RHA is Coming to Middle TN!

The Rural Health Association of Tennessee will host its final one of three regional events on April 16, 2026, in Sewanee, TN. We are grateful to the University of the South for hosting this meeting, which will bring together health care professionals, community leaders, public health advocates and rural health champions.

This Middle Tennessee regional event will focus on health, safety, and aging in rural Middle Tennessee.

RHA Billing and Coding Bootcamp

Though this class is designed to help facility managers and revenue cycle staff to pass the optional certification exam to become a Rural Health - Coding & Billing Specialist (RH-CBS) We urge clinical personnel (MD, DO, NP, PA, RN) to attend as well since clinical documentation is key to everything. BUILD A SHARED FOUNDATION OF KNOWLEDGE.

Who Needs Training on RHC documentation, coding, billing, and quality reporting?

• Do you providers, managers, and coding/billing/quality staff have a shared foundation of knowledge?
• Do your clinical providers know the documentation rules related to capturing the valuable services they provide?
• How confident is senior-management that the RHC is not under-valuing their "true costs" on the annual cost report?
• How long has it been since they received updates that are relevant to the unique needs of a Rural Health Clinic?
• Does your RHC have a full record of each service provided (CPT/HCPCS-II codes) and why they were done (ICD-10-CM codes)?
• Are you generating all of the revenue that you are entitled to when billing non-Medicare/Medicaid payers?
• Are you reporting quality measures related to Shared Savings, Risk Adjustment, HCCs, or other Quality Improvement programs?

Who is the class for?

This class is specifically designed for clinical personnel (MD, DO, NP, PA, RN), coders, billers, EHR professionals, facility and financial managers that work in RHCs, and look-alikes to encourage building a shared foundation of knowledge. We will provide action Items and how to “get results” by working together through hands-on practice.

RHC Summit in Murfreesboro

The Rural Health Association of Tennessee is excited to announce that registration is now open for the 4th Annual TN-RHC Network Summit. Join us on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in Murfreesboro for a full day of learning, connection and practical insights designed specifically for federally designated Rural Health Clinics.

This year’s summit will feature compliance updates from leading experts, billing and reimbursement strategies, TennCare updates, grant preparation and management guidance and real-world innovations from fellow RHCs. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with peers, hear directly from state and federal partners and walk away with tools they can immediately apply in their clinics.

The Rural Health Association of Tennessee was recently recognized in an article from East Tennessee State University highlighting innovative efforts to improve the health and well-being of older adults across the state.

The article, “Helping Seniors Thrive Through Connection,” features ETSU’s CHAT program, which focuses on connecting older adults with behavioral health needs to local senior meal sites. This approach helps reduce social isolation while improving access to nutrition and supportive services—two critical factors in promoting healthier aging, especially in rural communities. RHA is proud to be included among the partners supporting this important work. Collaborations like this reflect the power of community-driven solutions and reinforce the role partnerships play in addressing complex rural health challenges.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Health will offer health leaders, partners, and stakeholders insight on new funding opportunities in the Tennessee Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) with an information session and overview at 10:00 a.m., Central, on Tue., March 31, 2026.

The session will provide a high-level overview of the RHTP vision and how the RHTP goals align with the state’s broader health care vision. Information on competitive funding opportunities will be outlined for interested applicants. Session participants will get information on next steps in the RHTP’s grant process, how to submit follow-up questions, and where to find more information. Registration for the RHTP information session is available online.

We are proud to announce the unveiling of our new Rural Health Dashboard, a powerful tool designed to bring greater visibility and insight into the health of rural communities across our state.

This interactive resource provides trends and key indicators that will help inform decision-making, support strategic planning and drive meaningful change. By making critical information more accessible, the dashboard empowers healthcare providers, policymakers and community leaders to better understand local needs and work collaboratively toward improving rural health outcomes.

Try it Here

The USDA Farm Bill is a critical piece of legislation that impacts rural health, health care access and community development across the country. While often associated with agriculture, the Farm Bill also supports rural hospitals, child nutrition programs and essential services that shape quality of life in rural communities. Below we have a recap of the webinar for you to watch if you missed it live.

Typically renewed every five years, the last Farm Bill was passed in 2018. As Congress works toward the next version, there is an opportunity to strengthen investments in rural health care and economic development. The U.S. House of Representatives has passed its version, while the Senate’s proposal is still pending.

The Tennessee Charitable Care Network is strengthening communities across the state through its support of Community Health Workers. These trusted professionals serve as a bridge between patients and the health care system, helping individuals navigate services, access resources and receive culturally responsive care.

Community Health Workers play a critical role in improving health outcomes, increasing access to care and addressing barriers that often prevent people from getting the help they need. Through funding, training and workforce development, TCCN ensures these frontline workers are equipped to make a lasting impact.

The Rural Health Association of Tennessee is delighted to announce that our 2026 Annual Conference Sponsorship Prospectus is now available.

Each year, our Annual Conference brings together 350+ rural health leaders, providers, policymakers, educators and advocates from across Tennessee to collaborate on solutions that strengthen rural communities. This event creates a space for meaningful conversations, innovative ideas and partnerships that help move rural health forward.

March 3rd, 2026, Rural Health Association of Tennessee Members met with our State Representatives and Senators to talk about the Rural Health Transformation Program, the Rural Health Safety Net, AI "Downcoding" and Certificate of Need.

A special thanks to the follow state Representatives for meeting with us:

The Rural Health Association of Tennessee will host the first of three regional events on March 17, 2026 in Humboldt, TN. We are grateful to Humboldt Medical Center for hosting this meeting which will bring together health care professionals, community leaders, public health advocates and rural health champions.

This event will focus on maternal health and food security. You can learn more about the sessions and speakers by reviewing the agenda below.

The Rural Health Association of Tennessee will host its second of three regional events on March 26, 2026, in Sevierville, TN. We are grateful to Walters State Community College for hosting this meeting, which will bring together health care professionals, community leaders, public health advocates and rural health champions.

This East Tennessee regional event will focus on building the rural health care ecosystem, with an emphasis on workforce development, partnerships, and access to care across the region.

February 12, 2026, Rural Health Association of Tennessee members from across Tennessee traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the National Rural Health Association Policy Institute.

While we were there we had the opportunity to talk about rural health priorities with the following:

February 10, 2026, Rural Health Association of Tennessee staff joined Maternal Health Advocates from around the state to talk about the importance of early intervention and education for new and expecting mothers.

A special thanks to the follow state Representatives for meeting with us:

The Tennessee Hospital Association’s Physician Workforce Landscape report offers a detailed look at the state’s physician supply, current and projected demand, and the capacity of medical education programs through 2035. It finds that Tennessee is facing a significant physician shortage, with the number of practicing doctors about 13 % below the national per-capita average.

The report also highlights a widening gap between the number of medical school graduates and available residency training slots in the state, a trend projected to grow over the next decade. To address these challenges, the study outlines potential strategies for strengthening the physician pipeline and supporting recruitment and retention efforts across specialties and geographic areas. The report is part of THA’s broader workforce research aimed at supporting hospitals’ workforce planning and advocacy as Tennessee’s population continues to grow and age.

Learn More

The Tennessee Department of Health’s State Office of Rural Health has released its FY25 Annual Report on the Uninsured Adult Healthcare Safety Net Program, providing a comprehensive look at the program’s reach, impact and outcomes across the state.

Covering the period from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, the report was submitted to the Tennessee General Assembly and highlights how state funding was distributed to support care for uninsured adults. It also outlines the scope of the provider network, demonstrating how clinics and partners across Tennessee are working together to ensure access to essential healthcare services for some of the state’s most vulnerable populations.

Rural Health Association of Tennessee celebrated National Rural Health Day on November 20th in Seiverville, Tennessee at our 31st Annual Conference, "Connecting Care, Strengthening Communities". The conference was a dynamic and engaging three days of learning from experts in rural health fields across the state, bringing together professionals within the healthcare field. It provided a platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas and experiences, fostering growth and collaboration. 

The Rural Health Awards Luncheon is RHA's distinguished event designed to recognize and honor outstanding achievements, exemplary contributions and noteworthy accomplishments across rural health in Tennessee. It brings together individuals, professionals and organizations deserving of recognition for their exceptional work, innovation, and dedication. We are honored to host this event to showcase excellence and highlight the positive impact of individuals in the healthcare field.

Congratulations to our 2025 Poster Contest Winners!

RHA's 11th Annual Poster Contest included submissions for the following divisions: 

Undergraduate and Masters Student

Rural Americans are more likely to be self-employed or work for small employers that do not offer insurance. More than one third (35.2 percent) of rural adult workers are not offered employer sponsored coverage, compared to 29.1 percent of urban workers. Without access to employer plans, rural residents depend heavily on the Marketplace and the affordability provided by premium tax credits.

RHA is joining forces with the National Rural Health Association and others across the nation to advocate for the support of the ACA Marketplace and the protection of enhanced premium tax credits (ePTCs).

Accepting Nominations 

Modeled after the National Rural Health Association’s policy congress, the Tennessee Rural Health Policy Congress will be the policymaking body that determines the Rural Health Association of Tennessee’s (RHA) positions regarding public policy. 

The responsibilities of the members are to:

• Identify topics and provide technical expertise on the development of Association policies.
• Create, review, and approve Association policy recommendations and positions.
• Ensure the Association’s guiding principles and mission are promoted through all policies.
• Develop policy papers to communicate the Associations priorities and recommendations.

Membership

To be eligible to serve on the Policy congress, individuals must be an active member of the association and in the greater rural health community. Members should review the orientation document (below), review the attendance requirement for 2026, and complete the nomination form by Monday, January 5th.