Cabinet leaders outline Rural Health Transformation Plan, cite 102 'ambulance deserts' and workforce strain

Secretary Steven Stack and Rural Health Transformation Plan Director Tom Walton of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented the RHTP to the Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services on June 3, saying the plan is managed with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and aims to build rural health infrastructure and expand the workforce.

Stack and Walton told members the plan is intended to develop infrastructure, expand education and training for the health workforce, and improve emergency response capacity. They said the plan faces system challenges including workforce turnover and 102 identified "ambulance deserts" (areas with limited ambulance access). The presenters said RHTP funds are exclusive to the plan and cannot be reallocated to existing programs.

Representative Lisa Willner asked whether a certification program exists for dental assistants. Walton replied there is no statewide certification program but noted the University of Kentucky's extended-duty dental assistant program serves as a model. Walton and Stack said data results will be shared with the General Assembly and posted on the Cabinet's website. They also described collaboration with the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services and other providers to assess program changes and funding decisions.

The presenters emphasized balancing regional Medicaid models with local emergency services, expanding telehealth networks, and investing in EMS and hospital workforce development; they also cited incentive programs (for example, pay raises tied to participation in wellness activities) intended to reduce turnover. The required annual report will document achievement of objectives and outcomes and may influence CMS decisions on future funding.

No formal vote or motion was recorded. The subcommittee adjourned following the presentations.