UT Arlington researchers call for more insight on ‘potential lifeline’ for rural hospitals

Researchers in North Texas are calling for more insight into whether a federal program is improving access to care for rural communities.

Certain rural hospitals were able to convert to “Rural Emergency Hospitals” beginning in 2020. The designation allows hospitals to participate in a new federal payment program designed to provide financial stability and ensure access in rural areas.

Elizabeth Merwin, a nursing professor at UT Arlington, said researchers have questions about how the conditions of the program affect care.

“There's very little evidence or research-based information on the outcomes of the use of –or the switch to rural emergency hospitals,” she said.

About 1,500 hospitals were eligible for the program based on the specific requirements.

Since the first hospitals convert