Health Workforce

California State Office of Rural Health

Two young boys leaning on the fence in a rural area.

The California State Office of Rural Health (CalSORH) serves to link rural communities with state and federal resources and collaborates with statewide rural health associations and other public and private agencies to promote rural health services. CalSORH also provides structure for the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility/Critical Access Hospital (FLEX/CAH) Program, Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP), and J-1 Visa Waiver Programs. 

Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a federal initiative designed to strengthen health care in rural communities where access, workforce shortages, and infrastructure gaps create unique challenges.

California has been awarded $233.6 million for Federal Fiscal Year 2026 through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program to support rural and frontier communities across the state. Through this funding, HCAI and its partners will begin implementing a shared vision of a connected and resilient rural health system where rural and frontier Californians can access timely, person-centered care closer to home. 

Please note: the CalRHT application narratives are currently under review by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the information in the documents linked below may be subject to change pending final CMS award decisions.

See the California Rural Health Transformation Program (CalRHT) resources below:

  • Frequently Asked Questions (March 20, 2026)
  • CalRHT Program Briefing (March 20, 2026)
  • * CalRHT Project Narrative (March 27, 2026)
  • * CalRHT Budget Narrative (March 27, 2026)
  • CalRHT Project Abstract (November 6, 2025)


    * These documents are currently undergoing accessibility remediation and will be reposted once this process is complete. For accessibility related questions, please reach out to healthworkforce@hcai.ca.gov with any questions.

    The CalRHT program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $233,639,308.46 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of CalRHT and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.  


    Additional Resources:
    CMS Press Release (December 29, 2025)
    *Notice of Award (March 31, 2026)


    For additional questions contact, CalRHT@hcai.ca.gov

Established through H.R.1 and signed into law in July 2025, the program created the Rural Health Transformation Fund — a $50 billion investment over five years, available to all 50 states that apply. This funding is not intended to supplement Medicare or Medicaid, but rather to give states the resources to reimagine how rural health care is delivered and financed.

In California, the Department of Healthcare Access and Information’s State Office of Rural Health (CalSORH) is leading the effort. Guided by input from rural health leaders and feedback gathered through broad stakeholder engagement, CalSORH will use this plan to inform long-term investments, partnerships, and policy initiatives aimed at creating sustainable, resilient rural health systems.

We want your input!
Your voice is critical in shaping the future of rural health care. Sign up for our Rural Health email listserv to stay informed about upcoming webinars, surveys, and engagement opportunities to share your ideas. When subscribing, select “Rural Health” under the Healthcare Workforce category to ensure you receive updates.

California Rural Health Transformation Program (CalRHT) Listening Sessions & Webinars

Please see the dates and times for the upcoming listening sessions and webinars below. For questions, contact CalSORH@hcai.ca.gov.

Upcoming Sessions

California Rural Health Transformation Program – Spring 2026 Webinar | April 21, 2026 | Register

Please see previous recordings and materials below:

Tech Innovation | October 1, 2025 | Recording

Workforce Development | October 1, 2025 | Recording

Innovative Care | October 2, 2025 | Recording

Sustainable Access | October 2, 2025 | Recording

Make Rural America Healthy Again | October 3, 2025 | Recording

CalRHT Kickoff Webinar | September 4, 2025| Recording

CalRHT Kickoff Webinar | September 4, 2025| Presentation Material



Programs

Resources & Information

Please note: the resources provided on this page lead to external, non-HCAI websites.

Program Contacts

You may directly contact the California State Office of Rural Health (CalSORH) for assistance.

Email: CalSORH@hcai.ca.gov

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