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The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is launching a Rural Hospital Officers Academy as part of the agency’s historic investment to strengthen rural health care in Texas.
House Bill 18, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott, established the academy to provide professional development and continuing education for rural health care leaders. An advisory committee for the Texas Rural Hospital Officers Academy held its first meeting in July to begin developing the program’s curriculum.
“Rural hospitals play a vital role in communities across Texas,” Gov. Abbott said. “Leaders who guide these hospitals help families receive quality care close to home. The Rural Hospital Officers Academy gives these professionals the financial, regulatory and management expertise they need to keep their institutions strong. This investment in rural health care leadership will support hospitals and improve outcomes for Texans in every corner of the state.”
The academy is designed for leaders responsible for the financial stability of rural hospitals or rural health care systems in Texas. These include board directors, chief executive officers, hospital administrators and other senior-level roles.
Coursework will focus on state and federal regulations and financial programs, business administration and other topics applicable to the financial stability of rural hospitals.
“Rural hospital leaders are dedicated to serving their communities and managing the daily challenges of running a hospital,” HHS Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth said. “The academy will give hospital leaders practical, Texas-focused instruction they can apply as they navigate budgets, operations and changing health care requirements.”
The academy will be free to participants and offer a minimum of 100 hours of in-person coursework and technical training. HHSC contracted with The University of Texas, Texas A&M University, Texas State University and Texas Tech University systems to administer the program.
Enrollment in the academy is expected to begin in fall 2027 after the committee completes curriculum development. HHSC will share details about how to apply at a later date.
Since its establishment in September 2023, the HHSC Office of Rural Hospital Finance has distributed over $74 million in state-funded grants to rural hospitals.
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Black News 
