Core Competency: Understanding the Current and Future Health Care Environment

Considering the mission of the Flex Program as well as the unique roles of CAHs, RHCs, EMS and other rural providers, it is important for state Flex Program staff to understand the health care system and how it works. This includes knowing the different types of facilities and services in the community as well as keeping a pulse on the shift towards value-based payment systems. By having a solid foundation, state Flex Program staff can confidently join in conversations which shape the future of health care. As many rural communities age and costs rise, knowing trends in the broad health care sector can help Flex Programs envision how to support healthier communities. 

PROFICIENCIES

  • Understand the interconnection of various provider types (i.e., hospitals, clinics, LTC, EMS, behavioral health, etc.)
  • Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with state associations representing various provider types to foster regular communication on new programs, policy and regulatory changes, and opportunities for collaboration
  • Foster CAH participation in local and statewide public health initiatives
  • Engage with public health, rural health care providers, rural community stakeholders, and EMS to prepare for emergencies impacting rural health
  • Encourage rural providers to have up-to-date emergency response plans that are reviewed at least annually and communicated to all local and state partners
  • Describe the future health care environment, drivers for change, and the opportunities for rural providers
  • Understand how quality of care, hospital operations and finances, patient and employee engagement, community collaboration, and health outcomes interrelate to drive the future of rural health care
  • Share new models of care information, resources, and outcomes to rural providers and key stakeholders
  • Help hospitals and rural health clinics understand the need to participate in community-based, comprehensive approaches to emergencies
  • Identify the varying needs of independent and system-affiliated CAHs, and CAHs with provider-based RHCs, LTC, or owned ambulance agencies

Related Resources:

Logo for Rural Health Value
Value-Based Care
Rural Health Value
National Rural Health Resource Center logo

Visionary Board Leadership and the Transition to Value Video Series

National Rural Health Resource Center

National Rural Health Resource Center logo

Shifting to a Value-Based Health Care System

National Rural Health Resource Center

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Related Resources

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State Flex Programs must understand QI principles, resources, and trends to support CAHs in advancing QI.
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Core Competency: Improving Financial Sustainability

The Flex Program and CAH designation was established and remains in place because of the financial vulnerability of small rural hospitals. CAH financial and operational improvement is one of the required program areas of the Flex Program.
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Core Competency: Understanding Policies and Regulations

State Flex Programs need to have an in-depth understanding of the policies and regulations governing the Flex Program, as well as a basic understanding of the policy-making process and other policies and regulations affecting rural providers.
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