Critical Access Hospital RIP Act of 2026

This Act may be cited as the Critical Access Hospital Roadway Impact Protections Act of 2026 or the Critical Access Hospital RIP Act of 2026.
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:
A facility that is or at any point was designated as a critical access hospital by a State under subparagraph (B) that would meet the criterion specified in clause (i)(I) of such subparagraph but for a roadway or transportation infrastructure improvement completed on or after the date of such designation shall be deemed to continue to meet such criterion.
For purposes of clause (i), the term roadway or transportation infrastructure improvement includes—
the construction, realignment, widening, or enhancement of a highway or roadway; and
the construction or modification of a bridge, overpass, or tunnel.