Past Events

Identified available data sources that could be compiled to create an understanding of the health status of a population. Described how a rural hospital might utilize the data to inform and implement population health activities. Recognized the value of population health information initiatives and how Flex Programs can support them.

This quarterly webinar included updates from TASC, RQITA, FMT and FORHP, to include both the Flex Program and policies impacting critical access hospitals (CAHs).

In order to succeed in an Accountable Care Organization, all participants in the facility need to be aware of the goals and objectives of joining an ACO, and each individual needs to understand what role they play in the success of the ACO. Members of the team should be engaged both in the design of the implementation and the potential reward for participation. Changing one's practice to meet the requirements of an ACO is not without challenges. Consequently, staff and providers need to believe it will add value both to their patients' lives and to theirs. 

This webinar will include: updates regarding EDTC reporting tools, changes to antibiotic stewardship questions on the NHSN Annual Facility Survey, a review of FMT’s analysis of CAH data reporting during COVID, Q&A regarding QI Project deliverables timeline, and a continued discussion from Flex NCC regarding next steps for MBQIP.

This webinar presented ideas for how State SHIP programs can maximize their efforts across SHIP and Flex programs. Discussion topics included future program planning and implementation opportunities that complement Flex and SHIP funds.

Recognize how palliative care and hospice are provided via telehealth. Understand the opportunities and barriers for critical access hospitals to provide palliative and hospice care. Recall examples of rural models of tele-palliative care and tele-hospice. Describe how Flex Programs can support tele-palliative care and tele-hospice initiatives.

Recognize health information exchange (HIE) and information blocking concepts. Understand the health information exchange direction of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT for rural hospitals and clinics. Discover initiatives shared from a rural Regional Health Information Organization. Explain how state Flex Programs could support rural health information exchange efforts.

This presentation identifies the key elements in leading a successful ACO to improve quality, reduce healthcare costs and enable you to share in the savings that you generate.

This Flex Virtual Knowlege Group webinar focused on an engaging networking opportunity with content focused on "What does working in rural health care mean to you? Why is it important? What are our hopes for the future of rural health care?"

This telehealth webinar is the second of a six-part series for Flex Fiscal Year 2021 focused on rural telehealth topics to build state Flex Program knowledge and understanding of the use of telehealth and the response to the pandemic in rural hospitals and clinics. 

This webinar playback focuses on the Sustainable Rural EMS: Navigating Change guide. This guide can assist rural communities in navigating a change from unsustainable volunteer EMS and ambulance service models to those that are sustainable.

Learn from the Flex Monitoring Team about potential outcome measures for activities in the Operational & Financial Improvement Flex Program area. Hear from State Flex Programs on implementation of outcome measures in Flex Program activities. Engage in conversation about the future and feasibility of outcome measurement in the Flex Program.

Define artificial intelligence and its relevance to health care. Discuss the application of it and machine learning to rural health care. Explain how to support Flex Programs in creating an awareness of artificial intelligence for their CAHs and RHCs.

Identify current issues facing RHCs. Identify opportunities for Flex Programs to help support efforts related to provider-based RHCs. Pinpoint where to find resources to support state Flex Program activities with provider-based RHCs.

Identify what telemedicine services consist of in a rural hospital ED. Recall evaluation results related to the effectiveness of tele-ED for rural hospitals. Relate the value of adoption and efficient use of tele-ED from a critical access hospital perspective. Identify resources available to hospitals related to tele-ED.

Identify how hospitals can use information technology tools to manage population health. Understand the important steps to implementing population health tools. Communicate the importance of population health and the importance of population health management tools as a SHIP allowable investment.

Explain why health care is targeted by cyberattacks, who the attackers are, and the potential implications. Recognize the top cyber threats to health care organizations such as critical access hospitals (CAHs) and rural health clinics (RHCs). Discuss how health care organizations can practice preparedness and what to do in case of a cyberattack.

Recognize the opportunities and challenges for rural health providers in implementing and sustaining tele-behavioral health. List examples of rural models across different aspects of tele-behavioral health. Describe how Flex Programs could support tele-behavioral health for CAHs and RHCs. Identify evaluation and metrics for tele-behavioral health programs.

Explore the new TASC-hosted SharePoint space and Quality Innovation Lab (QIL) email groups and understand expectations of use. Review examples of well written project plans and identify opportunities to enhance your state QI project plan. Receive instructions prior to the first round of QIL meetings. Hear general MBQIP updates.

This call will include an update on state and federal HIT legislation and regulations as well as topics to be determined for discussion.