NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — It took nearly 14 years, a change in requirements and a decadelong 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.