Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rural Health Transformation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Legislative Management accepts Rural Health Transformation report; DHHS flags equipment and consultant availability
Summary
Legislative Management accepted a Rural Health Transformation Committee report Jan. 14, 2026; the Department of Health and Human Services said it will require outcome reporting, try to expedite federal approvals with templates, provide regular reports to committees and OMB, and include funding for emergency medical and ambulance services while noting equipment availability and consultant competition are concerns.
The North Dakota Legislative Management accepted a report from the Rural Health Transformation Committee on Jan. 14, 2026, and heard departmental responses about how the state plans to implement aspects of the report.
Senator Brad Bekkedahl presented the committee's findings. Pat Traynor, interim commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services, told members the department will require outcome reporting from recipients of funds tied to the initiative, and the department will try to expedite federal approvals by preparing advance request templates. Traynor said the department will provide regular reports to legislative committees and the Office of Management and Budget.
Traynor also said the state's application will include funding to support emergency medical and ambulance services but noted concerns about equipment needs and availability. He warned there likely will be significant competition for technical assistance and consultants to support implementation.
Representative Dori Hauck moved acceptance of the Rural Health Transformation Committee report; Representative Kathy Frelich seconded. On roll call, the same group of Senators and Representatives recorded "aye" votes and the report was accepted.
The acceptance directs the Department of Health and Human Services to proceed with steps outlined in the report, including outcome reporting and preparations to seek federal approvals. The meeting adjourned at 2:11 p.m.
