Wyoming Flex Program Details
Location: Wyoming Department of Health, Rural and Frontier Health Division, Office of Rural Health
Number of CAHs: 15
Web site: http://health.wyo.gov/rfhd/rural/index.html
Rural Assistance Center State Resources
Wyoming Flex Program Success Story
"Maximizing Opportunities in CAHs", presented by Mike Bell, CPA and revenue/reimbursement expert. As a result of this training, two Wyoming CAHs have sent their CFO to Mike’s on-site "Boot Camp" for CAH finance and reimbursement.
Wyoming Most Significant Flex Achievement
Wyoming is the ninth largest state geographically, yet the least populated. The Flex program has provided a need and a means to bring the CAHs together in an organized manner through the development of the Wyoming Critical Access Hospital Network. Leadership at the WCAHN level (CAH CEOs), the Wyoming Hospital Association (which provides day to day leadership to the WCAHN) and the Wyoming Office of Rural Health has made it difficult for the WCAHN to grow. There has been stability within these three organizations for about a year and a half, and the WCAHN is now in a position to pursue meaningful initiatives that provide benefit to its members.
Wyoming Top Three Flex Activities in 2009
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Education
Nurse Leadership training – Flex dollars support a video conference, 8 module certificate course for nurses who are new to leadership positions. The training is provided through the Laramie County Community College. Enthusiasm for the course is high, and carryover funds supported another round of trainings summer 09. In the 2009 – 2010 grant, the courses will be available to new leaders in departments outside of nursing also. - Quality/Performance Improvement
Six of WY's 15 CAHs are participating in the CAH Multi-State Quality and Performance Improvement Project during the 2008 – 2009 Flex grant year. All 15 will participate in the 2009 – 2010 grant year. - Networking
The Wyoming Critical Access Hospital Network (WCAHN) has gained momentum and is actively participating in the planning the Flex grant application. WCAHN is also pursuing co-op purchasing for several items and services. Flex dollars are also funding a new state-of-the-art web site for WCAHN. WCAHN is in the early stages of designing professional peer networks for CFOs and HR staff in CAHs, based on the best practices program in Idaho.