July 16, 2025
Mr. Scott of South Carolina (for himself, Ms. Smith, Ms. Lummis, and Mr. Kaine) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
To reauthorize certain programs regarding rural health care.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Rural health care services outreach, rural health network development, and small health care provider quality improvement grant programs
(a) Rural health care services outreach grants
Section 330A(e) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254c(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(4) Use of funds for rural underserved populations
In awarding a grant under this subsection, the Director shall ensure that the funds made available through the grant will be used, as appropriate—
(A)
to meet the health care needs of rural underserved populations in the local community or region to be served; and
(B)
for other activities to ensure the rural underserved populations in the local community or region to be served will be involved in the development and ongoing operations of the project.
(b) Rural health network development grants
Section 330A(f) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254c(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(4) Use of funds for rural underserved populations
In awarding a grant under this subsection, the Director shall ensure that the funds made available through the grant will be used, as appropriate—
(A)
to increase access to quality health care services through integrated health care networks for the rural underserved populations in the local community or region to be served; and
(B)
for other activities to ensure the rural underserved populations in the local community or region to be served will benefit from and be involved in the planning, development, and ongoing implementation of the network.
(c) Reauthorization
Section 330A(j) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254c(j)) is amended by striking 2021 through 2025
and inserting 2026 through 2030
.