1. (a) As used in this chapter and except as provided in subsection (b), "hospital" means an acute care hospital licensed under IC 16-21 .

2. (b) The term does not include the following:

   1. (1) A hospital specifically intended to diagnose, care, and treat the following:

      1. (A) Individuals with a mental illness (as defined in IC 12-7-2.1-197 ).
      2. (B) Individuals with a developmental disability (as defined in IC 12-7-2.1-118 ).
   2. (2) A hospital designated by the Medicaid program as a long term care hospital.
   3. (3) A hospital that is a Medicare certified, freestanding rehabilitation hospital.
   4. (4) A hospital that is operated by the federal government.
   5. (5) A critical access hospital.
   6. (6) A rural emergency hospital.

As added by P.L.216-2025, SEC.46. Amended by P.L.145-2026, SEC.145.