The National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) provides another layer of insight into how a new provider type, the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH), will work when it goes into effect at the start of next year. Eligible hospitals that receive the designation may reduce their risk of closure and receive an additional payment from Medicare – regardless of facility size or volume of patients – to maintain emergency services in rural areas. As reported here a few weeks ago, the National Conference of State Legislatures is tracking the way states are tailoring REH licensing requirements. In spring 2023, NASHP will join HRSA in a day-long, in-person peer-to-peer learning opportunity for state officials to develop implementation plans for individual states. In the near term, the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) will host a webinar on Wednesday, October 12 at 3:00 pm ET to explain the Rural Emergency Hospital and other FORHP-funded activities to support hospitals exploring the REH option.
