FLEX FY25: Quality Improvement for Mississippi's Critical Access Hospitals and CAH Designation

The Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project (MBQIP) serves as the organizing structure for the quality improvement initiatives of the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (FLEX) Program. This program area is focused on enhancing the quality of care delivered by Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and other rural healthcare providers. The objective of the MBQIP aims to increase reporting of quality data by CAHs and subsequently facilitate quality improvement projects informed by this data. Although other types of healthcare providers, such as provider-based rural health clinics or other small rural hospitals, can also benefit from these efforts, the primary focus should target CAHs. Hospitals that demonstrate their quality outcomes and capacity to engage in quality improvement strategies are a key part of many CMS and third-party insurer programs and align with the MBQIP goals. Additionally, the project must assist with CAH Designation by providing assistance to hospitals through feasibility studies and providing information about the designation process, upon request.