NORTH ADAMS, Mass — Berkshire Health Systems has announced that the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the designation of North Adams Regional Hospital (NARH) as a Critical Access Hospital (CAH).

 

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

 

Berkshire Health Systems reopened North Adams Regional Hospital on March 28. 2024, ten 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.

 

"Reestablishing inpatient beds at the new North Adams Regional Hospital is a key component of our organization's strategy to keep healthcare services and care close to home, as often as possible," said Darlene Rodowicz, President and CEO of BHS. "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."  Rodowicz added, "The enormous support of Congressman Richard Neal, his colleagues in the US 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."

 

"The designation of North Adams Regional Hospital as a Critical Access Hospital has an enormous impact on the Northern Berkshire community," said Congressman Neal. "This designation works to resolve stark inequities in rural and underserved communities as it relates to our nation's health system. 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. 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."

 

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 the middle of 2023 that it was applying for the designation and was reopening the hospital, with up to 25 inpatient beds. The former NARH did not qualify for CAH designation when it closed in 2014, but a change in regulatory guidelines in 2023 made the facility eligible for CAH status.

 

"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."

 

Berkshire Health Systems provides care for residents and visitors across the Berkshires, with Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield and 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.