Ensuring the continued designation of certain critical access hospitals under the Medicare program

Section 1820(c)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i–4(c)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (F) Ensuring continued designation of certain critical access hospitals A facility that is designated as a critical access hospital by a State under subparagraph (B) that meets the criterion specified in clause (i)(I) as of the date of such designation and that would continue to be eligible for such designation but for application of such criterion shall be deemed to meet such criterion for a period specified by the Secretary (not to exceed 3 years) if the Secretary determines that loss of such designation would reduce access to necessary health care items and services for individuals residing in the service area of such facility..