What Is the Rural Health Transformation Program?
The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a landmark $50 billion federal initiative created under Section 71401 of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Administered by CMS, the program distributes $10 billion annually from FY2026 through FY2030 to all 50 states through cooperative agreements — no state matching funds required.
RHTP is designed to transform rural healthcare by investing in infrastructure, technology, workforce, and care delivery models that create lasting, sustainable improvements for rural communities. Learn more about RHTP on our hub page.
Five Strategic Goals
Tennessee’s RHTP Program
Key Initiatives & Focus Areas
- MaRTHA — prevention, primary care, telehealth, school health, mobile services
- Health-Tech — digital workflows and interoperability for rural clinics
- Rural Non-Emergency Transportation with tech-enabled solutions
- Maternal and child health programs
- Workforce development and recruitment
Unique Aspects of Tennessee’s Program
- MaRTHA initiative covering prevention, primary care, telehealth, school health, and mobile services
- Health-Tech initiative specifically targeting digital workflows and interoperability
- Rural Non-Emergency Transportation with technology-enabled solutions
- Information session March 31, 2026 for funding opportunities
- Lawmakers expressed skepticism about program "strings" — political friction context
How Technology Supports RHTP in Tennessee
The Interoperability Challenge
Rural healthcare facilities face significant technology gaps compared to their urban counterparts. Nationally, only 48% of rural hospitals have achieved basic interoperability, compared to 62% of urban hospitals. This data-sharing gap directly impacts care quality, coordination, and outcomes for rural patients.
RHTP’s Strategic Goal 5 specifically targets technology innovation, including a Technology Innovation Catalyst Fund that supports interoperability, telehealth, remote patient monitoring, AI-enabled health tools, and cybersecurity.
How Julota Addresses RHTP Technology Requirements
Julota is a cloud-based SaaS interoperability platform purpose-built for the challenges rural healthcare organizations face. Here’s how Julota supports RHTP goals in Tennessee:
- FHIR-Native Interoperability: Julota’s platform supports HL7 FHIR APIs and G10 compliance, meeting the interoperability standards required by RHTP and the 21st Century Cures Act. Learn about Julota’s platform.
- Health Information Exchange Connectivity: Connect rural providers across Tennessee to state and regional HIEs, enabling real-time data sharing that improves care coordination and reduces duplication.
- Care Coordination & Closed-Loop Referrals: Julota’s closed-loop referral management ensures patients don’t fall through the cracks — critical for rural communities where follow-up can require long-distance travel.
- MIH-CP & Community Paramedicine Support: Julota’s MIH-CP solution supports the mobile integrated health and community paramedicine models that many states are funding under RHTP.
RHTP Eligibility in Tennessee
RHTP funds flow from CMS to Tennessee through a cooperative agreement. The state then distributes funds to eligible subrecipients through competitive processes.
Eligible Organization Types
- Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) — Rural hospitals with 25 or fewer beds
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) — Community health centers serving underserved populations
- Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) — Clinics in designated shortage areas
- Community Behavioral Health Providers — Including Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs)
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) — Ambulance services and first responders
- Tribal Health Organizations — Indian Health Service and tribal facilities
- Local Health Departments — County and regional public health agencies
- Universities and Training Programs — Workforce development partners
How to Apply
Organizations in Tennessee should contact Tennessee Department of Health for subrecipient application details. Most states distribute RHTP funds through competitive RFP processes that require demonstrating alignment with the state’s approved Rural Health Transformation Plan.
Key compliance requirements include SAM.gov registration, adherence to 2 CFR 200 uniform guidance, and commitment to quarterly and annual reporting on performance metrics and milestones.
Key Questions About RHTP in Tennessee
What is the MaRTHA initiative in Tennessee's RHTP?
MaRTHA is Tennessee's core RHTP initiative covering prevention, primary care, telehealth, school health, and mobile services. It's part of the "Rural Health Access for Tennessee's Future" program funded at approximately $206.9 million.
How much did Tennessee receive for RHTP?
Tennessee received approximately $206,900,000 in FY2026 RHTP funding, administered by the Tennessee Department of Health. The program includes the MaRTHA and Health-Tech initiatives among others.
What is the Health-Tech initiative in Tennessee's RHTP?
Health-Tech is Tennessee's initiative specifically targeting digital workflows and interoperability in rural clinics, supporting technology adoption, data sharing, and health IT modernization.
How does Tennessee's RHTP address rural transportation?
Tennessee's RHTP includes a Rural Non-Emergency Transportation initiative using technology-enabled solutions to connect rural residents with healthcare services, addressing a critical access barrier.
Who is eligible for Tennessee RHTP funding?
Eligible organizations include Critical Access Hospitals, FQHCs, Rural Health Clinics, school-based health centers, behavioral health providers, EMS agencies, and transportation services serving rural Tennessee.
What technology does Tennessee's RHTP support?
Tennessee's Health-Tech initiative supports digital workflows, interoperability platforms, telehealth infrastructure, remote patient monitoring, EHR modernization, and technology-enabled transportation solutions.
When are Tennessee RHTP funding opportunities available?
Tennessee held an information session March 31, 2026 about funding opportunities. Providers should monitor tn.gov/health/rural for current application windows and subrecipient details.
How can Tennessee providers apply for RHTP?
Tennessee providers should visit tn.gov/health/rural for information, attend state-hosted information sessions, and monitor announcements from the Tennessee Department of Health for funding opportunities.
Ready to Build RHTP-Ready Infrastructure in Tennessee?
Julota helps rural healthcare organizations meet RHTP interoperability requirements with a cloud-based platform that connects providers, enables data sharing, and supports care coordination across your community.