Image courtesy of U.S. House Office of Photography
Governor Kelly Armstrong has set January 21st as the tentative date for a special legislative session to allocate federal rural health funding, pending confirmation of the state’s award.
North Dakota applied in November for its share of $50 billion through the Rural Health Transformation Program, according to extensive reporting by Michael Achterling of the North Dakota Monitor. Funding awards are expected to be announced by December 31st. States anticipate receiving at least $500 million, with potential for more based on health policy implementation, which North Dakota has been working on.
Armstrong’s letter defines the session’s purpose as allocating rural health dollars, but lawmakers can introduce other measures once convened, though that would be difficult due to the two-thirds majority needed. Senate Majority Leader David Hogue says legislative leadership intends to keep the focus on rural health funding.
The session must last at least three days. North Dakota’s application focuses on strengthening rural health workforce, focusing on preventive care, bringing health care closer to home, and connecting technology and data.
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