Allowable Investments Search Tool
In general, SHIP allowable investments include activities to assist small rural hospitals with their quality improvement efforts and with their adaptation to changing payment systems through investments in hardware, software and related trainings. This includes aiding with value and quality improvement.
Unallowable investments include, but are not limited to, travel costs, hospital services, hospital staff salaries, or general supplies. Hospitals should contact their State Office of Rural Health (SORH) with questions regarding the appropriateness or fit of a certain activity or hardware/software purchase. For additional clarifications, refer to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
This tool classifies a number of example investment activities as Allowable, Unallowable, or PO Pre-Approval. This is not a comprehensive list. It is only intended to provide examples of allowable SHIP activities.
Health Information Technology (HIT) Training for Value and ACOs is an allowable investment. SHIP covers hardware, software, and training; therefore, it would be beneficial to include risk assessments and/or training associated with cybersecurity. These are allowable investments.
Electronic health record (EHR) costs supportive of COVID-19 testing and mitigation.
A 340B Drug Pricing Program training intended to increase efficiency or quality improvement in support of Prospective Bundling and Prospective Payment Systems initiatives is an allowable investment.
Any kind of emergency alert systems fall under the category of telecommunication systems and are thus NOT an allowable use of SHIP funds.
Surveys completed for medical clinics, ambulatory services, emergency room, specialty clinics, home health, and other outpatient services are NOT an allowable use of SHIP funds. This includes OAS-CAHPS and CG CAHPS.
Costs for testing, including procuring, providing, or processing COVID-19 tests (including at-home testing kits).
Costs for testing using a simultaneous multi-disease test that must include COVID-19
Supporting EMS as it relates to COVID-19 testing and mitigation efforts, and as part of a system improvement process
Alterations and renovations that do not qualify as construction to update laboratories or other key spaces for safer and more efficient COVID-19 testing.
Installing tents, sheds, or other temporary structures to use for COVID-19 testing or mitigation activities.
Devices for masks, fit testing masks, respirators, or other personal protective equipment used to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Covid-19 related education materials (including vaccination education materials) for dissemination to the public.
Laboratory supplies and equipment for COVID-19 testing.
Costs associated with staff time spent on COVID-19 testing.