Which type of hospital is defined as non-federal, open to the general public, and primarily short-stay?

The definition of the type of hospital that is non-federal, open to the general public, and primarily characterized by short stays is best represented by a community hospital. Community hospitals are typically designed to serve the healthcare needs of a local area, providing various services, including emergency care, outpatient procedures, and inpatient care, although the latter is generally intended for shorter durations compared to other types of hospitals.

These hospitals play an essential role in the healthcare system, ensuring that individuals have access to necessary medical services without the barriers often associated with larger or specialized facilities. Their focus on the community and accessibility to the general population aligns with the description in the question, thus making this answer appropriate.

In contrast, other options represent different hospital classifications that do not strictly match these characteristics. Private hospitals are owned by non-governmental entities, while specialty hospitals provide focused care in specific areas, and teaching hospitals are affiliated with medical schools for training purposes, further diverging from the criteria of being broadly open to the public and emphasizing short-term stays.