Bill · H.R. 4272· House(119-HR-4272)
Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act
- Introduced
- 7/2/2025
- Last activity
- 7/2/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- Sponsored by
- Lauren Underwood
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act. It directs the Secretary of Agriculture to give priority to health care facilities and mental or behavioral health facilities when selecting recipients for direct loans or grants under the Community Facilities program for fiscal years 2026 through 2031. Eligible entities that receive these funds are allowed to use them for medical supplies, increasing telehealth capabilities, supporting staffing needs, or renovating and remodeling closed facilities. The bill also places a limit on using more than 25 percent of the funds for staffing needs. Additionally, it prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from making any national reprioritizations within the Community Facilities direct loan and grant programs for fiscal years 2026 through 2031.
Yes· 3 of 13
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+9
The bill directly targets improving essential health services for rural populations.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+8
By prioritizing health facilities and telehealth, the bill significantly enhances healthcare access in rural areas.
Does this make mental health care easier to get?+7
The bill specifically prioritizes mental and behavioral health facilities to improve access.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Health Care and Mental Health Priority: Under Section 2(a), the bill prioritizes health care facilities and mental or behavioral health facilities for direct loans or grants through the Community Facilities program for fiscal years 2026 through 2031. This is a positive benefit because it directs federal support specifically toward essential medical and mental health services.
-
Flexible Use of Funds for Supplies and Technology: Under Section 2(b)(1) and Section 2(b)(2), entities receiving these funds can use them to provide medical supplies and increase telehealth capabilities, including underlying health care information systems. This helps facilities secure necessary supplies and improve remote medical access for the people they serve.
-
Support for Staffing and Closed Facilities: Under Section 2(b)(3) and Section 2(b)(4), funds can be used to support staffing needs (up to 25 percent of the funds) and to renovate or remodel closed health care facilities. This provides a positive impact by helping reopen shuttered facilities and assisting with the operational need for staff.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Staffing Fund Restriction: Under Section 2(b)(3), eligible entities are restricted from using more than 25 percent of the direct loan or grant funds for staffing needs. This might be viewed as a negative burden for facilities facing severe personnel shortages that require heavier financial investment in wages and staffing.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+9Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For Retirees+5Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Seniors+4Good For Farmers+3Good For Veterans+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+8Improves Mental Health Access+7Improves Opioid Crisis Response+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+6
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+5
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+2
- 9/28/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/22/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/2/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Sanford BishopDemocrat · Georgia
Jahana HayesDemocrat · Connecticut
Tracey MannRepublican · Kansas