Utah

This newsletter announces opportunities to join the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Steering Committee, provides updates on ongoing rural health initiatives, and highlights the focus on community-driven healthcare innovation in rural Utah. It names suicide prevention and maternity care as key program priorities. Applications for the RHTP Steering Committee are open to rural healthcare providers and community representatives until August 14, 2026. Key contacts: ruralht@utah.gov Event schedule: - Steering Committee Application Deadline - 08/14/2026 - Rural and Job-Related Suicide Prevention Webinar - 06/24/2026 - Webinar

The Utah Medical Education Council is announcing the opening of applications for its Fiscal Year 2026 Residency Grant Program. $1.5 million is available to expand residency programs and workforce slots, with a focus on underserved, rural, and workforce shortage areas. Eligible programs must be ACGME-approved or be planning to establish such programs within Utah during the grant term. Key contacts: Kendyl Brockman kbrockman@utah.gov

Utah was awarded nearly $196 million for the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Program, representing a landmark federal investment in rural health access, infrastructure, and workforce. The state’s approach is built around four strategic goals and seven implementation initiatives to foster rural wellness, modernize care delivery, and strengthen rural healthcare systems. Utah expects to receive a minimum of $100 million annually through 2030, catalyzing system-wide change in its rural communities. Key contacts: [email protected] Event schedule: - CMS Rural Health Transformation Program Awards Announced - 12/29/2025 - Utah submitted RHTP application - November 5, 2025 - Expected CMS Notice of Award Deadline - 12/31/2025

This document outlines vendor prerequisites and requirements for professional services procurement related to Utah's RHTP Monitoring and Evaluation Contract. Guidance is provided on communications, product samples, confidentiality, anti-boycott action, technology standards, and negotiation of standard terms and conditions. No award or recipient is named, as this is a supporting guidance document for the solicitation process. Event schedule: - Question and Answer Period Closes - U3P (Utah Procurement Portal)

This document provides detailed instructions for filling out the interactive scoresheet used to evaluate vendor proposals for the Utah RHTP Monitoring and Evaluation Contract. It covers identification and prioritization of mandatory and technical criteria, scoring methods, and procedural guidelines for evaluation committees. It is a supporting guidance file for the RHTP procurement process.

Utah received a $195.7 million Year 1 award through the Rural Health Transformation Program, investing in rural workforce, infrastructure, technology, population health, and financial reform. Competitive and state partner agreements are underway across seven strategic initiatives and more than 24 activities. Nearly 60% of Year 1 funding is dedicated to competitive community grants, with significant allocations to public entities and evaluation efforts. Key contacts: Krisann Humphreys; Christine Espinel; Jackie Patel; Michelle Geller Event schedule: - First annual progress report and Year 2 application due to CMS - 08/30/2026 - End of Budget Period 1 and deadline for obligation of funds - 10/30/2026 - CMS site visit - July 16, 2026 - CMS site visit - July 17, 2026

Utah Health Information Network received a $3,000,000 award under the Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen interoperability and rural health information exchange. The LINCS Initiative aims to improve coordination and data flow for rural providers. The project is slated to operate from July 2026 through September 2028. Key contacts: ar@uhin.org Event schedule: - Award period start - 07/20/2026 - Award period end - 09/30/2028

The document describes Utah Flex and SHIP programs funded by HRSA to support rural hospitals in Utah, focusing on financial, operational, and quality improvements. Utah Flex ensures high quality healthcare is available in rural communities, while SHIP provides purchasing assistance and quality improvement support for small rural and critical access hospitals.

This document provides definitive Q&A clarifications for applicants to Utah’s RHTP SHIFT 3.4 New Models of Care grant opportunity. Topics include eligibility (Utah and border agencies), allowed costs (e.g., equipment, technology, workforce training), subawards, and budgeting guidance. Applicants are not constrained by funding caps and are encouraged to propose innovative, scalable rural health models consistent with program goals. Event schedule: - Anticipated project start - 10/05/2026 - MT - Utah - Budget Period 1 end - 10/30/2026 - MT - Utah - Budget Period 1 funds must be spent by - 9/30/2027 - MT - Utah - Budget Period 1 end date - 2026-10-30 - Project Agreement Period start date - 2026-10-05 - Budget Period 1 fund expenditure deadline - 2027-09-30

The program includes the Utah Primary Care Grants Program, Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program (Utah Flex), Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP), and various loan repayment and workforce support programs. It is administered by the State Office of Rural Health and collaborates with multiple entities to enhance rural health workforce, primary care, and hospital sustainability.