Senate Appropriators fund rural health programs
The Senate Appropriation Subcommittee for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies held a "mark-up" for fiscal year (FY) 2013 spending levels on Tuesday. The Subcommittee recommended level funding for a number of critical rural health programs including Area Health Education Centers, the Rural Hospital Flexibility program, State Offices of Rural Health, and Telehealth development compared to FY 2012 funding. The Rural Outreach grant program and Rural and Community Access to Emergency Devices program were both recommended for funding increases. The full Senate Appropriations Committee will meet Thursday to discuss these funding levels. Information about the hearing and the Committee is available here. Questions about these programs may be directed to the NRHA Government Affairs Office at (202) 639-0550.