• OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital has earned Critical Access Hospital designation, strengthening its ability to provide care close to home.
• The designation provides greater flexibility and supports the hospital’s long-term sustainability as a rural healthcare provider.
• Van Wert Hospital successfully completed a comprehensive Joint Commission survey as part of the designation process

OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital has earned Critical Access Hospital designation, strengthening its ability to provide high-quality, patient-centered care while supporting the hospital's long-term sustainability and access to services close to home.

The Critical Access Hospital program was established to help rural hospitals maintain local access to care by providing additional flexibility through a cost-based Medicare reimbursement model.

“This designation helps ensure we can continue providing the care our community depends on, now and into the future,” said Paula Stabler, president, OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. “It strengthens our hospital, supports our caregivers and positions us to meet the healthcare needs of our community for years to come.”

With this designation, Van Wert Hospital joins other OhioHealth rural hospitals operating under the Critical Access Hospital model, including OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital, OhioHealth Shelby Hospital and OhioHealth Morrow County Hospital.

Critical Access Hospitals are designated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and must meet specific operational and regulatory requirements. As part of the designation process, Van Wert Hospital successfully completed a comprehensive Joint Commission survey assessing its compliance with nationally recognized standards for quality and patient safety through on-site observations and reviews of clinical and operational processes.

“Our priority is always making sure our patients receive safe, compassionate care," said Leslie Beining, chief nursing officer, OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. "Critical Access Hospital designation gives our teams the flexibility and resources needed to provide that care and support the needs of our community.”

Van Wert Hospital leaders said they remain focused on providing trusted, patient-focused care throughout the transition. 

To learn more, visit jointcommission.org/accreditation/critical-access-hospital.

Morrow County Hospital underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite survey that concluded on October 3, 2025. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission surveyors assessed compliance across key areas such as emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, and acute care.

“This accreditation is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our entire team at Morrow County Hospital,” said Mike Hyek, president of OhioHealth Morrow County Hospital. “Achieving this recognition from the Joint Commission reflects our commitment to providing the safest, highest-quality care to our community. We remain focused on continuously improving to meet and exceed the standards of excellence in healthcare”

Joint Commission surveyors conducted on-site observations and interviews to identify performance strengths and opportunities for continued improvement. Surveyors found no areas of opportunity that required a re-survey at the hospital. With decades of expertise and a data-driven accreditation process, Joint Commission helps ensure healthcare organizations adhere to leading quality and safety practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and commitment to better patient care.

“Joint Commission congratulates OhioHealth Morrow County Hospital for achieving accreditation by demonstrating its focus on delivering safe and effective care of the highest quality and value,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, Joint Commission. “Through the accreditation process, we worked closely with Morrow County Hospital to enable and affirm the highest standards of healthcare quality and patient safety. Together, we are elevating care for all patients, and we appreciate Morrow County Hospital’s collaboration throughout this process.”

Morrow County Hospital staff consistently perform internal mock surveys and roundings to ensure the team is prepared for the accreditation process. For more information, please visit the Joint Commission’s website.