Three years ago, a new federal designation for rural hospitals went into effect, allowing facilities to receive enhanced support for outpatient and emergency services if they gave up their more expensive inpatient care.

The rural emergency hospital provider type is meant to support small rural facilities amid challenges like lower volume, aging populations and rising costs.

As the designation gains traction in Oklahoma, some providers said it has become a lifeline for their facilities, which would otherwise close. But critics argue there is a need for other solutions.

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