Miller, Lofgren, Capito, and Padilla Reintroduce the Preserving Emergency Access in Key Sites Act

Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswomen Carol Miller (R-WV) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), and Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Alex Padilla (D-CA), reintroduced the Preserving Emergency Access in Key Sites Act (PEAKS) Act. The PEAKS Act would ensure Critical Access Hospitals in mountainous areas receive fair compensation for ambulatory services and modify distance requirements.  

“Everyone, regardless of where they live, should have access to quality and affordable health care. My home state of West Virginia has more Critical Access Hospitals in mountainous areas than any other state in the country, and I know how hard it can be for those who live in rural, mountainous regions to receive treatment in a timely manner. The Preserving Emergency Access in Key Sites Act (PEAKS Act) is life-saving legislation that will ensure Critical Access Hospitals in mountainous areas are compensated fairly for the ambulatory services they provide to patients and positively impact rural communities across the nation. It’s imperative that all patients, especially those that live in unforgiving terrain, can access emergency medical care,” said Rep. Carol Miller.

“All Americans deserve quality access to health services, even if they reside in areas that are difficult to access. To protect the wellbeing of our rural residents, we must ensure that these hospitals have enough funding to continue providing their life-saving services. The Preserving Emergency Access in Key Sites (PEAKS) Act allows us to do so, by broadening the requirements to become a Critical Access Hospital and by providing fair compensation for their emergency transportation services. The American public should be able to rely on its ambulances,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren.

“As residents of the Mountain State, we are proud of our beautiful peaks, however, we are also aware of the transportation challenges—especially for ambulances—that exist due to our mountainous topography. I’m proud to introduce the PEAKS Act to address this challenge and ensure even our most rural residents can depend on ambulance services, as well as ensure our critical access hospitals are able to provide the best care possible,” said Senator Capito.

“We commend Congresswoman Miller for her leadership in introducing the PEAKS Act, which addresses the financial and operational challenges rural hospitals in West Virginia and across the country face every day. Her continued commitment to supporting access to care in underserved communities is deeply appreciated by our hospitals, providers, and the patients they serve. The PEAKS Act is a strong step toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of rural healthcare, and we’re proud to support this important effort," said Jim Kaufman, President and CEO, West Virginia Hospital Association

Click HERE for bill text. 

Background: 

• Critical Access Hospitals are hospitals that serve residents in rural areas.
• The PEAKS Act would allow for Critical Access Hospitals located in mountainous areas to be reimbursed for their emergency medical transportation services.
• The Act would also make certain that Critical Access Hospitals would not lose their designation despite any new hospital that is built within 15 miles.