Critical Access Hospitals and Retail Activity: an Empirical Analysis

Abstract

This paper takes an empirical approach to determining the effect that a critical access hospital (CAH) has on local retail activity. Previous research on the relationship between hospitals and economic development has primarily focused on single-case, multiplier oriented analysis. The positive empirical results provide additional evidence on the far-reaching economic development impacts of CAHs. The results also emphasize the importance of continued support for these rural institutions, including federal and state subsidies.Critical Access Hospital, retail, economic impact, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Health Economics and Policy, R11, I18,