Catastrophic Specialty Hospital Act of 2025

New Payment Rules for Specialized Care: The bill establishes that a designated catastrophic specialty hospital will be paid without regard to certain existing payment systems, which may provide different financial structures for long-term care hospitals. (Section 2, subparagraph (8)(A))

Support for Specialized Medical Care: By designating hospitals that meet specific criteria, the bill focuses on institutions that offer a continuum of care including inpatient and outpatient services for spinal cord injuries or acquired brain injuries. (Section 2, subparagraph (B)(ii))

Encouragement of Medical Research and Training: The criteria for designation reward hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to neurorehabilitation research through personnel, publications, or clinical training programs such as fellowships and residencies. (Section 2, subparagraph (B)(v))

Strict Requirements for Hospital Designation: Hospitals must meet very specific and rigorous criteria to receive this designation, including maintaining specific discharge numbers for both spinal cord injuries and acquired brain injuries every year for a three-year period. (Section 2, subparagraph (B)(i) and (B)(iii))

Burden of Proof for Continued Status: If a hospital's designation is about to expire, the Secretary must determine if the hospital still meets the criteria, and the hospital may be required to submit additional information within 60 days to prove compliance to avoid losing the designation. (Section 2, subparagraph (C)(ii))