In order to be economically viable, Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced legislation that would allow critical access hospitals to continue operating emergency rooms and outpatient care, but decide if they’d continue to offer inpatient care or not. Grassley added 53 rural hospitals have closed nationwide in the past four to five years and he wants to make sure there is nearby care available in trauma cases.

The legislation was introduced by Grassley and Cory Gardner of Colorado, with the goal of keeping emergency room care and outpatient services available for rural residents.

For more information listen to today’s Washington Page with Grassley.