To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Office of Rural Health, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3102
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-30: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-12T09:06:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill aims to create a dedicated Office of Rural Health within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to address public health challenges specific to rural areas. It seeks to improve research, coordination, and support for rural health issues, including access to care and disparities in health outcomes.
Key Provisions
- Establishment of the Office: The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the CDC Director, must create the Office of Rural Health within the CDC. It will be led by a director appointed by the CDC Director.
- Duties and Responsibilities:
- Act as the main contact point within the CDC for all rural health matters.
- Support and promote research on public health issues affecting rural communities, and share the findings widely.
- Collaborate across CDC offices to develop policies, best practices, and programs (including telehealth options) to enhance health care and services for rural residents.
- Coordinate rural health research, provide educational outreach, and distribute evidence-based strategies to improve health access, prevent diseases and injuries, and encourage healthy lifestyles in rural areas.
- Build better awareness of health challenges faced by rural populations.
- Highlight gaps in health care availability and public health programs for rural areas.
- Provide grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to offer technical help and support activities aimed at bettering rural health and care.
- Work with the existing Federal Office of Rural Health Policy in the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to align efforts and prevent overlap.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new specialized office within the CDC focused exclusively on rural health, which does not currently exist in this form. It expands the CDC's mandate by adding specific duties related to rural research, policy development, and funding mechanisms, building on but separate from HRSA's rural health office. No major repeals or amendments to prior laws are specified; it primarily adds structure and coordination.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The CDC and HHS will gain a centralized hub for rural health efforts, potentially streamlining operations and reducing duplication with HRSA. This could require additional resources for staffing, research, and grants.
- On Citizens: Rural residents may benefit from improved access to health information, telehealth, and targeted interventions to address disparities in disease prevention, injury reduction, and health behaviors. Urban or non-rural populations are unlikely to be directly affected.
- On International Relations: No impacts are anticipated, as the bill focuses solely on domestic U.S. rural health.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Rural Populations: Primary beneficiaries, including individuals in underserved rural areas facing health access barriers.
- Health Agencies: CDC and HRSA staff, who will handle new coordination and implementation roles.
- Health Care Providers and Researchers: Rural doctors, clinics, and academics who may receive grants or technical support for programs.
- Policymakers: Members of Congress and HHS officials involved in public health funding and rural development.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill aligns with existing HHS authority under laws like the Public Health Service Act (which empowers the CDC for disease control and prevention). It introduces no new enforcement powers but emphasizes evidence-based practices, potentially strengthening accountability through grant administration.
- Constitutional: Supports the federal government's role in promoting the general welfare (under Article I, Section 8), by addressing health disparities without infringing on state powers over health care.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan interest in rural issues (introduced by representatives from different parties), which could influence future funding debates in Congress. It may politically amplify rural voices in national health policy without controversial elements like mandates or spending caps.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Perez, Marie Gluesenkamp [D-WA-3], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-30: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-04-30: Introduced in House
- 2025-04-30: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Office of Rural Health, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-04-30 — PDF (3 pages)