WASHINGTON — Earlier this week, Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) reintroduced the Rural Health Care Technical Assistance Act. This bill aims to codify and expand an existing United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that provides critical technical assistance to rural health care facilities, helping to prevent hospital closures, strengthen essential health services in rural communities, and enhance the financial and operational stability of these vital institutions. Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) co-led this bill in the House.
“As a physician and West Texas native, I've seen firsthand the vital role rural hospitals play in our communities,” said Rep. Jackson. “Unfortunately, too many of our rural health care facilities are on the verge of closure, and if they do, the entire community is left vulnerable. This bill is critical to helping ensure these hospitals have the tools and resources needed to stay open and continue providing quality, accessible healthcare to rural Americans.”
“I’ve heard too many stories from constituents across my district – one of the most rural in the country – about the challenges they face trying to get basic healthcare. Our rural hospitals are lifelines, and investing in them is critical to maintaining a strong rural health safety net that ensures patients don't have to travel for hours to receive the healthcare they need,” said Rep. Jill Tokuda. “That’s why I am proud to join Rep. Jackson in introducing this important bill to prevent hospitals and clinics from closing their doors in rural areas and provide them with the resources and support they need to stay operational."
Alan Morgan, CEO, National Rural Health Association: “The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) applauds Representatives Jackson (R-TX) and Tokuda (D-HI) for their introduction of the Rural Health Care Technical Assistance Program Act to expand and codify the existing USDA pilot program. This legislation will help prevent hospital closures, improve financial and operations performance for facilities receiving Rural Development funds, and strengthen essential healthcare services in rural communities. NRHA looks forward to working with Congress to keep hospital doors open and continue providing care for the 60 million residents living in rural America.”
Lisa Kidder Hrobsky, Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Political Affairs, American Hospital Association: “We appreciate Reps. Jackson and Tokuda’s attention to the needs of rural hospitals. The Rural Health Care Facility Technical Assistance Program allows our hospitals to continue to serve patients in rural areas by providing important assistance with operations, financing and quality improvement efforts.”
Sarah Hohmann, Director of Government Affairs, National Association of Rural Health Clinics: “The National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC) thanks Representatives Jackson and Tokuda for the ways they continue to champion the unique needs of rural providers. Targeted technical assistance helps to ensure long-term sustainability of our critical healthcare safety-net."
John Hawkins, President and CEO, Texas Hospital Association: “THA is grateful for the leadership of Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) and Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI) to ensure federal resources are available to strengthen and protect rural hospitals. In a state as large as Texas, access to care in rural areas is essential for so many. From life-threatening emergencies to ongoing management of chronic diseases, the Rural Health Care Technical Assistance Act will help facilities navigate the challenges of keeping their doors open and serving the needs of their community.”
John Henderson, President, Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals: “A recent study showed rural Texas hospitals are at 5 times greater risk of closure than our urban counterparts. That’s why TORCH endorses the Rural Health Care Technical Assistance Program Act and appreciates Dr. Jackson’s leadership in the 119th Congress.”
Ellen Kugler, Director, The Alliance of Safety-Net Hospitals: “The Alliance of Safety-Net Hospitals is pleased to support the Rural Health Care Technical Assistance Program Act. Rural hospitals across the country need more support if they are to continue to serve their communities. We appreciate Rep. Jackson’s and Rep. Tokuda’s recognition of and support for these vital safety-net hospitals.”
The bill text can be found here.
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