|
|
December, 2000 Information Bulletin 00-34 Critical Access HospitalsPurpose:The purpose of this bulletin is to address questions that are frequently raised about regulatory requirements for Critical Access Hospitals (CAH). The 1997 federal Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program was developed to promote rural health planning and network development, promote regionalization or rural health services in the state, and improve access to hospital and other health services for rural residents of the state. A Rural Health Network must include a Critical Access Hospital. Clarification:
A Critical Access Hospital must meet the following criteria: No. Critical Access Hospitals are surveyed under their own Conditions of Participation which are different than acute hospitals. No. There is a new Condition of Participation for Organ Procurement being written for CAH's, but it hasn't been issued yet. However, CAH's are required by 1138 of the Social Security Act to have an agreement with an Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) and written protocols for identification of potential organ donors. They are required to assure that families are made aware of the option for organ or tissue donation, encourage discretion and sensitivity toward families, and notify the OPO of potential organ donors. The Patient's Rights Condition of Participation for acute hospitals does not apply to Critical Access Hospitals. The CAH's must be in compliance with the Minnesota patient Bill of Rights (Minnesota Statutes 144.651.) Those CAH's that choose to provide swing bed services must be in compliance a portion of the Long Term Care Services Bill of Rights, which is delineated in the CAH Conditions of Participation. The Critical Access Hospital Conditions of Participation are in Appendix W, can be viewed and printed from the Health Care Financing (HCFA) web site at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/manuals/pub07pdf/pub07pdf.asp (pdf file) Please Note: The new CMS website addresses are subject to change. As MDH becomes aware of these changes addresses will be updated.] If you have any questions regarding this Information Bulletin, please contact in writing: Minnesota Department of Health See also > Compliance Monitoring Home |