In January of 2024, FCHS switched hospital status from a Critical Access Hospital to a Rural Emergency Hospital (REH). Since January there has been a lot of buzz about what an REH is and what it means for FCHS and the community. So, let’s break it down.
In 2021, Congress created a hospital designation status known as Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) through the Consolidated Appropriations Act. REHs were created to help rural hospitals continue to provide outpatient services and reduce disparities in healthcare access. The average REH provides outpatient medical services, such as emergency care, observation care, and outpatient surgeries.
FCHS holds the title for being the first REH in Nebraska. REH’s can be found in other states including: Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.
We are Nebraska’s first REH! Great! What does that mean for you? We will no longer offer inpatient services or swing bed. Also, we will be around for our community for the long-haul. With guaranteed funding from the government, we can keep our doors open and our services available to you. If you’re interested to learn more about being an REH, or about our services, give us a call at (402) 947-2541.
