CASS COUNTY HOSPITAL TAKES ONE STEP FORWARD

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid announced this week that the proposed hospital in Walker can use an adjusted mileage standard when applying for a critical access hospital. Current rules say hospitals can't be closer than 35 miles; Walker and Park Rapids are 32 miles apart. Task Force Chairman John Warren said because the main roadway between Walker and the nearest critical access hospital in Park Rapids is not a major roadway, CMMS said a 15 mile separation factor can be used in the application. Warren said this is a great step forward but just one more step. Both Walker lawmaker Larry Howes and US Senator Norm Coleman said there seems to be no more governmental obstacles for the hospital.