Rural Health Innovation Act of 2023

HR 1712, the Rural Health Innovation Act of 2023, creates two new federal grant programs to expand healthcare access in rural areas. The Rural Health Center Innovation Awards program provides grants (up to $750,000 initially) to Federally Qualified Health Centers, rural clinics, or entities establishing them, enabling them to operate walk-in urgent care centers with triage services and essential equipment like labs and x-ray machines. The Rural Health Department Enhancement program awards annual grants (up to $500,000 per year) to local public health departments in rural areas to enhance emergency services, primary care, and transport coordination. Both programs fund equipment, staffing, and outreach over five years, with $25 million authorized annually for fiscal years 2024-2028.