The Office of Rural Health works to improve access to high quality health care services in Florida’s communities by:
- Establishing and maintaining a clearinghouse for collecting and disseminating information on rural health issues, research findings relating to rural health care, and innovative approaches to health care delivery
- Coordinating rural health activities in the state, including coordination to avoid duplication of services
- Identifying federal, state and non-governmental rural health programs, and provide technical assistance to public and private entities
Current Activities
- Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) Program – Provides funding to support quality and financial improvement consultation to small rural hospitals designated as Critical Access Hospitals.
- Small Hospital Improvement Program – Provides funding to small rural hospitals to assist in transitioning to value-based reimbursement, payment bundling and become involved in accountable care organizations.
- Rural EMS Support – Contracts with the Florida Association of Rural Emergency Medical Services Providers to provide enhanced training to EMS personnel in rural areas as a method to address high turnover rates.