Utah Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)

Utah’s Rural Health Transformation Program, known as RHTP, outlines the state’s approach to strengthening rural healthcare through targeted investments in workforce, technology, innovation, and access to care.

The program is part of a $50 billion cooperative agreement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Utah applied for up to $1 billion in funding to support statewide rural health priorities through a combination of baseline and workload funding.

This article provides a practical overview of Utah’s RHTP framework, funding structure, and strategic initiatives.

What Is the Rural Health Transformation Program

The Rural Health Transformation Program is designed to support one-time investments that improve rural healthcare systems while avoiding long-term financial obligations. The program emphasizes sustainability, collaboration, and improved health outcomes.

Utah’s RHTP application reflects a statewide planning effort shaped by legislative guidance, stakeholder engagement, and identified rural health needs.

RHTP Funding Structure in Utah

RHTP funding is divided into two components:

• $25 billion in baseline funding allocated equally across states

• $25 billion in workload funding awarded competitively based on rural factors, application quality, performance metrics, and state policy

Utah’s application reflects a proposed $1 billion budget that includes both funding categories.

Stakeholder Engagement and Legislative Direction

Utah’s RHTP planning process incorporated broad stakeholder input. This included surveys, community listening sessions, and proposal solicitation to ensure alignment with local needs.

Legislative guidance was provided through House Joint Resolution 101, which established priorities and parameters for funding decisions. Industry-led working groups also contributed expertise throughout the planning process.

Guiding Principles for RHTP Investments

House Joint Resolution 101 sets the principles guiding Utah’s use of RHTP funds. These principles include:

• Supporting sustainable financial outcomes without creating long-term obligations

• Prioritizing one-time projects or infrastructure upgrades

• Leveraging non-state funding through partnerships

• Encouraging innovation in healthcare delivery

• Improving health outcomes for Utah residents

All RHTP initiatives are expected to align with these principles.

Strategic Goals and RHTP Initiatives

Utah’s RHTP plan includes seven initiatives organized across four strategic goals, representing a total proposed investment of $1 billion.

PATH: Healthy Communities

PATH focuses on community-based strategies to support healthier living. Planned efforts include improvements to nutrition and food access, physical activity infrastructure, integration of behavioral health with primary care, and a community care hub pilot.

RISE: Workforce Development

RISE addresses rural healthcare workforce challenges. Focus areas include early career pathways, graduate medical education support, preceptor incentives, and recruitment and retention programs designed to strengthen the rural workforce.

SHIFT: Innovation and Access

SHIFT represents the largest investment area and focuses on improving access to care. Initiatives include preventive and proactive care systems, expansion of Rural Health Networks, mobile health units, enhanced transportation, and integrated programs addressing chronic disease, cancer, maternal health, and behavioral health.

FAST: Financial Sustainability

FAST supports financial stability for rural healthcare organizations. The initiative emphasizes value-based care models, revenue cycle efficiency, reduced administrative burden, and expanded access to specialty care.

LIFT: Telehealth and Connectivity

LIFT advances telehealth strategies to expand access across rural Utah. Focus areas include preventive care, chronic disease management, behavioral health, maternal and infant health, and oral health services. Training and technical assistance support effective implementation.

SUPPORT: Shared Provider Resources and Technology

SUPPORT focuses on modernizing shared infrastructure. Planned investments include EHR modernization, cybersecurity improvements, patient access tools, artificial intelligence solutions, and shared administrative and operational systems.

LINCS: Interoperability and Data Exchange

LINCS aims to strengthen health data exchange across systems. The initiative supports secure data sharing among providers, public health agencies, and community organizations through a cloud-based interoperable platform and standardized data models.

What Happens Next

The next phase of Utah’s Rural Health Transformation Program includes federal review and state-level preparation.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will conduct an initial review to determine baseline funding. A merit-based review will then influence workload funding. A notice of award is expected by December 31, 2025.

Utah will also prepare for legislative appropriations and future subaward or grant processes, with continued emphasis on partner readiness, sustainability, and collaboration. Burrows Consulting works with healthcare organizations to prepare for RHTP opportunities as implementation approaches.

Action Steps for Organizations

Organizations interested in engaging with Utah’s RHTP should review the initiative framework, assess internal capacity, and identify potential projects. Convening partners early and aligning plans with House Joint Resolution 101 principles will be important steps as implementation approaches.