Improvements to the redistribution of residency slots under the Medicare program after a hospital closes

(a) In general Section 1886(h)(4)(H)(vi) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(h)(4)(H)(vi)) is amended— (1) in subclause (II)— (A) by striking item (cc) and redesignating item (dd) as item (cc); and (B) in item (cc), as redesignated under subparagraph (A)— (i) by striking Fourth and inserting Third; and (ii) by striking item (cc) and inserting item (bb); and (2) in subclause (III), by striking likelihood of filling and all that follows and inserting the following: “likelihood of— (aa) starting to utilize the positions made available under this clause within 2 years; and (bb) filling the positions made available under this clause within 5 years.. (b) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to the redistribution of residency slots with respect to hospitals that close on or after the date of enactment of this Act.