Regulatory Relief

The regulatory burden faced by hospitals is substantial and unsustainable.

Every day, hospitals, health systems and post-acute care providers confront the daunting task of complying with a growing number of federal regulations. They are constantly challenged to understand and implement new or revised regulations, while maintaining their core mission of providing high-quality patient care.

Providers appreciate that federal regulation is intended to ensure that health care patients receive safe, high-quality care, and prioritize it as a critical part of their day-to-day work.

But the scope and pace of the changes being made is out-stripping many providers’ ability to absorb them. At the same time, many of these regulations do not improve the quality of patient care or access to services.

Providers need relief now. Read on for more information and resources on the AHA's regulatory relief agenda.

Nov 10, 2017
The data presented in this video is from the American Hospital Association report Regulatory Overload Report: Assessing the Regulatory Burden on Health Systems, Hospitals and Post-acute Care Providers.
Mar 10, 2023
Reps. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., and Terri Sewell, D-Ala., today introduced legislation that would repeal a Medicare rule that requires physicians at a Critical Access Hospital to certify that inpatients are likely to be discharged or transferred to another hospital within 96 hours. AHA has urged…
Feb 14, 2023
Our shared focus with Congress and Administration is on providing relief from the pandemic, ensuring a smooth recovery, and rebuilding a better health care system for the future. The American Hospital Association continues to incorporate principles that promote improved affordability, value, and…
Feb 7, 2023
In an op-ed yesterday in The Hill, AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack explains why hospitals and health systems are working with government and other stakeholders this year to enact legislation and policies to ensure access to care and provide financial, regulatory and administrative relief;…
Jan 6, 2023
The convening of the 118th Congress this week is a reminder of Washington’s highly-charged political environment.
Sep 28, 2022
This page contains materials related to AHA’s current and active policy-related litigation.
Feb 21, 2022
The AHA supports policies and legislation that enable rural hospitals to care for their communities. The Rural Advocacy Agenda outlines some key areas of focus for our 2023 advocacy agenda.
Jan 12, 2021
Health care providers can now apply online for Section 1135 waivers related to the COVID-19 pandemic or other public health emergencies, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced.
Dec 7, 2020
AHA comments on the Department of Health and Human Services’ proposed rule to set expiration dates for its regulations (subject to certain exceptions), unless the department periodically assesses the regulations to determine if they are subject to review, and if they are, performs a review. Subject…
Aug 21, 2020
In an effort to reduce regulatory burden, the Food and Drug Administration will not require developers to submit a premarket approval application, premarket notification or emergency use authorization for laboratory developed tests, the Department of Health and Human Services announced this week.