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A bill to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Office of Rural Health, and for other purposes.
2/7/2025, 11:56 AM
Summary of Bill S 403
Bill 119 s 403, also known as the "Office of Rural Health Act," is a piece of legislation that aims to address the healthcare needs of rural communities in the United States. The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Office of Rural Health, which will be responsible for coordinating federal efforts to improve healthcare access and outcomes in rural areas.
The Office of Rural Health will work to identify and address the unique challenges faced by rural communities, such as provider shortages, limited access to healthcare facilities, and disparities in health outcomes. The office will also collaborate with other federal agencies, state governments, and local stakeholders to develop and implement strategies to improve healthcare delivery in rural areas.
In addition to establishing the Office of Rural Health, the bill includes provisions to support rural healthcare providers, improve telehealth services, and expand access to mental health and substance abuse treatment in rural communities. Overall, the goal of Bill 119 s 403 is to ensure that all Americans, regardless of where they live, have access to high-quality healthcare services.
The Office of Rural Health will work to identify and address the unique challenges faced by rural communities, such as provider shortages, limited access to healthcare facilities, and disparities in health outcomes. The office will also collaborate with other federal agencies, state governments, and local stakeholders to develop and implement strategies to improve healthcare delivery in rural areas.
In addition to establishing the Office of Rural Health, the bill includes provisions to support rural healthcare providers, improve telehealth services, and expand access to mental health and substance abuse treatment in rural communities. Overall, the goal of Bill 119 s 403 is to ensure that all Americans, regardless of where they live, have access to high-quality healthcare services.
Congressional Summary of S 403
Rural Health Focus Act
This bill provides statutory authority for the Office of Rural Health (ORH) within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC established the ORH in 2023 in response to a congressional directive, and it currently leads the CDC’s rural public health strategy.
Specifically, the bill requires the CDC to establish the ORH and select a director to head the ORH. The bill specifies the duties and authorities of the ORH director, including improving understanding of particular challenges and implementing programs to improve health care for rural populations.
Current Status of Bill S 403
Bill S 403 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 5, 2025. Bill S 403 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on February 5, 2025. Bill S 403's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. as of February 5, 2025
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 403
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
1Democrat Cosponsors
1Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 403
Primary Policy Focus
Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 403
A bill to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Office of Rural Health, and for other purposes.
A bill to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Office of Rural Health, and for other purposes.
Comments
Sponsors and Cosponsors of S 403
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