State Reps. Barhorst, Moore Introduce Rural Hospital Transformation Oversight Bill

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - State Representatives Tim Barhorst (R-Fort Loramie) and Ty Moore (R-Caldwell) are pleased to share that they have introduced a new piece of legislation - the Rural Hospital Transformation Oversight Bill.

"Many rural Ohio communities are facing healthcare access deserts, losing vital services such as birthing centers and maternity care," said Barhorst. "Our hope with this legislation is that we can ensure the rural health transformation funds will stay within the rural communities, which is intended to help the neediest hospitals."

"Rural hospitals are vital in Appalachia. This bill is about making sure rural hospitals get their fair share of the money allocated," said Moore.

If enacted, this legislation would do the following:

Task the Ohio Department of Health to include transparent reporting requirements for how the department spends the awarded dollars
Ensure the funding awarded to hospitals stays in rural communities
Prioritizes rural maternity centers as a primary collaborative service
Establish a legislative task force on rural health to monitor the implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Oversight Program

This bill awaits a number and committee assignment.