Federal Grants 101: Preparing for RHTP-Federal Grants 101 Preparing for RHTP Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar introduces experts from Forvis Mazars and HunterMaclean and provides a high-level overview of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), emphasizing that the session is not legal advice. Presenters explain that RHTP—created under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—is a temporary effort to stabilize rural healthcare as significant Medicaid reductions are expected. The program allocates $50B to states over five years, split between equal state distributions and CMS formula-based allocations, to support goals such as prevention, sustainable access, workforce development, improved outcomes, and technology (including EMRs and telehealth).<br /><br />Speakers describe the fragile financial realities of rural hospitals—thin margins, staffing shortages, complex reimbursement, aggressive audits, and liquidity shocks—and stress that RHTP funds are not a permanent reimbursement increase. They warn that grant funding carries strict compliance obligations and potential False Claims Act exposure, especially when funds support physician recruitment (implicating Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, and tax-exemption/private benefit rules). Consistency across reporting (cost reports, Form 990, board materials, and RHTP reporting) is critical.<br /><br />Grant management is framed across pre-award, award, and post-award phases, with compliance required throughout. CMS funds flow through the state as a pass-through entity, making providers subrecipients subject to federal requirements under Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). If an organization expends over $1M in federal funds in a year, it must undergo a Single Audit; accurate SEFA/Schedule of Federal Expenditures and strong documentation are essential.<br /><br />Georgia’s RHTP application priorities include AHEAD readiness, behavioral health integration, workforce initiatives, EMR investment, and telehealth, with an emphasis on transformational, collaborative regional projects. The session closes with practical preparation steps and state updates on upcoming webinars, advisory council nominations, and anticipated early funding opportunities.

Keywords

Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)

One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Medicaid reductions and rural hospital stabilization

CMS state pass-through funding

Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) compliance

Single Audit threshold and SEFA reporting

False Claims Act grant compliance risk

Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute physician recruitment

Electronic medical records (EMR) and telehealth investment

Georgia RHTP priorities and AHEAD readiness