Top Three Flex Activities in 2009

1. Engage in a multi-state performance improvement project, beginning with 4 CAHs in year one, adding additional hospitals in year two and each succeeding year until all CAH and SHIP hospitals are participating.
2. Provide opportunities for EMS and CAH personnel to interact and learn about the capacity of the other.
3. Workforce activities for CAHs and small hospitals.

Flex Program Success Story

An innovative program in Alaska is the Rural Hospital Administrative Internships (RHAI) - Active Learning for Graduate Students in Professional Settings. RHAI is a collaborative among three Alaskan universities, the Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association, and the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, with program financial support provided by the State. The program provides experiential learning opportunities for graduate students interested in the business of healthcare with a focus on rural areas.

Alaska Pacific University, University of Alaska, and Wayland Baptist University graduate students interested in health administration may apply for RHAI in rural Alaskan hospitals. Rural hospitals are considered as those outside the catchment areas of the major population centers of Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Palmer-Wasilla. The RHAI experience is anticipated to consist of a visit or two to a rural hospital site to provide the student with an opportunity to work on a real administrative issue, while being introduced to life in the community. Travel, per diem, and other associated academic costs will be provided for the student. Academic credit may be secured for the work.

Most Significant Achievement

Providing Alaska’s CAHs with the opportunity to work on quality and performance issues that they select as major focus areas has been the single most significant achievement for the Alaska Flex program. With the isolated nature of Alaskan hospitals, the Flex program has had a significant impact on financial sustainability.

Flex Program Details

Location: Alaska Department of Health & Social Services
Number of CAHs: 13
Web site: http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/Healthplanning/ruralhealth/rural_flex.htm

State Rural Health Plan
Rural Assistance Center State Resources