Emily T. Marsal

The Council conducted an election for the position of Vice-Chair. Discussion topics included the review and presentation of the 2025-2026 Annual Report Forms, along with Home Health and Hospice Reports for fiscal years 2022-2024. Members discussed the role of the Council in the statistical information review process, addressed concerns regarding the frequency of meetings, and affirmed the accuracy of the presented data based on staff methodology and established collection forms.

This document provides a statistical update to the 2024-2027 Alabama State Health Plan, specifically focusing on the bed need for Specialty Care Assisted Living Facilities. It presents detailed data by county, including the projected population aged 65 and older for 2028, licensed beds, CON authorized beds, total beds, and calculated gross and net bed needs for 2025. The update aims to inform on the current and projected capacity, highlighting areas with bed surpluses or deficits, and includes notes on CON authorized beds not yet licensed and active State Health Plan adjustments.

The Council received an update regarding the status of the Rural Health Transformation Program state plan and application. The Council formally approved a plan adjustment for Amedisys Home Health to modify the 2024-2027 Alabama State Health Plan regarding the continuation of home health services. Furthermore, the Council discussed a proposed rule change concerning Rural Emergency Hospital transfer requirements, resulting in a decision to table the item and refer it to the Hospital Committee for further consideration.

The committee focused on the discussion regarding the proposed Rural Emergency Hospital conversion language. Participants provided feedback and alternative language, which the Chairman agreed to take under consideration for the agency's review, with plans to distribute updated versions of the rules and schedule a future meeting for further deliberation.

The Council received an update on the State Plan and Application for the Rural Health Transformation Program, including plans to form a work group. The meeting included a review of Annual Reports tracking, causes for reporting delays, and the enforcement of penalties for submission failures. Additionally, the Council reviewed updates to the State Health Plan specifically concerning Acute Care, Substance Use, and In-Home Hospice Services.