Rural hospitals face ongoing financial and operational pressures that have contributed to the closure of many Labor & Delivery programs nationwide. This webinar, hosted by the Flex Monitoring Team (FMT) and presented by Stroudwater, will highlight practical strategies to help rural hospitals assess and strengthen the financial sustainability of these services.

Highlighting key insights from the Sustaining Rural Labor & Delivery Programs brief, this session will cover approaches to improving how costs are tracked and reported, understanding the financial performance of Labor and Delivery services, and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and partnerships. Attendees will gain actionable insights to support informed decision-making and help maintain access to essential maternity care in rural communities. 

Register Here

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.

Join us for a Virtual Rural Health Vendor Fair on April 13, a dynamic online event designed to connect rural health leaders with innovative solutions and potential opportunities/partnerships for Rural Health Transformation.

Throughout the day, attendees will hear directly from a group of vendors offering expertise in key areas such as data analytics, value-based care, cybersecurity, patient engagement, remote patient monitoring and rural health consulting.

We’re excited to announce that the call for speaker proposals is now open for our 32nd Annual Conference.

Each year, our conference brings together leaders, professionals and partners from across the rural health community to share ideas, explore challenges and highlight innovative solutions. As we begin planning for this year’s event, we are looking for engaging speakers who can contribute meaningful insights and practical knowledge that attendees can take back to their organizations.

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.

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.

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.

Start planning your conference experience.

The Rural Health Association of Tennessee invites you to join us in Sevierville, Tennessee, Nov. 19–21, for our 31st Annual Conference. We’re excited to share the draft agenda, giving you an early look at the sessions and opportunities planned for this year.

This conference serves a diverse array of rural health stakeholders, offering educational content and insights relevant to healthcare providers, advocates and professionals across the field. This year’s program features five specialized tracks designed to meet the unique needs of rural health professionals:

Save the Date: 2025 Tennessee Grand Regions Tour

The Rural Health Association of Tennessee invites you to join us in 2025 Grand Regions Tour. These spring regional events will give members an opportunity to learn from prominent speakers in rural communities and esteemed universities as we explore critical topics in behavioral health. These events are perfect for healthcare providers, educators, advocates, and anyone passionate about rural health.

Join us for a valuable Community Resource Event hosted by Purpose Point Community Health, Mount Canaan, and the Rural Health Association of Tennessee!

Come and learn about various community resources and get expert information/assistance with: TennCare Redetermination; Medicare Counseling; Marketplace Health Insurance Counseling; Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); and more.

Advocate for Change: Join Rural Health Day on the Hill

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 4, 2025, and join us for Rural Health Day on the Hill, hosted by the Rural Health Association (RHA). This exclusive, members-only event provides a unique opportunity to directly engage with Tennessee state representatives and senators to discuss vital topics such as healthcare legislation, funding, and policy. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., scheduled meetings will allow members to share their insights and concerns, amplifying the voices of rural communities across the state. By uniting with rural health stakeholders, participants can champion meaningful changes to ensure healthier futures for all Tennesseans.

At RHA, we recognize the power of collective advocacy. Our platform bridges the gap between our members and policymakers, making it easier than ever to communicate effectively with state and federal lawmakers. Tailored messaging tools allow you to maintain your unique voice while advocating for or against critical legislation that impacts rural health. Don’t miss this chance to influence decisions that shape the well-being of our communities. Together, we can build momentum for a healthier, more equitable tomorrow.

Rural Health of Association of Tennessee celebrated National Rural Health Day on November 21st in Knoxville, Tennessee at our 30th annual conference, "30 Years Strong: Honoring our Past, Shaping our Future" 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. Attendees were able to benefit from a diverse range of presentations and panel discussions delivered by leaders in Tennessee. Networking opportunities allowed attendees to establish valuable connections, share insights, and explore potential collaborations. 

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 the awardees who are presented below.

The 30th Annual Conference of the Rural Health Association of Tennessee is set to bring a dynamic range of educational opportunities to its members. This year, the Association introduces new tracks designed to address the evolving needs of rural healthcare. Attendees from rural hospitals, rural health clinics, school health programs, substance use disorder treatment, maternal health, and public health sectors will find dedicated sessions tailored to their fields. These sessions, taking place on the first morning of the conference from 8 AM to 11 AM, will provide an engaging platform for professionals to learn, collaborate, and advance strategies to improve healthcare in rural communities.

Join RHA Regional Liaisons for our May findhelp 101 and 102 trainings. The two part training will teach nonprofits, government, healthcare, and education sectors how findhelp is working to connect people seeking help with services across Tennessee.

• How to search for and connect people to resources
• How to send and track your referrals
• How to claim your program and join the findhelp network
• How to become findhelp.org certified

Tuesday, April 23rd, we had the opportunity to host our last regional event of the season at Fall Creek Falls State Park and see our middle region members. Members had the opportunity to hear from professionals on topics including MAT in Emergency Department Settings, current drug trends, social drivers of health, and more!

The presentation topics and speakers can be found below:

• Addressing Social Drivers of Health findhelp This presentation discusses why addressing social drivers of health and why understanding social determinants are essential for creating equitable health systems and fostering healthier communities overall. Access full presentation here.
• Naloxone Training Suzanne Angel, ROPS Join us to learn from the Middle Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist about administering naloxone and further prevention efforts. Access full presentation here.
• MAT in Emergency Department Settings Kayla Mehr, TDMHSAS Join us as we talk with Kayla Mehr about MAT in the Emergency Department Settings. Access to full presentation can be found here.
  
• Suicide Prevention Melissa Alardo, TDH Join us as we talk about suicide prevention and its correlation to SUD. Access full presentation here. 
• TDH & RHA Programs and Updates Join us as we go over current program updates with not only the Rural Health Association but the Tennessee Department of Health. Access full presentation here.

Prescription Drug Takeback Day plays a crucial role in addressing the public health crisis of prescription drug abuse and misuse. Unused or expired prescription medications pose significant risks when left in homes, as they can be accessed by unauthorized individuals, including children, teenagers, and individuals with substance use disorders. Prescription Drug Takeback Day provides a safe and convenient way for individuals to dispose of these medications properly, reducing the likelihood of diversion, accidental ingestion, and environmental contamination.

Furthermore, Prescription Drug Takeback Day helps prevent prescription drug abuse by removing unused medications from circulation. Research has shown that a significant portion of prescription drug abuse begins with medications obtained from family members or friends, often without their knowledge. By encouraging individuals to safely dispose of unused medications, Takeback Day reduces the availability of prescription drugs for misuse and helps prevent the initiation of substance use disorders, particularly among young people who may experiment with prescription medications.

May 22, 2024 RHC Lunch and Learn: Moving the Needle of Change - Caring for Patients with Opioid Use Disorder in Tennessee 

Speaker: Kayla Williams Mehr, PMHNP | MOUD Clinical Specialist with Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS)