Rural Frontier Hospital Cooperation Act to Strengthen Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center

Description: "The Rural and Frontier Hospital Cooperation Act... Marks a significant step forward in reducing costs, improving quality, and increasing access to healthcare for frontier and rural communities across the state."

Governor Jared Polis Signs Legislation Supporting Frontier and Rural Hospitals

[June 3, 2023] – – In a significant occasion for Colorado’s frontier and rural hospitals, Governor Jared Polis visited Lincoln Health Byers Clinic, to sign Colorado Senate Bill 23-298, the Rural and Frontier Hospital Cooperation Act, into law. This landmark legislation, sponsored by Senator Bob Gardner, Senator Dylan Roberts, Representative Rod Bockenfeld, and Representative Karen McCormick, marks a significant step forward in reducing costs, improving quality, and increasing access to healthcare for frontier and rural communities across the state.

AVRMC CEO Andy Flemer expressed his gratitude, stating, "I appreciate Attorney General Phil Weiser and HCPF Executive Director Kim Bimestefer for their support of this legislation and how it will provide the state's smallest and most vulnerable hospitals a path to help reduce costs, improve quality, and increase access to care to some of Colorado's most underserved communities. Frontier and rural hospitals will now have the ability to work more closely together to achieve these important goals."

The signing ceremony, held in Byers, Colorado, brought together local officials, healthcare professionals, and community members to witness the Governor's commitment to supporting frontier and rural healthcare.

Senate Bill 23-298 allows frontier and rural hospitals to collaborate on purchasing medical supplies, equipment, and other critical resources. This cooperation will enable frontier and rural hospitals to increase their purchasing power without violating antitrust laws. By leveraging collective strength and resources, rural hospitals can lower costs, expand specialized care options, and ultimately enhance healthcare outcomes for rural Coloradans.

The legislation received overwhelming support in both chambers of the Colorado General Assembly, reflecting the recognition of the urgent need to support frontier and rural hospitals.

"We were delighted to work with our frontier and rural hospitals and the Attorney General's office to bring SB23-298 into law," said Kim Bimestefer, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. "This bill will enable these hospitals to collaborate in ways that meaningfully improve access to care, quality, and affordability for Coloradans in our most remote communities, while supporting the financial sustainability of rural hospitals."

The passage of the Rural and Frontier Hospital Cooperation Act was supported by the Colorado Hospital Association (CHA), According to CHA’s CEO, Jeff Tieman, "This is an example of the hospitals in the state working together to create constructive solutions to improve the care for vulnerable communities. Like Denver Health in the city, these hospitals serve as safety net providers to vast areas of the state. We were proud to support this effort."

About Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center: Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center is a Critical Access Hospital and is located on two blocks of land. The main building is licensed for 25 beds to provide inpatient acute care, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Labor & Delivery Services, Level IV Trauma & Emergency Services and Outpatient Healthcare Services. The 129,300 square-foot main building began operations in 1971. AVRMC has continued to improve the facilities and upgrade its equipment through funds generated from Medical Center operations. Our Mission statement is Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center is a community-owed organization providing high quality, respectful, and compassionate health care services to individuals and families in southeastern Colorado.

AVRMC is accredited by The Joint Commission. Joint Commission accreditation is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization's commitment to meeting certain performance standards. To earn and maintain The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval, an organization must undergo an on-site survey by a Joint Commission survey team at least every three years.

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