November 9, 2001

Bill Extends Disaster Relief Eligibility to For-Profit Hospitals

A bipartisan bill introduced in the House of Representatives would allow private for-profit medical facilities, including hospitals, to receive federal disaster assistance (e.g., FEMA funds or loans). Introduced on Nov. 6, H.R. 3239 would amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, which currently limits such assistance to non-profit facilities.

The legislation was introduced by Reps. William "Mac" Thornberry (R-Texas), Heather Wilson (R-N.M.), Charles Norwood (R-Ga.), and Gene Green (D-Texas). According to the Federation of American Hospitals, investor-owned hospitals account for 15 percent to 20 percent of the nation's hospitals.

Information: Chris Mitchell, AAMC Office of Governmental Relations, 202-828-0526.