PEAKS Act

This bill seeks to ensure the continued designation of certain critical access hospitals (CAHs) that serve rural and remote communities. It allows hospitals that were designated as CAHs and originally met the 15-mile distance requirement for mountainous terrain or secondary roads to maintain their status. This provision applies even if a new facility opens within 10-15 miles of the CAH after the bill's enactment, with the continued designation effective January 1, 2026. Additionally, the legislation modifies the distance requirements for ambulance services furnished by critical access hospitals. For services provided on or after January 1, 2026, the standard 35-mile drive requirement will be reduced to a 15-mile drive in areas characterized by mountainous terrain or where only secondary roads are available.