H.R.2936 - Addressing Boarding and Crowding in the Emergency Department (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2936, the "Addressing Boarding and Crowding in the Emergency Department Act of 2025" (ABC-ED Act of 2025), aims to improve emergency department efficiency by tracking hospital bed capacity and promoting better care models. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to allow public health data modernization grants to be used for tracking hospital bed capacity. It also introduces a pilot program under the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to improve emergency care for older adults and individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to better data collection and analysis regarding hospital bed availability and emergency department congestion. This could result in more efficient resource allocation and improved patient care. The CMMI pilot program may lead to the development and adoption of innovative care models for specific patient populations.
Potential Benefits
- Improved tracking of hospital bed capacity leading to better resource allocation.
- Reduced emergency department boarding rates and wait times.
- Enhanced emergency care for older adults through specialized staffing and infrastructure.
- Improved care pathways for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises.
- Better coordination between emergency departments and post-acute care facilities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with implementing and maintaining the new data systems and pilot programs.
- Possible privacy concerns related to the collection and sharing of patient data, despite redaction requirements.
- The effectiveness of the pilot programs may vary, and there's no guarantee of widespread adoption.
- The study by the Comptroller General adds an additional layer of bureaucracy and may delay implementation.
- The bill's focus on data tracking may not address underlying issues such as staffing shortages or lack of post-acute care options.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill primarily addresses public health and healthcare access, areas traditionally within the purview of state governments but subject to federal regulation through the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8). The allocation of grants and the establishment of pilot programs fall under Congress's power to appropriate funds for the general welfare. The emphasis on data privacy aligns with the spirit of the Fourth Amendment, although no direct constitutional right to privacy is explicitly mentioned.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).