At minimum, a CAH needs 24/7 monitoring, HIPAA cybersecurity, and tested backup and disaster recovery, since an ER cannot go dark. On top of that, most need EHR support for Meditech, Cerner CommunityWorks, or Epic Community Connect, plus lab, RIS, and PACS interface management. Telehealth connectivity, interoperability with referral hospitals, and vCIO planning round out a full managed IT program for a rural hospital.