Rural Hospitals & Health Systems
Since 2010, nearly 170 rural hospitals have shuttered their doors or discontinued inpatient services. Nationally, 50% of rural hospitals are operating with negative margins and therefore vulnerable to closure. When a rural hospital closes, not only does the community lose access to vital health care, but a major employer and community lynchpin ends, affecting the larger community. Investing in a strong rural health infrastructure is critical to the future of rural areas. We encourage you to utilize the following advocacy materials and external resources when you are advocating for rural hospitals and infrastructure!
Leave Behind Materials:
- Rural Hospitals Legislative Priorities leave behind
- Rural Emergency Hospitals Legislative Priorities leave behind
Relevant NRHA Policy Papers:
- Rural Reclassified Hospitals and RTPs
- Rural Emergency Hospital Conversion
- Volume to Value Transition for Rural Health Systems
- Rural Hospital CEO Turnover
- Demonstrations and Pilots: Rural Centric Transformation
- EMS Services in Rural America: Challenges and Opportunities
- Impact of Swing Beds
- Responsive Rural Health Delivery System
- Rural Hospital Participation in the Medicare Shared Savings Program
Relevant NRHA Public Comments:
- Letter to Congress on CAH sustainability
- Summary of Rural ACO Roundtable with CMS
- Letter to HRSA on REHs and National Health Service Corps
- Letter to CMMI on ACO Transformation Track Status
- Rural Emergency Hospital Conditions of Participation Proposed Rule
- Rural Emergency Hospital Conditions of Participation (member comment template)
- HHS Request for Information on Primary Care
- CMS Skilled Nursing Facilities PPS FY 2023 Proposed Rule
- NTIA Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act implementation Request for Information
- Guidance for hospital co-location with other hospitals or healthcare facilities