Gov. Rhoden Signs Bill to Support Rural Health Care Recruitment

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 25, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Signs Bill to Support Rural Health Care Recruitment

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed a bill to support rural health care recruitment, HB 1043.

"Our rural communities are the heartbeat of South Dakota, and ensuring they have access to quality health care will continue to be a priority of my administration," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "By recruiting and retaining health care professionals across our state, we will strengthen our hospitals, support providers, and protect the health of our communities."

Governor Rhoden previouslysigned HB 1044, which appropriates funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program. HB 1043 further supports the Governor's rural health care efforts by making an appropriation to reimburse health care professionals who have complied with the requirements for rural recruitment assistance programs.

Governor Rhoden also signed the following two appropriations bills today:

• SB 67makes an appropriation for costs related to emergencies and disasters impacting the state and declares an emergency; and
• SB 68makes an appropriation for costs related to the suppression of wildfires impacting the state and declares an emergency.

Governor Rhoden has signed 58 bills into law and vetoed one this legislative session.

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