What does Preamble of Rural Health Innovation Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to amend the Public Health Service Act It establishes a rural health center innovation awards program It establishes a rural health department enhancement program

What does SHORT TITLE. of Rural Health Innovation Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Rural Health Innovation Act of 2026.

What does RURAL HEALTH CENTER INNOVATION AWARDS PROGRAM. of Rural Health Innovation Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the Rural Health Center Innovation Awards program. The program awards grants to eligible entities to establish or maintain a Federally qualified health center or rural health clinic. Grants can be used to expand hours of operation, pay for construction and renovation, or carry out other activities. The Secretary gives priority to eligible entities already operating as a Federally qualified health center or rural health clinic. Grants are awarded for a 5-year period with amounts determined by the Secretary.

What does RURAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM. of Rural Health Innovation Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the Rural Health Department Enhancement Program under the Public Health Service Act. The Secretary will award grants, on a competitive basis, to rural health departments to enhance their capabilities and provide emergency and primary care services. Applicants must demonstrate a facility in a rural area, possess a nursing staff and medical equipment, and estimate the cost of equipment and staffing. Grants will be awarded annually for up to five years, with a maximum of $500,000 per year. The initial year's funding will be based on estimated equipment and staffing costs, while subsequent years will consider the number of patients treated and the type of treatment provided. Funds can be used for equipment, hiring providers (including physician interns, residents, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurse midwives), and community outreach. Up to 3% of funds can be used for partnerships with academic medical centers, and up to 3% for community outreach during the first two years. The Act authorizes $25,000,000 annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out this program.

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Rural Health Innovation Act of 2026

Last updated: 3/25/2026 · Introduced: 3/25/2026

Author: Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill creates a Rural Health Center Innovation Awards program to provide grants for establishing or maintaining Federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics, supporting expansions like extended hours and facility improvements.
The bill establishes a Rural Health Department Enhancement Program, awarding grants to rural health departments for emergency and primary care services, including equipment, staffing, and community outreach.
The Act authorizes $25 million annually from 2027 through 2031 to fund the Rural Health Department Enhancement Program.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 1480(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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