Critical Access Hospitals
Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) are rural hospitals designated by Medicare to ensure healthcare access in remote areas. They must have no more than 25 inpatient beds, be located at least 35 miles from other hospitals, and provide 24/7 emergency care. CAHs receive cost-based Medicare reimbursement and operate under more flexible staffing rules to maintain essential medical services in rural communities.
Rural Hospitals
Rural hospitals are healthcare facilities located in non-urban areas, serving communities with limited access to medical services. They typically provide essential emergency, inpatient, and outpatient care, often facing challenges like staffing shortages and financial constraints. Rural hospitals play a critical role in maintaining public health by delivering accessible healthcare and supporting local economies in rural regions.
Links and Resources
- Am I Rural
- National Rural Health Association (NRHA)
- Office of Primary Care and Rural Health (OPCRH)
- Rural Health Information Hub (RHIhub)
- Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU)
- Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)
- Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center (NRTRC)
- Utah Telehealth Network (UTN)
- Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP)
Advocacy Agenda
Rural Utah Demographics and Health Data
- Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute (2024)
- HRSA Overview of Utah
- Americas Health Rankings - Utah
- County Health Rankings - Utah
Grant Opportunities
Awards
Rural 9 Network
The Utah Rural Independent Hospital Network (dba "Rural 9") was established to improve the quality and viability of rural independent hospitals in Utah. The network helps identify and prioritize shared needs related to quality and financial stability, and then implement projects to address those needs. In addition, the network provides communication and networking opportunities for nine peer groups to share common issues, solutions, and best practices.
The network includes all 9 independent, rural hospitals in the state, which serve the 7 counties in which they are located as well as 4 adjacent counties without hospitals. Eight of the network members are Critical Access Hospitals. The CEO of each hospital serves as a representative to the Network's board of directors.
Members
Peer Groups
- C-Suite peer group
- CNO peer group
- HR peer group
- IT peer group
- Revenue Cycle peer group
- Radiology peer group
- Infection Control peer group
- OR/Surgery peer group
- Food Service peer group
Contact
Matt McCullough, Ph.D.
Rural 9 Network Director
(801) 807-8727
Rural Health Partners










