H.R. 1480: Rural Health Innovation Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Rural Health Innovation Act of 2025, seeks to improve healthcare services in rural areas of the United States by establishing two main programs: a Rural Health Center Innovation Awards program and a Rural Health Department Enhancement program.

Rural Health Center Innovation Awards Program

This program aims to provide grants to various eligible healthcare entities in rural communities to help them establish or maintain health centers that offer urgent care and emergency services. The key components of this program include:

• Eligible Entities: Grants can be awarded to Federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, or entities that agree to establish a health center or clinic.
• Grant Purpose: The grants will enable these entities to function as walk-in urgent care centers and triage facilities for emergency transport. They must include clinical staff and necessary medical resources, such as labs and diagnostic equipment.
• Funding Use: Funds can be utilized for expanding hours, construction, renovation, or other activities that support the establishment or maintenance of health services.

Application and Selection Process

Healthcare entities seeking funding will need to submit applications with specified information. Preference will be given to those already operating as Federally qualified health centers or rural health clinics. Each grant is designed for a period of five years, with a potential for renewal.

Funding Details

• The maximum grant amount for the first year is $500,000 for existing centers or clinics and $750,000 for those establishing a new center.
• Annual funding for the second to fifth years is capped at $500,000.

Reporting Requirements

Three years after the program's establishment, a report will be prepared assessing its success, challenges, and any needed regulatory changes. This will include looking at cost savings to federal health programs and increases in rural healthcare access.

Rural Health Department Enhancement Program

This program focuses on enhancing local public health departments in rural areas to enable them to offer emergency services, triage, transport to emergency departments, and other essential care services. Key points include:

• Eligible Departments: Grants will be provided to local public health departments in rural areas that meet specific criteria.
• Grant Purpose: Funds will enhance these departments' capabilities to provide necessary healthcare services similar to those offered in emergency departments.

Grant Management

Annual grants will be awarded for up to five years, with a maximum amount of $500,000 per year, based on the proposal details regarding staffing and equipment. Funds must be used for specific activities aimed at improving rural health services, including purchasing medical equipment and hiring additional healthcare staff.

Authorization of Funds

The bill includes authorization to appropriate $25 million each year from 2026 to 2030 to support both programs.

Relevant Companies

• MEDPACE (MEDP) - As a clinical research organization, MEDPACE may find opportunities through partnerships with newly funded health centers or rural health departments for conducting studies or trials in underserved areas.
• HCA Healthcare (HCA) - HCA operates multiple hospitals and health systems, and increased funding for rural urgent care facilities might create collaborations or partnerships in those regions to ensure quality care and emergency transport services.