Question: We are a large not-for-profit hospital specializing in research, medical care, rehabilitation, and advocacy for people with brain and spinal cord injury and disease and other neuromuscular problems. We offer a number of services not provided by others: for example, complimentary housing for families, family education from day one, animal assisted therapy, vocational services including job placement. We raise funds in the community to support these programs. Please advise if this constitutes community benefit under the CHA/VHA guidelines.
Recommendation: We commend your excellent program, but do not recommend reporting these services as community benefit. These services seem to be part of delivering what have become typical services in your hospital, and therefore are the standard of care in your facility and the reason that patients seek out your services.