H.R. 6407: RCORP Authorization Act

This bill, titled the RCORP Authorization Act, aims to enhance the support for rural communities in addressing substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorder. It amends the Public Health Service Act by maintaining a program known as the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program. Here is a breakdown of the main components:

Establishment of the Program

The Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, is mandated to maintain a program that focuses on:

• Establishing and expanding prevention, treatment, and recovery services for substance use disorders in rural areas.
• Addressing related behavioral health conditions and other public health issues.

Funding and Grants

The bill authorizes the Administrator to award grants or cooperative agreements to eligible entities. These funds can be utilized for several purposes, including:

• Planning activities to improve coordination of care and resources for individuals with substance use disorders.
• Implementing evidence-based delivery models for direct services.
• Responding to emerging public health issues related to substance use.
• Providing targeted technical assistance regarding the awarded grants.
• Engaging in activities deemed appropriate by the Secretary to achieve the program's goals.

Prohibited Uses of Funds

Any entity receiving funds under this program is not allowed to use the money for purchasing or improving real property. This restriction ensures that funding is allocated specifically to support services rather than infrastructure.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the grants or cooperative agreements, the following entities are eligible:

• State governments.
• Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations.
• State offices of rural health.
• Other domestic entities that meet the criteria set by the Administrator.

Application Process

Interested entities must submit an application to the Administrator to receive funding. The application must include details on how the local rural population will be involved in the development and operations of the proposed activities.

Grant Period and Funding Authorization

The bill specifies that grants or cooperative agreements cannot exceed five years in duration. It also authorizes an appropriation of $165 million for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 to support the program’s activities.

Relevant Companies

None found.