Bill would make USDA assistance program for rural hospitals permanent

Reps. Derek Kilmer, D-Wash., and Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, introduced bipartisan legislation that would make permanent a U.S. Department of Agriculture program that provides rural hospitals with technical assistance to prevent closures, strengthen essential health care services, and improve financial and operational performance.
 
“On behalf of America’s hospitals and health care systems, we appreciate Reps. Kilmer and Jackson’s leadership to protect and strengthen rural hospitals,” said Lisa Kidder Hrobsky, AHA’s senior vice president for advocacy and political affairs. “The Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program Act will allow additional hospitals to benefit from this USDA program by addressing some of their financial and operational concerns so they can continue to provide vital services to patients in rural areas.”