North Dakota

Event schedule: - *Corrects deadline to , 2026 - July 30 - HHS Logo

North Dakota received nearly $199 million in CMS funding to launch the Rural Health Transformation Program, marking a significant investment in rural health. Dr. David Hunnicutt, a national wellness leader, was named as strategist to guide planning and alignment. The initiative aims to build sustainable health systems and improve outcomes in rural communities.

North Dakota is expected to receive $500 million over five years from RHTP baseline funding, subject to CMS approval. State is focusing on addresssing priorities from stakeholder input, workforce, innovation, and measurable rural health outcomes. Funding is distributed based on application and rural factors, with a substantial ongoing annual commitment to the state.

This document provides scoring criteria for reviewers of North Dakota's Rural Health Transformation Program funding applications. It details how applications are scored on completeness, alignment to RHTP goals, identified need, feasibility, priority areas, and budget justification. It sets strict standards for project impact, sustainability, and rural relevance.

This guidance document provides a comprehensive list of regional experts by county for North Dakota rural organizations applying for RHTP funding. Support is available to assist rural communities with questions and the application process. No award information or deadlines are included. Key contacts: Cyrena Weeks cyrenaw@ci.williston.nd.us; Tara Erickstad tarae@ci.williston.nd.us; Kaelynn Thunder Hawk Blackaby KaelynnBl@ci.williston.nd.us; Briselda Hernandez briselda@sourisbasin.org

North Dakota aims to deploy $1B over five years through the Rural Health Transformation Program to address rural workforce shortages, prevent chronic disease, expand telehealth, and modernize care systems. Public engagement and tribal outreach are included. Funding will flow via state-issued opportunities prioritizing rural impact. Key contacts: rhtp@nd.gov Event schedule: - Public Survey Launch - 08/13/2025 - Statewide - Application Deadline to CMS - 11/05/2025 - Award Announcement by CMS - 12/31/2025 - Community Meetings - Listening Sessions - October 2025 - Various

North Dakota HHS expects to receive at least $100 million per year in federal funds under the Rural Health Transformation Program, pending application approval to CMS by Dec 31, 2025. The state is currently in the planning and stakeholder engagement phase, actively soliciting input to shape its transformation plan and aligning with strategic goals to support rural health outcomes, technology, workforce, and facility solvency. No sub-award or provider-level funding has yet been announced. Event schedule: - RHTP State Application Deadline - 12/31/2025 - CMS Guidance Expected - Fall 2025 - ND HHS Rural Health Transformation Plan Listening Sessions (anticipated) - Fall 2025 - State Survey Deadline for Plan Input - 09/12/2025

North Dakota submitted its application for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) in November 2025 and will provide updates as planning advances. The newsletter emphasizes ongoing member engagement, but no awards or program funding decisions have been made public yet.

North Dakota HHS announced the addition of a tribal manager and rural hospital advisor to guide the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The program leverages nearly $199 million in federal funding to strengthen rural health care, enhance tribal engagement, and achieve meaningful transformation for hospitals and communities across North Dakota. Workforce, fiscal management, and technology advancement are key areas of focus.

North Dakota Health and Human Services has onboarded new tribal and hospital advisors to guide the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The program is described as a five-year investment aiming to improve rural health, focusing on tribal integration, workforce, fiscal improvement, and hospital transformation. The team will help tribal and rural organizations access funding opportunities within RHTP over the next five years.

North Dakota Health and Human Services has launched a new funding opportunity to help rural providers strengthen and modernize electronic medical record systems. The enhancements aim to improve care coordination, streamline workflows, and leverage technology innovations for rural health providers. The initiative is intended to improve patient outcomes and reduce administrative burden in North Dakota’s rural communities. Key contacts: Mindy Michaels mmichaels@nd.gov

This scoring tool guides reviewers in evaluating applications for North Dakota's RHTP Workforce Retention funding, targeting Critical Access Hospitals and owned clinics. Applications are scored on alignment with RHTP goals, measurable outcomes, and planning for sustainability. Key focus is on rural workforce retention, measurable metrics, and clear strategies addressing state priorities.

North Dakota HHS announced several new RHTP funding opportunities for rural and tribal health system transformation, valued at almost $199 million in federal funding for the first year. The email summarizes upcoming competitive grants across service delivery, behavioral health, workforce, physical activity, and food access. Application windows for these grant opportunities fall between April and May 2026.

North Dakota has established a system to support informal and formal caregivers through training, respite services, and an online enrollment portal that assists family caregivers becoming paid supports. The program improves community-based care awareness and helps adults with disabilities and older adults live independently.