NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — It took nearly 14 years, a change in requirements and a decade-long coma, but North Adams Regional Hospital has finally been designated as a federally recognized Critical Access Hospital.

 

"Re-establishing inpatient beds at the new North Adams Regional Hospital is a key component of our organization's strategy to keep health-care services and care close to home, as often as possible," said Darlene Rodowicz, president and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems in announcing the news. "We are completely committed to providing sustainable, high-quality care to patients in the Northern Berkshire region and are excited to continue advancing the health and wellness of our region through this Critical Access Hospital designation." 

 

BHS, parent of Berkshire Medical Center, purchased the assets of the bankrupt Northern Berkshire Healthcare in 2014 and reopened an emergency satellite facility on the campus along with other medical services. 

 

But reopening the hospital had been out of reach until changes in late 2022 to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regulations for rural "critical access hospitals." The former officials at North Adams Regional were rejected in their attempt at that designation back in 2011, which they saw as way to stabilize finances through higher Medicare reimbursements. But a CAH couldn't be within a 35-mile radius of another hospital and its application was rejected. 

 

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal was able to secure a slight change in the regulations regarding the federal government's definition of a connecting highway that made Route 7 a "secondary road" and dropping the distance maximum to 15 miles. 

 

"This designation works to resolve stark inequities in rural and underserved communities as it relates to our nation's health system," said Neal in a statement. "I have long advocated for legislation that addresses health equity, allowing everyone to have a fair and just opportunity to achieve their highest level of health, regardless of who they are or where they live."

 

North Adams Regional Hospital was reopened on March 28, 2024, 10 years to the day after its closure under previous ownership. In the interim, the facility had served as the North Adams Campus of Berkshire Medical Center, providing numerous outpatient services and provider offices.

 

The hospital renovated and reopened the 2 North wing for patients and has been gradually phasing in the number of patients under U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services review. 

 

The designation was granted on July 31 and is retroactive to July 12.

 

Rodowicz credited the "enormous support of Congressman Richard Neal, his colleagues in the U.S. House and Senate, our Berkshire state legislative delegation, the municipal leaders in the region, and members of the community at large helped to make this designation possible and we are honored and grateful that they have entrusted us with the important responsibility of bringing inpatient care back to the Northern Berkshire region."

 

Critical Access Hospital designation by CMS is limited to small, rural facilities that meet criteria to qualify for federal support in maintaining services that would otherwise not be financially and/or operationally viable. Berkshire Health Systems announced in June 2023 that it was applying for the designation and was reopening the hospital, with up to 25 inpatient beds.

 

"The designation of North Adams Regional Hospital as a Critical Access Hospital has an enormous impact on the Northern Berkshire community," Neal said Congressman Neal. "I am pleased that the work of my colleagues in Congress working with the Biden/Harris administration has led to this Critical Access Hospital designation for North Adams Regional Hospital."

 

Berkshire Health Systems provides care for residents and visitors across the Berkshires, with Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield and now two Critical Access Hospitals – North Adams Regional Hospital and Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington – in addition to dozens of provider clinics, a home care agency, and numerous outpatient programs and services.

 

"The approval of North Adams Regional Hospital as a Critical Access Hospital expands Berkshire Health Systems' coordinated system of care across the county," said Laurie Lamarre, vice president of NARH. "The staff at North Adams Regional Hospital has worked tirelessly over the past several months to ensure that NARH meets the high standards of quality, safety and care required to achieve CAH designation. We are proud to serve the people of Northern Berkshire."