NARHC is thrilled to announce the introduction of three new bills to strengthen and modernize the Rural Health Clinic (RHC) program: the Modernizing Rural Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner Utilization Act (H.R.5199), Rural Health Clinic Location Modernization Act (H.R.5198), and Rural Behavioral Health Improvement Act (H.R.5217)!
These legislative efforts reflect NARHC’s ongoing commitment to advocate for RHCs and address the challenges that come with providing care in our rural communities.
“NARHC is grateful to Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Jill Tokuda (HI-02) for their leadership on these issues, bringing them to the legislative forefront where they belong,” Sarah Hohman, NARHC Director of Government Affairs.
Since the RHC statute was written in 1977, the world and the delivery of healthcare has changed dramatically. Modernizing the program is long overdue, and these reforms are designed to give RHCs the flexibilities they need to better serve rural communities:
- The Modernizing Rural Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner Utilization Act (H.R.5199) allows PAs and NPs to practice at the top of their license by removing outdated federal supervision requirements and aligning them with state scope-of-practice laws.
- The Rural Health Clinic Location Modernization Act (H.R.5198) ensures RHCs can continue operating in communities under 50,000 residents, preserving eligibility standards that have been threatened by changes in Census Bureau definitions.
- The Rural Behavioral Health Improvement Act (H.R.5217) eliminates restrictions on the amount of behavioral health services RHCs can provide, allowing clinics to fully meet patient needs and better integrate care.
“We will continue to fight on behalf of RHCs, advocating for equitable treatment across facilities and access to care for rural areas,” says Nathan Baugh, NARHC Executive Director. “Thank you to the RHC community for standing with us and working together to champion lasting change for rural health.”
Please join us in urging your House Representatives to co-sponsor these bills by sending a message to them here! Please also note that NARHC is working to get the accompanying Senate bills introduced this fall.
Furthermore, we would greatly appreciate your organization’s support by endorsing these bills via the links below. Thank you in advance for your consideration!
- Endorse the Modernizing Rural Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner Utilization Act here.
- Endorse the Rural Health Clinic Location Modernization Act here.
- Endorse the Rural Behavioral Health Improvement Act here.
The introduction of bills is a critical, but early step in the advocacy process. Join us in helping to get them across the finish line!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Sarah.Hohman@narhc.org with any questions.
Sincerely,
National Association of Rural Health Clinics