Our Mission

The University of Iowa Critical Access Hospital Network (UI CAHN) is a consortium of Iowa non-profit hospitals (licensed as or converting to Critical Access Hospital status) who are affiliated via a Network Agreement with University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics as the Network Hospital, which was created to meet/exceed State CAH Regulations and foster a culture of ongoing compliance, and to collaborate in maintaining access to quality healthcare in rural communities by assuring:

• continuity of care via transfer or referral, if needed, to an acute/tertiary care facility;
• appropriate communications;
• credentialing; and
• quality assurance.

The UI CAHN serves as a foundation for leadership and staff to collaborate in benchmarking, development of Best Practices, offering educational and/or training opportunities and peer group meetings, organizing professional communications and sharing of resources.

Vision:

In pursuit of the mission, the vision of the UI CAHN is to continue to evolve into a thriving and sustainable network for critical access hospitals and rural communities in Iowa.

Values:

To support the Mission and Vision of the UI CAHN, common values include:

• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Accountability
• Respect

Network Liaison Position

• The CAH Network designated a CAH Network Liaison beginning April 2003.
• The position is jointly funded through an agreement between the participating CAHs and the Liaison:
  • primarily helps a CAH prepare for and maintain compliance with CMS regulations and assists the CAHs with survey readiness;
  • assures compliance with the Network Agreement; and
  • coordinates activity between the participating hospitals and the Network Hospital.