Feenstra Supports Legislation to Keep Rural Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities Open

HULL, IOWA – In February, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) cosponsored the Rural Health Care Facility Technical Assistance Program Act, which would codify the Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and rename it to the Rural Health Care Facility Technical Assistance Program.

This program provides technical assistance to rural hospitals and healthcare facilities to improve care outcomes, support financial stability, increase the use of telehealth services, promote operational efficiencies, and implement best practices.

“Ensuring that our rural hospitals and healthcare facilities remain open and operational is critical to the health and wellbeing of our families and communities. We need to make proactive investments in our rural healthcare infrastructure so that we can reverse the alarming trend of hospital closures in rural areas,” said Rep. Feenstra. “That’s why I’m glad to support legislation to codify an important USDA program that provides targeted technical assistance to rural hospitals and healthcare clinics. This initiative helps keep healthcare facilities open by promoting best practices, supporting financial stability, retaining healthcare professionals, and providing quality care for patients. As a father of four and member of both the House Agriculture Committee and House Ways and Means Committee, I will continue to advocate for policies that protect our rural hospitals and deliver affordable, reliable healthcare for our families.”

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