Rural Health Collaborative Agenda
Thursday, April 09
Program will begin promptly at 9:00AM. Please plan to arrive by 8:45AM.
9:00AM – 9:15AM
Welcome Address: Rural Health Collaborative Kickoff
Mike Daughton, Trubridge Chief Business Officer
Patrick Lanier, THMA Executive President
Rural Health Collaborative Host: Jasmaine McClain, THMA
9:15AM – 10:00AM
The Rural Health Transformation Fund: What CMS Expects
Policymakers have made clear that the Rural Health Transformation Fund is not a short-term stabilization program, but a vehicle to fundamentally reshape how care is delivered in rural communities. This session will lay bare what is – and what is not – true about the origins and intent of RHTF and unpack what current federal leaders want to see from states and providers. Members will gain expert insight into the program, governance, and CMS priorities around rural funding needs.
Featuring: Bill Finerfrock, Congressional Advisor
10:15AM – 11:15AM
Green Flags, Red Flags: Working with States on RHTF
Each state has taken a unique approach to their RHTF processes, from full stakeholder engagement to closed door decision making. Members will engage in breakout sessions to learn directly from peers on how they’ve aligned internally, and how they’ve engaged externally with their state associations and government officials. Discussions will surface best practices, unearth common questions, and yield practical takeaways for better engagement and alignment.
Facilitator: Keith J. Mueller, Director, Rural Policy Research Institute and former president of NRHA
11:30AM – 12:30PM
Recruitment, Retention, and Reality: What’s Actually Working in Rural Markets
Competition for clinical and non-clinical workers has intensified nationwide, but rural hospitals face unique structural challenges. This peer-driven conversation will spotlight executives who have implemented strategies to improve recruitment, retain workers, and delivery outside-the-box ed workforce strategies. Panelists will explore financial tradeoffs, cultural considerations, and measurable outcomes from their efforts. Leaders will gain practical insights they can adapt immediately within their own organizations.
Moderator: Bill Finerfrock, Congressional Advisor
Rural Hospital Executive Panelists (additional panelists being confirmed):
- Angie Christian, COO, Boone Memorial Hospital, Madison, WV
12:30 – 1:30PM Lunch
1:30PM – 2:30PM
Technology Enablement & Sustainability for Rural America
Five of CMS’ ten allowable use categories for RHTF funds are directly related to advancing technology for rural care. In this session, members will hear from peers who have implemented various tech solutions that move beyond hype and focus on improving access, quality, and operational efficiency in rural settings with a lens on sustainability and solving long-term problems.
2:45PM – 3:45PM
Fireside Chat: Expert Insights for the Road Ahead
This fireside chat-style interview will provide deep insights on the RHTF within one specific state: the goals, funding process, priorities, and key next steps. Discussions will capture priorities, goals, and recommendations for actionable next steps for rural health executives who wish to partner with their state leaders on areas of common interest.
4:00PM – 4:45PM
Role-Based Executive Breakout Discussions
During this time, members will break out by executive type to spend time discussing issues with direct peers. Topics may include workforce alignment, financial sustainability, and/or other RHTF issues.
Facilitators: Jasmaine McClain, Jess Evora and Stephanie Bernardes, THMA
4:45PM - 5:00PM
Closing Session: Executive Alignment on Key Takeaways and What's Next
During this final executive session, we will align on the most consequential takeaways of the day, examine their implications, and ensure insight is converted into action.
Presented by RHC Host: Jasmaine McClain, THMA