Under Gov. Deal’s plan, small rural and critical access hospitals would be able to operate as freestanding emergency departments if they are in danger of closing or have closed within the past year. The EDs would serve to stabilize patients before they are transferred to larger hospitals that are no more than 35 miles away.
In addition, rural hospitals could choose to offer elective outpatient surgeries, basic OB/GYN services and other procedures that do not require an operating room.
Finally, Gov. Deal will designate a state employee within the DCH to become the primary contact for the state’s rural hospitals. A rural hospital stabilization committee will also help to identify the needs and potential solutions for struggling providers.
Four rural hospitals in Georgia had closed throughout the past year-plus: Lower Oconee Community Hospital in Glenwood, Charlton Memorial Hospital in Folkston, Stewart-Webster Hospital in Richland and Calhoun Memorial Hospital in Arlington. However, a private company purchased and reopened Lower Oconee Community Hospital earlier this month.
More Articles on Georgia Rural Hospitals:
Georgia Bills Would Require a County Commissioner on Hospitals’ Boards
18 Hospitals That Closed in 2013
Rural Healthcare Amidst Reform: Are Critical Access Hospitals Endangered?
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