The department shall provide expert technical assistance to strategically located, high-risk rural hospitals to assist the hospitals in carrying out an assessment of potential business and diversification of service opportunities. In providing the technical assistance on business opportunities, the department shall consult with other appropriate agencies. The high-risk rural hospital, in cooperation with the department, may develop a short-term plan of action if, in its opinion, the results of the assessment so indicate. The department, in consultation with an organization of interest, shall do all of the following:
(a) Establish a process for identifying strategically located, high-risk rural hospitals and reviewing requests from the hospitals for assistance.
(b) Develop a standard format for the strategic assessment.
(c) Develop a model action plan.
(d) Establish criteria for review of action plans.
(e) Request input and assistance from organizations of interest.
(f) Make the strategic assessment format and model action plan available to all small and rural hospitals.
(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 225, Sec. 56. Effective August 16, 2004.)