Researchers at the RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis used National Provider Identifier data to examine changes in the local health care workforce prior to, and following, the closure of hospitals in 85 rural communities between 2010 and 2019. (Note: a hospital closure can mean a complete closure with no remaining health care services or a converted closure in which the former hospital site provides only non-inpatient services but remains open, e.g., becomes a freestanding emergency department.)
