Hospital bed shortages mean some who go to the ER can be stuck there for days or weeks. Yet a federal program meant to ease patient boarding is about to lose its funding.

One hospital's push to transition patients who are nearing the end of life from the emergency room to hospice care appears to be working.

In January, the hospital rolled out this program, which gives emergency room patients the ability to start their care with a virtual appointment at home.

With ER residents looking for placement now, local leaders and medical staff fear the hospital could be left without a 2024 class if the program does resume.