Utah's Rural Health Transformation Program is currently implementing a multi-year, federally supported strategy to advance rural health through targeted investments in preventive health, rural workforce, infrastructure, technology, and innovation. Emphasis is placed on competitive sub-awards, sustainability, and measurable improvement in rural health access and outcomes. Current structured plan tracks 9 key initiatives and 8 strategic goals.
Utah received a $195 million federal award for the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Program as announced in December 2025. The Department of Health and Human Services is preparing for implementation, engaging stakeholders, and held a June 2026 funding opportunity webinar discussing the overview and application process for subgrants. State-level provider procurements have been described, but the latest evidence points to the program being officially launched and not yet open for subrecipient applications. State opportunities: 6 active (2 open, 2 upcoming, 2 closing soon, 2 past/closed), $207.5M listed funding. Key opportunities: RISE 2.2, 2.C: Rural Clinical Preceptor Stipend Program; Value-Based Care Models for Rural Health Facilities; Behavioral Health–Primary Care Integration (PATH 1.5, 1.G). Strategy alignment: supports workforce priorities.
RHTP Strategy
Utah’s RHTP is a multi-year, outcome-focused strategy utilizing one-time federal funding to transform rural health through targeted, measurable initiatives. The approach emphasizes sustainable systems redesign by investing in preventive services, workforce development, infrastructure, telehealth and technology modernization, and value-based financial and care delivery models. Core implementation relies on local partnerships, competitive sub-awards, and rigorous reporting to ensure accountability and minimize future fiscal obligations to the state.
Model
Data-driven, integrated transformation model uniting preventive health, workforce expansion, capital and digital infrastructure modernization, telehealth expansion, care integration, and sustainable financial reforms, all coordinated through distinct statewide and regional initiatives.
Key Initiatives
1Preventive Action and Transformation for Health (PATH) for wellness, prevention, and behavioral health integration
2Rural Incentive and Skill Expansion (RISE) to build, recruit, and retain the rural healthcare workforce
3Sustaining Health Infrastructure for Transformation (SHIFT) for capital improvements and facility modernization
4Financial Approaches for Sustainable Transformation (FAST) to pilot new value-based payment and operational models
5Leveraging Innovation for Facilitated Telehealth (LIFT) to scale telehealth and address geographic barriers
6Shared Utilities for Partnered Provider Operational Resources and Technology (SUPPORT) to upgrade data and administrative systems
7Leveraging Interoperability Networks to Connect Services (LINCS) to optimize secure health information exchange across providers
8Quality improvement projects and technical assistance through Utah Flex and SHIP for rural hospital sustainability
9Purchasing assistance and workforce training support for rural provider organizations
Timeline: FY2026–2030; competitive sub-award process prioritizes initial years, supported by ongoing annual and quarterly milestones and CMS reporting requirements.
Health Priority
Behavioral health integration: Utah is advancing integration of behavioral health and primary care to foster lifelong wellness. This priority is supported by specific funding opportunities and collaborative workgroups. (Regions: Rural Utah)
Jun 24, 2026
Health Priority
Workforce development: Workgroups are focused on building, recruiting, and retaining a sustainable healthcare workforce to ensure quality care across rural communities. (Regions: Rural Utah)
Jun 24, 2026
Program Update
Utah RHTP is launching PATH 1.5 to fund integrated behavioral health and primary care models in rural communities, with up to $1M per award and no cost-sharing. Collaboration among diverse agencies and safety net providers is required; DHHS offers 100% federal funding and technical support. Key contacts: Brittney Okada ruralht@utah.gov; Pete Caldwell rura...
Jun 19, 2026
Supporting
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2026-2030
Budget: $110.0M
UT - 2026 - Utah’s RHTP 2025 Application
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SupportingPDF2025-2030Budget: $50.0B
UT - 2025 - Utah RURAL HOSPITALS AND RHTP 2026 Guidance
The Utah Rural Clinical Preceptor Stipend Program is a workforce-focused initiative under RHTP aiming to expand rural clinical training capacity by offering stipends to eligible preceptors. For Year 1 (July–December 2026), $200,000 is available to compensate physicians, APRNs, and PAs precepting eligible students in rural counties. Applications are prioritized for first-time and uncompensated preceptors to strengthen the rural health workforce pipeline. Key contacts: opcrh@utah.gov
Event schedule:
- Application deadline - 06/08/2026 - 11:59 PM MT
- Year 1 Period of Performance - July 1, 2026 – December 1, 2026
- Invoice submission window opens - 12/02/2026 - 8:00 AM MT
- Invoice submission window closes - 12/11/2026 - 5:00 PM MT
- Exit questionnaire sent - 12/01/2026
Award: $195.7MWORKFORCE
Contacts
<opcrh@utah.gov> - Technical assistance - Primary Care and Rural Health (PCRH), Utah DHHS
Core Initiatives
Build lasting workforce infrastructure in rural Utah
Expand rural clinical preceptor capacity
Strengthen and modernize healthcare in rural communities through workforce development
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ApplicationMay 1, 2026PDF2025-2030
Utah’s RHTP provides a bold, generational investment and integrated framework to transform rural health care through seven targeted initiatives. The plan emphasizes upstream population health, rural workforce expansion, innovative payment models, data-driven care, and system modernization. A $1B strategy, it is poised to improve chronic, behavioral, maternal/child health outcomes, and ensure long-term rural hospital sustainability for 25 rural Utah counties.
Guidance Documents (8)
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GuidanceJun 17, 2026PDF2030
This scope of work sets forth responsibilities for grantees and the Utah DHHS under the RHTP PATH Initiative 1.5, focusing on implementing integrated behavioral health and primary care models in rural counties. Activities include cross-agency collaboration, sustainable workforce development, EMR interoperability, and outcome-based performance and reporting. Program goals emphasize closing service gaps and building cohesive provider networks in rural Utah.
Event schedule:
- Budget Period 1 Start - 12/29/2025
- Budget Period 1 End - 10/30/2026
- Budget Period 2 Start - 10/31/2026
- Budget Period 2 End - 10/30/2027
- Budget Period 3 Start - 10/31/2027
- Budget Period 3 End - 10/30/2028
- Budget Period 4 Start - 10/31/2028
- Budget Period 4 End - 10/30/2029
This CMS summary details high-level FY26 RHTP applications from more than a dozen states, each proposing major investments in rural hospital and Medicaid transformation. State plans emphasize telehealth, care integration, workforce development, behavioral and maternal health, and digital health infrastructure as core approaches for rural health system improvement. Award amounts per state (e.g., $203M Alabama, $272M Alaska) are reported at the state level, not for individual recipients.
Core Initiatives
Expand rural access to primary, maternal, behavioral health, and specialty care
Grow and sustain rural health workforce
Promote innovation and digital modernization
Show all initiatives (46)
Expand rural access to primary, maternal, behavioral health, and specialty care
Grow and sustain rural health workforce
Promote innovation and digital modernization
Foster integrated care networks and partnerships
Improve population health outcomes and reduce disparities
Empower rural residents through expanded population health solutions
Expand the supply of care by growing a rural workforce and spreading technologies that improve coordination
Establish alternative sites of care such as CCBHCs and school-based health centers
Strengthen rural healthcare workforce through apprenticeships, improved IT, and pipeline programs
Transform healthcare access and rural health outcomes through innovation, partnerships, and clinical infrastructure improvements
Build statewide healthcare hubs and networks to expand access and improve outcomes
Strengthen healthcare workforce recruitment, retention, and development
Modernize rural health data infrastructure and digital backbone
Improve care coordination and integration via collaborative regional models
Advance value-based payment models to improve quality, efficiency, and sustainability
Invest in behavioral health, chronic disease management, and maternal health
Leverage technology for telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and AI-enabled tools
Data Documents (1)
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DataApr 22, 2026HTML
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.
Utah RHTP is launching PATH 1.5 to fund integrated behavioral health and primary care models in rural communities, with up to $1M per award and no cost-sharing. Collaboration among diverse agencies and safety net providers is required; DHHS offers 100% federal funding and technical support. Key contacts: Brittney Okada ruralht@utah.gov; Pete Caldwell ruralht@utah.gov
Event schedule:
- Application Deadline - 06/29/2026 - 5:00 p.m. MT - Utah DHHS Application Portal
- Q&A Submission Deadline - 06/25/2026 - 5:00 p.m. MT - Utah DHHS Application Portal
- Final Q&A Page Update - 06/26/2026 - 5:00 p.m. MT - Utah DHHS Application Portal
- Agreement Period Start - 08/01/2026 - Utah
- Agreement Period End - 09/30/2028 - Utah
- Anticipated Award Notification - 07/01/2026 - Utah DHHS
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.
Core Initiatives
Improve access to quality healthcare in rural and underserved areas
Support rural health workforce development
Strengthen rural hospital sustainability
Media (1)
RHTP Milestones
12/31/2025
CMS announces awards
↳ UT - 2026 - Meeting slide deck , opens in a new tab
11/05/2025
Submit final application
↳ UT - 2026 - Meeting slide deck , opens in a new tab
10/31/2025
Draft application
↳ UT - 2026 - Meeting slide deck , opens in a new tab
10/17/2025
RHTP Work Group bundle proposals
↳ UT - 2026 - Meeting slide deck , opens in a new tab
10/13/2025
Open meetings
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10/06/2025
Proposal form closes
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09/30/2025
Proposal form live
↳ UT - 2026 - Meeting slide deck , opens in a new tab
01/2026
Legislature considers approval
↳ UT - 2026 - Meeting slide deck , opens in a new tab
Site Activity (34)
UT progress refreshed: implementationPhase: IMPLEMENTING · progressSummary updated
Spreadsheets, data exports, and reference documents — available for download but excluded from the main activity feed.
UT - 2026 - Utah Primary Care Grant Program | PCRH
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UT - 2026 - Grants and Funding Sources | PCRH
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UT - 2026 - Maps | PCRH
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UT - 2026 - Utah RHTP RISE 2.2, 2.C: Rural Clinical Preceptor Stipend Program Application Packet
Application Packet
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UT - 2026 - Utah RHTP Funding Opportunities - Utah Department of Health and Human Services
Funding opportunities page
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UT - 2026 - RISE 2.2: Rural Clinical Preceptor Stipend Program — Second Chance Application Packet
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BHI 1.5 RFGA PDF
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UT - 2026 - Meeting slide deck , opens in a new tab
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Award: $1.0B
Core Initiatives
Making rural Utahns healthy: Support upstream projects that promote healthy lifestyles, prevent illness, manage chronic disease, improve maternal and child health outcomes, and address behavioral health.
Workforce development: Grow, attract, and retain skilled healthcare providers to deliver high-quality, comprehensive care in rural communities.
Innovation and access: Strengthen infrastructure, share resources, and adopt innovative, data-driven care approaches for sustainable and reliable care.
Show all initiatives (15)
Making rural Utahns healthy: Support upstream projects that promote healthy lifestyles, prevent illness, manage chronic disease, improve maternal and child health outcomes, and address behavioral health.
Workforce development: Grow, attract, and retain skilled healthcare providers to deliver high-quality, comprehensive care in rural communities.
Innovation and access: Strengthen infrastructure, share resources, and adopt innovative, data-driven care approaches for sustainable and reliable care.
Technology innovation: Increase use of modern technology to make care easier, faster, and more secure for rural providers and patients.
Workforce development
Innovative care
Sustainable access
Tech innovation
Generate permanent, systemic, and generational change in rural healthcare
Create financial viability without future financial obligations
Establish self-sustaining models and shift payment toward value and efficiency
Incorporate successful rural health transformation goals into state policy
Address reductions in federal funding by creating financial viability and shifting revenue models
Modernize infrastructure and expand telehealth capacity
Address workforce shortages and promote rural health workforce development
Utah was awarded $195.7 million in federal funding for Year 1 of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), with a total of up to $15 million anticipated for behavioral health integration projects over five years. This RFGA seeks grantees to implement evidence-based behavioral health and primary care integration models in rural Utah, focusing on collaborative care, workforce development, EMR enhancements, and sustainable billing workflows. The application process includes strict eligibility requirements and a structured review process. Key contacts: ruralht@utah.gov
Event schedule:
- Application Deadline - 06/23/2026 - 5:00 PM MT - Online submission
- Final Q&A updated - 06/22/2026 - 5:00 PM MT - Utah PCM page
- Award Notification - 07/01/2026 - By email (DHHS)
- Agreement Start - 08/01/2026
- Year 1 funds must be expended - 09/30/2027
- Agreement End (initial) - 09/30/2028
<ruralht@utah.gov> - Utah RHTP team contact - Utah
Core Initiatives
Making Rural Utahns Healthy
Workforce Development
Innovation and Access
Show all initiatives (4)
Making Rural Utahns Healthy
Workforce Development
Innovation and Access
Technology Innovation
This RFGA supports Utah's federally funded Rural Health Transformation Program to develop a strategic plan expanding rural Graduate Medical Education (GME) over 10 years. Up to one awardee will collaborate with diverse partners, including tribal and rural health facilities, to drive measurable improvements in rural physician access. Funding is up to $1.6M, and aims to foster long-term workforce capacity with rigorous stakeholder engagement, data-driven planning, and continuous technical assistance. Key contacts: ruralht@utah.gov
Event schedule:
- Application Deadline - 06/17/2026 - 5:00 PM MT - Online submission via Qualtrics
- Question Deadline - 06/15/2026 - 5:00 PM MT - ruralht@utah.gov
- Final Q&A Posting - 06/16/2026 - 5:00 PM MT - DHHS PCM page
- Agreement Period Start - 07/20/2026 - Utah DHHS
- Agreement Period End - 09/30/2027 - Utah DHHS
- Award Decision Notification - 06/26/2026 - Utah DHHS
Budget: $1.6MWORKFORCE · QUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · OTHER
Implement prevention-first models with focus on chronic disease, oral health, and behavioral health
Improve community and clinical partnerships to expand care access and health equity
Improve rural health outcomes through innovative workforce models, community engagement, and preventive care
Improve access to care through clinically integrated networks (CINs)
Improve health outcomes through expansions of behavioral health services
Improve chronic disease health outcomes such as reduced A1C and increased levels of hypertension management
Expand technology to build remote monitoring and telehealth
Build a future where every community has access to high-quality, locally grounded care connected through technology
Reduce preventable hospitalizations and emergency department visits
Build a resilient, digitally connected, community-anchored provider network
Design data-driven solutions tailored to the unique needs of rural residents
Advance whole-person health through connected care technologies and coordinated pathways
Establish financially sustainable care models through shared clinical, data, and administrative resources
Promote sustainable access by focusing on integration and comprehensive delivery of services leveraging technology, and supporting the workforce
Promote rural workforce development and retain clinicians
Improve access to primary care and behavioral health services
Increase healthcare access and quality for chronic disease management and health outcomes
Increase provider capacity and digital health literacy
Prioritize direct investment in provider capacity and local innovation
Address rural healthcare workforce participation, technology adoption, and system sustainability
Support patients with high disease burden and invest in workforce and technology
Leverage technology statewide to support hospitals, delivery systems, and clinical workforce
Focus on wellness/nutrition, workforce support, and technology to improve rural access
Improve primary care and long-term care support through technology and workforce development
Empower patient-centered rural care through prevention, workforce development, and tech innovation
Address substance use disorder and workforce turnover through expanded rural health networks and value-based care
Address geographic barriers, workforce participation, and technology to improve rural health system sustainability
Focus on care coordination, mental health support, technology, and workforce in agriculture-heavy rural communities
Increase access to specialty services, build durable workforce pipeline, and leverage technology for better rural care
Utah expects $500M in RHTP funds over FY 2026-2030. Focus areas include prevention, workforce development, mental health, technology innovation, infrastructure, and strategic collaboration. Proposal form goes live end of September 2025. Key contacts: Pam Bennett; Sarah Woolsey; Marc Watterson; Carrie Torgersen
Event schedule:
- Proposal form live - 09/30/2025
- Proposal form closes - 10/06/2025 - COB
- Open meetings - 10/13/2025
- Submit final application - 11/05/2025
Event schedule:
- Application Open: –June 23, 2026 - May 29 - 5:00 p.m - PATH 1.5: Behavioral Health—Primary Care Integration
- Application Due: , 2026 at 5:00 p.m. MT - June 23 - 5:00 p.m - PATH 1.5: Behavioral Health—Primary Care Integration
- Questions regarding this RFGA should be addressed to the Utah RHTP team at [email protected] . All questions and answers will be compiled and posted publicly in a continuously updated Q&A document located at the Utah Procurement and Contract Management (PCM) page, dhhs.utah.gov/dhhspurchasing/ . Applicants are encouraged to check the document regularly for updates. The final day to submit questions is , 2026 at 5:00 p.m. MT , and the final Q&A document will be updated by June 22, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. MT . - June 21 - Eligible applicants: A community healthcare provider or a local service agency may serve as the lead applicant. Applicants must demonstrate a collaboration with a minimum of three local service agencies, each serving unique primary populations. At least one participating provider must be a recognized safety net provider serving public assistance beneficiaries.
- Application Open: –June 8, 2026 - May 19 - 11:59 p.m - RISE 2.2: Rural Clinical Preceptor Stipend Program
- Application Due: , 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MT - June 8 - RISE 2.2: Rural Clinical Preceptor Stipend Program
- Period of performance: –December 1, 2026 - July 1 - Application packet (includes background information, applicant requirements, application instructions, link, and checklist): dhhs.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/Utah-RHTP-RISE-Rural-Clinical-Preceptor-Stipend-Program-Application-Packet.pdf
- Application Open: –June 17, 2026 - May 26 - 5:00 p.m - RISE 2.1, 2.A: GME Strategic Plan
- Application Due: , 2026 at 5:00 p.m. MT - June 17 - RISE 2.1, 2.A: GME Strategic Plan
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Vendor/Customer Creation/Modification Form - Utah Division of Finance
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UT - 2026 - DHHS Leadership Org. Chart , opens in a new tab
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UT - 2026 - Leadership - Utah Department of Health and Human Services
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Rural Health Connect Newsletter
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UT - 2026 - View Accreditation Council PDF Here
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RHTP Engagement Events in June
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UT - 2026 - State Office of Rural Health | PCRH
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UT - 2026 - Oral health programs | PCRH
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UT - 2026 - DHHS Leadership Org. Chart , opens in a new tab