Resources

The extent to which employees are passionate about their work and committed to the organization (engagement) and the choice by an employee to stay with an organization instead of seeking employment elsewhere (retention).

Evaluation reporting to program stakeholders should be included in Flex Program activities. Reporting supports overall program transparency and development, stakeholder buy-in, engagement, and accountability.

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.

Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP) State Grantees can find details on how to apply for and administer SHIP funds, as well as templates for reporting.

This page comprises the best practice resources, webinars, and learning collaboratives for SHIP Coordinators.

View the criteria to be eligible to participate in Flex-related activities for Fiscal Year 2020. Learn exceptions and answers to frequently asked questions and access the 2019 MBQIP sample waiver template.

A MOU is required in order for any CAH to participate in MBQIP. Access current and past MBQIP MOU and consent forms as well as descriptions of when to use them.

Resources to support abstracting, submitting, and confirming data submission to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) QualityNet Warehouse, including the CMS Abstraction and Reporting Tool (CART) and reporting specifications manuals. 

Flex Program Fundamentals: An Introduction to the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program is designed to be used by both new and current Flex Program staff: as an orientation manual and as a guide to helpful resources.

Access Flex Program funding guidance, templates, webinar recordings, and other associated materials for the current funding cycle.

Managing the cooperative agreement is one of the primary responsibilities of state Flex Programs and includes: budgeting, cooperative agreement application writing, working with partners, information management, and reporting.