Bill > HR1712

This bill, the Rural Health Innovation Act of 2023, aims to improve healthcare access and services in rural areas. It establishes two new programs: 1. The Rural Health Center Innovation Awards Program, which provides grants to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) to enable them to serve as walk-in urgent care centers and emergency triage facilities in rural areas. The grants can be used to expand hours of operation, fund construction and renovation, and support other activities to achieve these goals. 2. The Rural Health Department Enhancement Program, which awards grants to rural public health departments to enhance their ability to provide emergency services, triage and transport to emergency departments, primary care, and other services similar to those provided by emergency departments in rural areas. The grants can be used to obtain medical equipment and resources, hire additional providers, and conduct community outreach. The bill authorizes $25 million per year from fiscal year 2024 through 2028 for each of these two new programs.