To gain insights into the capital needs of small rural hospitals and the hospitals access to capital, a survey was mailed to administrators of 950 rural hospitals with under 50 beds. The survey asked respondents to estimate the total cost of bringing their facility into compliance with current laws, including fire codes and the requirements of state inspection agencies. To gain insights into hospitals access to capital, the survey asked respondents whether their hospital could qualify for a million-dollar loan. Survey data were combined with financial data from 1998 cost reports to allow a comparison of hospital financial needs to available resources.

The study will report on:

• The average cost of bringing small rural hospitals up to code;
• The percentage of small rural hospitals that can obtain a $1 million dollar loan; and
• The financial condition of hospitals with access to capital difficulties.

Publications

• Capital Needs of Small Rural Hospitals
  NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis
  Date: 05/2002
  This report examines the capital situation of rural hospitals with fewer than 50 beds to determine the total cost of bringing each facility into compliance with current laws, as well as the facilities' cost of borrowing and ability to borrow.