The Rural Health Innovation Act of 2023 would establish two grant programs to improve access to emergency care in rural areas. It would provide funding for rural health clinics and local health departments to offer urgent care, triage, and other emergency services to residents of rural communities.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
The Rural Health Innovation Act of 2023 would establish two grant programs to improve access to emergency care in rural areas. It would provide funding for rural health clinics and local health departments to offer urgent care, triage, and other emergency services to residents of rural communities.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><b>Rural Health Innovation Act of 2023</b></p> <p>This bill establishes two grant programs to increase access to emergency care in rural areas. The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy within the Health Resources and Services Administration must manage these programs.</p> <p>First, the office must provide grants to federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to enhance the provision of walk-in urgent care, triage, and other emergency services in rural areas.</p> <p>Second, the office must provide grants to health departments in rural areas for emergency services (including triage and transport to emergency departments), primary care services, and similar services provided by emergency departments.</p> <p>Recipients of these grants may use funds for staffing, equipment, and other necessary expenses to provide emergency services.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Establishes grants for rural health clinics to enhance their provision of urgent care, triage, and other emergency services
Provides grants to local health departments in rural areas to support emergency services, primary care, and other services typically found in emergency departments
Funding can be used for staffing, equipment, and other expenses needed to provide these critical emergency care services
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
If passed, this bill would directly benefit residents of rural communities by improving their access to emergency medical care. It would help ensure that people living in sparsely populated areas have timely access to urgent and emergency treatment, which can be lifesaving. The grants would support rural health providers in offering a wider range of essential services closer to where people live.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Health
Related Subjects
Congressional oversight
Health care coverage and access
Health programs administration and funding
Rural conditions and development
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
1712, 119th Congress (2025). "MEME Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-1712
