Are You in Rural Nevada? This program was created for you!

4 hours ago
3 min read

Posted on: 11th March 2026

Authors: Nevada Health Authority

Nevada's Rural Health Transformation Program

Nevada’s RHT Program priorities were defined based on broad rural healthcare stakeholder involvement and in close collaboration with the Governor’s Office. Beginning in late July 2025, the Nevada Health Authority gathered public comment and feedback on how best to prioritize RHT funds in the state’s application.

Nevada’s application reflects feedback and direct involvement from hundreds of stakeholders, including our rural healthcare experts (EMS, tribal leadership, medical education, hospitals, primary care, critical access hospitals, behavioral health professionals, and rural and frontier Nevada residents) and alignment with the Governor’s strategic plan objectives. The Nevada Health Authority worked to prioritize initiatives avoiding state or local fiscal cliffs at the end of the 5-year RHT grant and which would result in sustainable solutions to longstanding challenges affecting access to care in rural Nevada.

Nevada's RHT Initiatives

Rural Health Outcomes Accelerator Program (RHOAP)

Make Rural Nevada Healthy Again – Through implementing the Rural Health Outcomes Accelerator Program (RHOAP), Nevada plans to invest 15% of the annual award in efforts that promote value-based and innovative care models aimed to prevent and manage chronic disease. This includes (but not limited to) new online collaborative care strategies, remote and/or hybrid approaches to care, online patient health management tools, and virtual provider mentorship programs.

Rural Health System Flex Fund

Strengthen Rural Health Systems – The Nevada Health Authority will introduce the Nevada Rural Health System Flex Fund, planning to bolster and modernize the state’s rural health care infrastructure with 20% of the annual award in new investments in items like technology, equipment, supplies, mobile units, emergency services, etc. The State will encourage rural providers to leverage their regional buying power through regional purchasing strategies and sharing arrangements.

Workforce Recruitment and Rural Access Program (WRRAP)

Create a Robust Network of Health Providers in Rural Nevada – Through establishment of the Workforce Recruitment and Rural Access Program, Nevada plans to address historic gaps in the state’s rural workforce. Multiple strategies will be employed with the proposed support of 40% of the annual award to address immediate and long-term provider gaps, including new incentives for providers to live and serve in rural areas of the state, tuition aid with commitments to serve rural Nevada, and a rural physician residency program.

Rural Health Innovation and Technology (RHIT)

Fill the “Unfillable” Gaps with Innovative Technology Solutions – The Nevada Health Authority plans to implement the Rural Health Innovation and Technology. Grant with 15% of the annual award toward innovative technologies and modernization of health data and records systems with a focus on alignment with the CMS Digital Health Ecosystem and addressing cybersecurity needs for rural health systems. These funds may also be used to bolster the state’s rural telehealth infrastructure.

Additional RHT Programs

Rural Tribal Health Transformation

The Rural Health Transformation Program is committed to strengthening rural and tribal health systems across Nevada through significant, long-term investments. Tribal Health Transformation Funds will support sovereignty-driven health priorities, expand essential services, and build sustainable health infrastructure for future generations. These investments will align with Nevada’s Rural Health Transformation goals, ensuring improved access, equity, and resilience in tribal and rural communities.

Fund for Rural Veteran & Correction Health Transformation

The Rural Health Transformation Program is investing in the future of rural health by providing dedicated funding to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Corrections. These resources will strengthen health systems serving veterans and incarcerated individuals—populations that currently face some of the most significant health challenges in rural Nevada. By improving access to care and enhancing services, these investments aim to reduce disparities and build a foundation for healthier communities for generations to come.

Reinstatement of the Presidential Fitness Test

These funds are dedicated to supporting Nevada’s long-term vision of improving youth health and reducing chronic disease rates across the state. While schools are not currently required to implement the Presidential Fitness Test, Nevada is proactively preparing for its reinstatement in alignment with any forthcoming federal guidance under Executive Order 14327. This initiative reflects Nevada's commitment to fostering lifelong wellness and strengthening rural health systems.

By promoting early physical activity among youth, this initiative aims to reduce long-term chronic disease rates, improve overall health outcomes, and ease the strain on limited rural healthcare infrastructure. These efforts represent an investment in healthier communities, lower healthcare costs, and a stronger future for Nevada.