Rural Emergency Hospital Technical Assistance Center

Background
The Rural Emergency Hospital Technical Assistance Center is a new model in development at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The purpose of this program is to ensure rural hospitals and the communities they serve have the information and resources needed to make informed decisions as to whether the REH model of care is best for their communities and facilitate a successful implementation of Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) requirements for those hospitals converting to this new provider type.

Grant Details
The program is intended to support eligible rural hospitals throughout the process of conversion to the REH model. The award recipient will provide technical assistance (TA) to rural hospitals and communities by assessing feasibility of the REH model, assisting with the application to CMS for REH designation, and providing ongoing support to REHs implementing new services and achieving REH compliance standards. The award recipient should develop resources for broad dissemination and provide in-depth technical assistance to individual hospitals and their communities. Assistance will cover financial analysis, workforce or staffing planning, establishment of referral relationships and processes, determining REH service lines, community health needs, and impact on the community health system.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include domestic public or non-profit private entities, tribes, tribal organizations, faith-based and community-based organizations. Cost sharing/matching is not required for this program.

Period of Performance
The period of performance is from September 30, 2022 through September 29, 2027 (5 years). Funding beyond the first year is subject to availability of appropriated funds for Rural Emergency Hospital TA Center in subsequent fiscal years.

Grant Value
$2,500,000 is available annually for up to one cooperative agreement. The estimated annual award amount is up to $2,500,000 per award.