What is the Hill-Burton Act’s mandates on “uncompensated care” and “community service” obligations?

The Hill-Burton Act is a piece of federal legislation enacted in 1946 that provides funding to healthcare facilities for construction and modernization. One of the key mandates included within this act is that health care providers receiving assistance must agree to provide “uncompensated care” to those who cannot afford payment and “community service” obligations based on the type of facility they operate (e.g., hospital, nursing home etc.).

Uncompensated care refers to medical services provided without charge or at reduced rates while community service obligations typically involve providing specific types of services/care based on an individual facility’s capacity and capabilities such as offering discounted rates/payment plans or free screening programs for underserved populations within their area. Although these requirements are no longer enforced due to changes made during the 1980s, many facilities have continued to abide by them voluntarily in order to help ensure access to quality health care for all members of their communities regardless of financial status moving forward into the future.