Rural Health Care Facility Technical Assistance Program Act

Improved Financial Stability and Operational Efficiency: The program seeks to help eligible facilities better manage financial and business strategies, including long-term financial planning, to improve their long-term financial position (Section 2(a) and 2(b)).

Prevention of Facility Closures: A stated goal of the program is to prevent the closure of eligible health care facilities, which helps maintain healthcare access in rural areas (Section 2(b)).

Support for Essential Services and Infrastructure: The program provides assistance for development needs such as constructing, expanding, renovating, or modernizing facilities, as well as increasing telehealth capabilities and upgrading information systems (Section 2(f)).

Increased Access to Funding: The program helps eligible facilities identify and apply for assistance from various loan and grant programs administered by the Department of Agriculture (Section 2(a) and 2(b)).

Priority for Vulnerable Areas: The Secretary may consider factors such as financial vulnerability, electronic health record needs, and whether a facility is located in a health professional shortage area or serves a medically underserved population when selecting participants (Section 2(c)).