[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 42, Volume 3] [Revised as of October 1, 2005] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 42CFR485.603] [Page 601] TITLE 42--PUBLIC HEALTH CHAPTER IV--CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) PART 485_CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION: SPECIALIZED PROVIDERS--Table of Contents Subpart F_Conditions of Participation: Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) Sec. 485.603 Rural health network. A rural health network is an organization that meets the following specifications: (a) It includes-- (1) At least one hospital that the State has designated or plans to designate as a CAH; and (2) At least one hospital that furnishes acute care services. (b) The members of the organization have entered into agreements regarding-- (1) Patient referral and transfer; (2) The development and use of communications systems, including, where feasible, telemetry systems and systems for electronic sharing of patient data; and (3) The provision of emergency and nonemergency transportation among members. (c) Each CAH has an agreement with respect to credentialing and quality assurance with at least-- (1) One hospital that is a member of the network when applicable; (2) One QIO or equivalent entity; or (3) One other appropriate and qualified entity identified in the State rural health care plan. [58 FR 30671, May 26, 1993, as amended at 62 FR 46035, Aug. 29, 1997; 63 FR 26359, May 12, 1998] [[Page 602]]