Resources

State Flex Programs remain vital because of the web of relationships developed and maintained within communities, providers, networks, states, regions, and nationally. It is imperative that state Flex Programs have the skills, capacity, and commitment to build and sustain partnerships, new and old, to support rural providers and rural stakeholders.

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.

State Flex Programs must understand QI principles, resources, and trends to support CAHs in advancing QI.

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.

State Flex Programs can help CAHs transition into value-based systems, population health models, and future opportunities through education, network support, facilitation of new partnerships, and technical assistance.

It is important for state Flex Programs to understand the community needs of CAH and RHC service areas to develop or leverage program activities in support of health system development, community engagement, and population health improvement.

The guide for state Flex Programs contains relevant and practical recommendations and tools to strengthen staff engagement and retention through the Staff Sustainability Cycle described within, which consists of recruiting, onboarding, learning and development, engagement and retention, and succession planning.

This list includes key resources for State Flex Programs implementing and supporting the Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project (MBQIP).

These resources provide information about how to submit Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project (MBQIP) data and how to interpret data reports in order to inform quality improvement efforts.

These resources focus on quality improvement for care transitions.

These resources focus on quality improvement for outpatient hospital services, primarily those provided in the emergency department (ED).

These resources focus on quality improvement related to patient safety and inpatient care.

The Flex Program and CAHs rely on leadership and a skilled workforce to advance program goals and deliver high-quality, high-value care for patients.

SHIP Allowable Investments support activities by small rural hospitals in meeting value-based care goals for their respective organizations through purchases in hardware, software, and related training.

These resources focus on quality improvement related to the patient experience.

This list includes quality improvement resources that can be used across a variety of project topic areas.

View resources related to the Rural Community Ambulance Agency Transformation Readiness core competency EMS Operations and Processes.

View resources related to the Rural Community Ambulance Agency Transformation Readiness core competency Workforce.

View resources related to the Rural Community Ambulance Agency Transformation Readiness core competency Strategic Planning.

View resources related to the Rural Community Ambulance Agency Transformation Readiness core competency EMS Outcomes and Impact.