Key Takeaways from NRHA’s RHC & CAH Conferences 2025
We just wrapped up a productive few days in Kansas City at the NRHA Rural Health Clinic & Critical Access Hospital Conferences. This year’s event was filled with timely, candid discussions about the future of rural healthcare—from significant policy shifts to everyday challenges like workforce sustainability.
If you weren’t able to attend, here are a few themes that stood out:
Policy, Funding, and Compliance
It was clear from the very start: you can’t talk about rural health right now without talking about the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), OBBBA, and H.R.1. We heard from hospitals, consultants, and industry leaders who are actively assessing how these changes will impact operations in both the short and long term.
The key message: engage early and often. As RHTP applications develop, CAHs will need to work closely with their state associations. As one speaker put it, “the voice of the hospitals is most important.”
A highlight was Plenary 8, where CMS’s Kate Sapra walked through the RHTP timeline and what’s ahead. While we heard many references to Politico’s description of the program as the “Hunger Games for Rural Health,” the tone of Kate’s session was more grounded. This is a pivotal opportunity for rural hospitals to help shape the future of care delivery—not just react to it. It won’t be without challenges, but there is real potential for meaningful, long-term impact.
Workforce Burnout and Retention
Staffing and workforce wellness continue to dominate conversations in rural healthcare. Burnout, leadership stress, and recruitment hurdles were front and center—but so were actionable strategies.
Leaders shared practical solutions, from aligning better with physicians to implementing data tools that give providers and teams meaningful feedback. The energy was focused on creating better support systems, rather than just acknowledging the problem.
Quality and Patient Outcomes
Quality and patient experience weren’t just buzzwords; they were a throughline that ran throughout the conference. Sessions highlighted OB and maternity care, stroke and heart initiatives, simulation-based training, and updated HCAHPS measures.
Another highlight of the conference was Friday’s Top 20 CAHs Awards Presentation, which celebrated how rural communities are leading the way in delivering high-quality care. We were especially proud to see several of our clients recognized: Beatrice Community Hospital, Bitterroot Health – Daly Hospital, Central Montana Medical Center, Hampshire Memorial Hospital, and UnityPoint Health – Jones Regional Medical Center.
Leadership and Cultural Transformation
One of the most engaging sessions was led by Tanya Kessinger and Tracy Koster of Magruder Hospital, who shared their hospital’s journey, “From Surviving to Thriving.” Their key takeaway: transformation doesn’t begin with new technology or funding—it begins with people aligned around a shared mission.
Their story was a powerful reminder that leadership and culture are foundational to any sustainable change.
Community and Connection
No conference recap would be complete without mentioning the connections made along the way. From hallway conversations to Kansas City BBQ (thank you, Forvis Mazars!), we were reminded of what’s possible when rural health leaders come together and share their voices.
As Carrie Cochran-McClain, NRHA’s Chief Policy Officer, noted: “It’s crucial that you tell your story to Congress in this challenging health care environment and show them why we need to take action on rural issues.”
We couldn’t agree more. Now, more than ever, rural voices need to be heard. We hope you’ll join us at NRHA’s upcoming Policy Institute in Washington, D.C.: Learn more here.
If we missed you at NRHA 2025, we’d still love to connect. Whether you’re navigating the details of RHTP, looking for ways to support your workforce, or improving cost report accuracy, VersaBadge is here to help.
