RITZVILLE, Wash. – East Adams Rural Healthcare took a significant step toward becoming Washington’s first rural emergency hospital. The board approved a 2026 budget focused on this transition.
Residents and local leaders discussed the implications of this change for healthcare in Ritzville.
After months of uncertainty, the board formally decided to move toward the rural emergency hospital model.
The board meeting began with public questions about staffing, finances, and the future of local healthcare.
Viola Babcock, Chief Financial Officer, explained the necessity of the change. “The critical access model that we have now is not viable for a community of this size. Critical access breaks even at a service of 10,000 people and we do not have that here,” she said.
Under the new rural emergency hospital model, East Adams will no longer provide inpatient or swing-bed care. However, services such as the ER, clinic, lab, radiology, and wound care will remain.
Babcock emphasized, “No inpatient, no swing bed — everything else stays for East Adams,” she said.
Leaders believe the new model will secure federal funding, which they describe as crucial after years of financial loss and over $5 million in short-term debt.
“They will send 3.4 million… and each year it gets increased by what’s called the Medicare market basket… That comes directly to the hospital,” Babcock said.
The transition may lead to staffing changes and potential layoffs. Despite this, several residents expressed their support for the change if it ensures the availability of local care.
A resident noted, “Our EMS agency stands behind the current administration… whatever we can do to help you moving forward, just know that we have your back,” they said.
The application for the rural emergency hospital model now moves to the state for temporary approval before federal government authorization.
The board vote was unanimous, with a resounding, “Aye… Aye… Aye… Aye… 2026 budget passes.”
The hospital awaits approval from the State Department of Health and will hold another public meeting once it is granted.
