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Rural Health Information Hub

Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) – Resources

Selected recent or important resources focusing on Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs).

Characteristics of Communities Served by Critical Access Hospitals at High Risk of Financial Distress in 2019
Compares differences in communities for those served by Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) who are at greater financial risk versus communities with CAHs at low or medium risk for financial distress. Addresses differences in demographics, unemployment rates, high school graduation rates, and health status, including tobacco use and obesity.
Author(s): Sharita R. Thomas, George H. Pink, Kristin L. Reiter
Date: 05/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Flex Monitoring Team
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Quality Improvement Implementation Guide and Toolkit for Critical Access Hospitals
A guide for Critical Access Hospitals to help them navigate the Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project (MBQIP) and find ways to support quality improvement in their facilities. Includes ways to organize quality improvement programs, what to focus on, federal program examples, and info-graphics.
Date: 01/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Stratis Health
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Critical Access Hospitals' Community Health Needs Assessments and Implementation Plans: How Do They Align?
Examines how Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) are using community health needs assessments to improve population health. Highlights common community health issues identified by the needs assessments, types of strategies CAHs used to address them, and ways to improve on their efforts to meet community needs. Discusses how Flex programs can support CAHs in their work and includes a list of resources to help CAHs.
Author(s): John A. Gale, Zachariah Croll, Lauren Zoll, Andrew F. Coburn
Date: 10/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Flex Monitoring Team
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Together We Can Be Bully Free: CAH and Law Enforcement Address Peer Victimization through School-Based Program
Highlights an anti-bullying program developed by Union General Hospital, a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) in Union Parish, Louisiana. Describes how the hospital and local law enforcement collaborate to teach elementary, middle, and high school students about the negative effects bullying and how to model positive social behavior.
Author(s): Jenn Lukens
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 07/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Critical Access Hospital Replacement Process: The Manual
Describes the facility replacement process, including the phases, actions, and involved parties that are needed. Offers guidance on the facility replacement process, including assessing the Critical Access Hospital's physical and financial situation, gaining community support, identifying and obtaining financing, working with lenders and Federal enhancement programs, and completing the design and construction process.
Date: 10/2010
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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Critical Access Hospital Replacement Process: The Roadmap
Provides a visual overview of the entire facility replacement process. Divided into four phases including Planning, Design and Financing, Endorsement, and Construction. Each phase is further described by events, actions, duration, costs/fees, and involved parties.
Date: 10/2010
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Federal Office of Rural Health Policy
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Public Law 105-33: Balanced Budget Act of 1997
Includes the entire text of Public Law 105-33, commonly known as the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. The legislation created the Critical Access Hospital designation and outlines details of the program, including eligibility and operational regulations.
Date: 08/1997
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Congress
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Rural Quality Improvement Technical Assistance (RQITA) Resource Center
Provides technical assistance to Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and other rural healthcare organizations to improve healthcare and quality of care using data, measurement, and improvement activities. Offers information and resources on quality improvement and the Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project (MBQIP).
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: Telligen
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RQITA Monthly
A monthly electronic newsletter providing Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) information and support for quality reporting and improvement. Includes news items and information about the Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project (MBQIP).
Type: Journal/Newsletter
Sponsoring organizations: Rural Quality Improvement Technical Assistance (RQITA) Resource Center, Telligen
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Hospital Price Transparency
Offers resources for healthcare providers and consumers regarding hospital price transparency regulations and policies. Includes links to a GitHub repository of resources for templates and technical instructions and tools to support hospitals in meeting accessibility and machine-readable file requirements.
Additional links: GitHub Repository
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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Last Updated: 4/11/2024