Rural Health Systems · Implementation · 4 min read
Can RHTP funds be used for rural health workforce?
Workforce initiatives can qualify under RHTP's sustainable-access category. Funds can support recruitment, retention, training, and new roles like community health workers and peer specialists, particularly when tied to maintaining access to specific services that would otherwise be at risk.
Workforce as an access strategy
Service closures in rural areas are often workforce failures. Framing workforce investment as protecting access aligns it with RHTP's sustainable-access category.
Fundable workforce models
Examples include:
- Recruitment and retention incentives for hard-to-fill roles
- Training pipelines with regional partners
- Community health workers, doulas, and peer specialists
- Shared staffing across a regional network
Frequently asked questions
- Can RHTP fund salaries?
- Workforce costs can be supported when tied to a funded program and the state's plan, with attention to post-FY2030 sustainability.
Figures reflect the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program NOFO and the December 2025 award announcement. RHTP Tracker is an independent resource by Moodr Health and is not affiliated with CMS.