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Ohio

The Senate Health Committee met on February 18 and heard proponent testimony on SB 230, legislation that would allow pharmacists to test and treat patients with common illnesses. NACDS attended the hearing, submitted written testimony and helped coordinate testimony with members and in-state partners. The bill is necessary for the state to move forward with the pharmacy initiatives in its Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) plan. We expect the bill to advance this spring. Senate Health Committee Chair Steve Huffman (R) recently authored a Columbus Dispatch column highlighting the importance of passing legislation related to the RHTP.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

2026-03-10T15:06:43-04:00February 20, 2026|Ohio, RH|

North Dakota

CMS has until the end of February to approve the state’s revised budget. The state cannot release funds until it receives CMS’ approval. After receiving CMS’ approval, the Department of Health and Human Services (ND HHS) will begin releasing different funding opportunities in phases. The first grant funding opportunity may be released in late February or early March, depending on the timing of CMS’ approval. As each funding opportunity becomes available, the application and other materials will be posted on the ND HHS’ Rural Health Transformation website.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

2026-03-10T15:06:09-04:00February 12, 2026|North Dakota, RH|

Wisconsin

The Department of Health Services (DHS) is forming a Rural Health Advisory Council to provide strategic guidance and input as the state advances its rural health implementation efforts. The advisory council will help inform how Wisconsin sets rural health priorities, designs programs and incorporates real-world provider and community perspectives into implementation strategies. Applications are due February 27.

DHS is seeking applicants from the following groups:

1. Individuals or Organizations Involved in Rural Health Service Delivery

This includes those who:

  • Provide services in rural hospitals, rural health clinics, community health centers, long-term care facilities, local or Tribal health departments or county human services agencies
  • Practice as individual providers in rural communities, including primary care and behavioral health providers, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, EMS professionals, community health workers and peer support specialists
  • Represent organizations that support health care providers

2. Individuals With Lived Rural Health Experience

This includes individuals who receive care in rural Wisconsin through rural hospitals, rural health clinics, community health centers, long-term care facilities, local or Tribal health departments or county human services agencies.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

2026-03-10T15:12:43-04:00February 12, 2026|RH, Wisconsin|

Alaska

The Department of Health (DOH) is hosting an informational Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) webinar on February 10 from 1:00 pm -2:00 pm AKST, focused on the application process. This webinar is for healthcare providers, Tribes and Tribal Health Organizations, community-based organizations, local governments, workforce and education partners and others interested in participating in RHTP. Be sure to register in advance. 

Also in Alaska, the Board of Pharmacy's quarterly meeting is on Zoom on February 9 and 10. All members of the public that will be attending the meeting will need to preregister. The agenda and meeting materials will be available on the Board's website.  

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.

2026-03-10T14:42:10-04:00February 6, 2026|Alaska, RH|

Maine

The state received official notification from CMS of a $190 million award for Year 1 of the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. The award will support the state’s efforts to expand access to care, improve population health, strengthen the rural health workforce, advance technology and data integration and promote the long-term sustainability of rural health systems statewide. Supporting materials to Maine’s application for funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program are available, including the Summary of Maine’s RHTP Plan and the updated State of Maine RHTP Project Narrative. For more information, visit the Rural Health Transformation Program website.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

2026-03-10T14:59:41-04:00February 6, 2026|Maine, RH|

Nebraska

The state received a preliminary notice of award from CMS for approximately $218 million for the first year, which is more than what was budgeted for in the application materials. Due to the increased amount of the award, the state must revise some of the application materials that were submitted. Those revised documents must be submitted to and approved by CMS before work can begin. The state intends to release multiple Requests for Applications (RFA) as opportunities for organizations to apply for funds and assist with implementing this important work. To learn more about project initiatives, view the Project Narrative .​

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

2026-03-10T15:05:25-04:00February 6, 2026|Nebraska, RH|

Oregon

Below are highlights from a recent review of the state's Rural Health Transformation Program website. Members are encouraged to review the website for additional insights into the state's plan. Also, please sign up for the newsletter to receive updates directly. For questions or additional information, please contact: RHTP@oha.oregon.gov.  

RHTP Timeline 

Anticipated medium-term activities in 2026 include:  

  • Spring 2026: Oregon begins releasing Request for Grant Application (RFGA) to support approved RHTP initiatives. 
  • Early Summer 2026: RFGA response deadlines. 
  • By Mid-2026: RFGA awardee decisions announced by OHA. 

Anticipated long-term activities in 2027 and beyond include:  

  • By September 30, 2027: Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2026 RHTP distributions used. 
  • October 1, 2027 – September 30, 2031: Additional RHTP distributions used in subsequent FFYs. 
  • September 30, 2031: RHTP funding ends. 

December 2, 2025, Informational Webinar: Please note Implementation/Distribution Timeline and Next Steps. 

Rural Health Transformation Program: Allowable Use of Funds: Visit the Rural Health Transformation Program website and scroll down to "Rural Health Transformation Program: Allowable Use of Funds".  

Frequently Asked Questions: Please note that these will be updated regularly. (Accessed on February 3, 2026) Visit the Rural Health Transformation Program website and scroll down to "Frequently Asked Questions:" Below are the categories of information. 

  • General 
  • Application and award 
  • Use of funds and limitations 
  • Program eligibility 
  • Program design 

Also in Oregon, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) posted its draft agenda for the February 18 meeting. Check the PDAB website for updates to the agenda and the meeting materials. Register in advance. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

2026-03-10T15:08:28-04:00February 6, 2026|Oregon, RH|

South Dakota

Gov. Larry Rhoden (R) signed HB 1044, which appropriates funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program. Initial RFPs for administrative support will be released soon, positioning the state to be competitive in securing the expertise needed to successfully implement Year 1 initiatives and strengthen rural health systems. Please check the Rural Health Transformation Project website for more information and updates. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

2026-03-10T15:10:03-04:00February 6, 2026|RH, South Dakota|
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