NRHA's Rural Health Voices blog offers informed commentary on the latest news in rural health care from NRHA staff and editorials from selected contributors.

What CAHs need to consider when planning capital investments

Many facilities require significant reinvestment to modernize and address current healthcare needs. Rising interest rates and construction costs are challenges that CAHs need to consider when planning capital investments. The most important factor in feasibility is the change in cash flow available for debt repayment, followed by project size and cost-based payer mix. It is crucial to size the project according to community needs and available resources to accommodate potential...

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How the great resignation could help rural hospitals with staffing

In the world at large, our economy is shifting due to the effects of The Great Resignation. While many professionals are walking away from careers, others realize they can work non-traditionally – and in many cases, more efficiently – in a way, that better supports their personal lives. The national debate on the topic is centered on skepticism and fears of unpredictable productivity versus a reinvention of work.

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Introducing the Save America's Rural Hospitals Act

NRHA's voice isn't enough without your own. We can tell Congress what, but only you can tell them why. That’s why NRHA enlisted our members to provide technical assistance to Reps. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) in developing the Save America’s Rural Hospitals Act and introducing it to the 117th Congress. Now we need you to let your representatives know how this bipartisan bill can serve the whole of rural by raising the rural health safety net and...

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NRHA outlines new Rural Emergency Hospital model

Rural hospital closures are at crisis levels with over 135 rural hospitals closing since 2010 and more than 450 identified as vulnerable to closure based on performance levels. Section 125 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 created the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) model as a new Medicare provider type. NRHA believes the REH model will be an opportunity for vulnerable rural communities to maintain an essential access point for health services. It will be critical for...

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Top rural and community hospitals announced

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) has announced the 20 highest-ranked prospective payment system (PPS) hospitals in the country based on an evaluation by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The hospitals are identified using the Hospital Strength Index, the most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural PPS hospital performance. These hospitals will be recognized May 6 during NRHA’s virtual Rural Hospital Innovation Summit.

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NRHA graduates Rural Hospital CEO Certification Program pilot cohort

Today’s rural hospitals and clinics face tremendous challenges and uncertainty and are closing at an unprecedented rate. One in three rural hospitals is potentially at risk of closure, and nearly half of rural hospital CEOs are new to the job. Hospital CEO turnover continues to lead all industries, limiting the pool of qualified candidates. To combat this, NRHA launched the pilot cohort of our Rural Hospital CEO Certification Program in February of this year at the association’s...

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Rural And Community Hospitals – Disappearing Before Our Eyes

Over the last 10 years, more than 129 rural and community hospitals have closed their doors, with the highest number in 2019. The current COVID-19 pandemic is certain to accelerate this rate of insolvency, so it is important to revisit the role of these vital providers in their respective communities. Without answers to important questions, the continued loss of these hospitals may jeopardize the health of rural residents and devastate communities across the country.

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2019 top rural and community hospitals announced

NRHA has named the 20 highest-ranked prospective payment system hospitals in the country based on an evaluation by the Chartis Center for Rural Health using iVantage Health Analytics’ Hospital Strength Index. These rural and community hospitals will be recognized in an awards ceremony during NRHA’s Rural Hospital Innovation Summit May 21 in San Diego.

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3 waypoints on the rural health care journey

How far will you go to protect and improve the health of your hospital? Trying to maintain status quo is becoming increasingly perilous for rural and community hospital leaders. Relentless attacks from aggressors have tested the endurance and resolve of even the staunchest among us. What could once be counted on for survival has been eroded if not completely destroyed. Perhaps the real question is, “How far can you go?”

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The University of North Carolina Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research Identifies Five Previously Unreported Rural Hospital Closures

New findings at the The University of North Carolina Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research uncovers five previously unreported rural hospital closures. 

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