State Rural Hospital Flexibility Program (93.241)

 

Program

93.241 State Rural Hospital Flexibility Program

 

Federal Agency

HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

Authorization

Balanced Budget Act of 1997, Section 4201, Public Law 105-33.

 

Program Number

93.241

 

Last Known Status

Active

 

Objectives

To help States work with rural communities and hospitals to develop and implement a rural health plan, designate critical access hospitals (CAHs), develop integrated networks of care, improve emergency medical services and improve quality, service and organizational performance.

 

Types of Assistance

Project Grants.

 

Uses and Use Restrictions

All funds awarded are to be expended solely for the purposes outlined in the approved projects.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

States that have submitted a State Rural Health Plan to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) can apply. All other States need to submit an application to the Regional Administrator of their CMS Regional Office that expresses the State's interest in developing a Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program before they can apply for grant funds.

Beneficiary Eligibility

States with at least one hospital located in a non-metropolitan statistical area or county and provides CMS with necessary assurances.

Credentials/Documentation

OMB Circular No. A-87, "Cost Principles Applicable to Grants and Contracts with State and Local Governments," applies.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

States are required to collaborate with State Offices of Rural Health, State Hospital Associations, State EMS Offices, and rural hospitals. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure

Application Kits can be obtained by writing to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Grants Application Center, 901 Russell Avenue, Suite 450, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, or by calling toll-free: 1-877-477-2123.

Award Procedure

Applications are evaluated by Federal and nonfederal experts. All acceptable applications will be funded. Final decisions on level of funding are made by the Director, Office of Rural Health Policy.

Deadlines

Contact Headquarters Office listed below for deadline dates.

 

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

None.

Renewals

None.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Awards are made annually. Funds are available to grantees on an as needed basis throughout the budget period and payments are made through the DHHS Payment Management System.

 

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

A performance progress report is submitted with each noncompeting continuation application. A financial status report is to be submitted within 90 days after the close of the budget period. A final program report is to be submitted within 90 days after the close of the project period. In addition, grantees are required to participate in a national program evaluation.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. In addition, grants and cooperative agreements are subject to inspection and audits by DHHS and other Federal government officials.

Records

Grantees are required to maintain grant accounting records for 3 years after the end of the project period. If any litigation, audit, or other action involving the records has been started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records shall be retained until completion of the action and resolution of all issues which arise from it, or until 3-year period expires, whichever is later.

 

Program Accomplishments

In fiscal year 2002, 47 continuation awards were made to States. It is estimated that 45 awards will be made in fiscal year 2003. In fiscal year 2004 it is estimated that 45 continuations will be made.

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

75-0350-0-1-550.

Obligations

(Grants) FY 02 $22,363,099; FY 03 est $22,300,000; and FY 04 est $22,300,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

$200,000 to $700,000; $484,977.

 

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

Program Guidelines may be obtained by contacting the Headquarters Office. PHS Grant Policy Statement, DHHS Publication No. (OASH) 94-50,000, (Rev.) April 1, 1995.

 

Related Programs

None.

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Not applicable.

Headquarters Office

Program Contact: Forrest Calico, M.D., Health Systems Advisor, Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 9A-55, Rockville, MD 20857. Telephone: (301) 443-0835. Grants Management Contact: Janice M. Gordon, Acting Grants Management Officer, Division of Grants Management Operations, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 11A-55, Rockville, Md. 20857. Telephone: (301) 443-2385.

Web Site Address

http://www.ruralhealth.hrsa.gov

 

Examples of Funded Projects

None.

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Contact Headquarters for selection criteria.