Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) are small healthcare facilities that provide essential services to rural communities. They are designed to ensure that residents have access to emergency care and basic medical services, often in areas where larger hospitals are not available. CAHs typically have fewer than 25 inpatient beds and offer 24/7 emergency services. To qualify as a CAH, hospitals must meet specific criteria set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This designation allows them to receive cost-based reimbursement, which helps sustain their operations and maintain healthcare access for underserved populations.