North Dakota lawmakers are gearing up for a special legislative session scheduled for January 21, 2024, to address the allocation of more than $500 million in federal funding designated for the Rural Health Transformation Program.This initiative aims to enhance health care access, quality, and outcomes for residents in rural areas of the state.
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governor.nd.govvalleynewslive.comThe funding is part of a broader federal initiative that appropriates $50 billion over five years, with half of the funds distributed equally among states and the remainder allocated based on state applications and metrics demonstrating potential health impacts in rural communities.
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governor.nd.govvalleynewslive.comNorth Dakota submitted its application to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on November 3, outlining a strategic plan to invest the funds over five years.
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governor.nd.govGovernor Kelly Armstrong has emphasized the importance of this funding, stating, "We have an incredible opportunity to strengthen and reshape rural health care in North Dakota through the Rural Health Transformation Program." He expressed appreciation for the collaboration with legislative leaders and looks forward to a focused session on appropriating these federal dollars effectively.
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governor.nd.govvalleynewslive.comThe state's application is built around four key initiatives: stabilizing the rural health workforce, promoting preventive care and healthy eating, improving access to high-quality health care, and enhancing connectivity among technology, data, and health care providers.
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governor.nd.govvalleynewslive.comThis comprehensive approach aims to address the pressing health care challenges faced by North Dakota's rural communities, which have been grappling with workforce shortages and limited access to specialized care.
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valleynewslive.comIn preparation for the special session, the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services has been actively engaging the public to gather input on health care priorities.This includes a 30-day survey that garnered over 1,200 responses and three listening sessions attended by more than 300 participants.
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governor.nd.govvalleynewslive.comAdditionally, a new 33-member Rural Health Transformation Committee has been established to provide oversight and input on the state's funding application.
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northdakotamonitor.comThe special session will be crucial, as state law mandates that legislative appropriation is required before any federal funds can be utilized.
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governor.nd.govThe CMS is expected to announce funding award decisions by December 31, 2023, after which Governor Armstrong will issue an executive order to officially convene the Legislature.
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governor.nd.govvalleynewslive.comThis funding represents one of the largest investments in North Dakota's rural health infrastructure in decades, and lawmakers are keen to ensure that the funds are allocated in a manner that maximizes their impact on community health outcomes.
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valleynewslive.comThe session will not only focus on the Rural Health Transformation Program but may also consider other critical funding needs identified by lawmakers.
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northdakotamonitor.comAs the special session approaches, the collaboration between the governor's office and legislative leaders will be pivotal in shaping the future of rural health care in North Dakota, ensuring that the state can effectively utilize the federal resources available to enhance health services for its rural population.
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governor.nd.govvalleynewslive.comIn summary, the upcoming special session is a significant opportunity for North Dakota to address its rural health care challenges through strategic funding and legislative action, with the potential to reshape health care delivery in the state for years to come.
