Rural Stakeholder Advisory Council (RSAC)
Acknowledgement:
This project 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 $156,169,931.19 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Supporting Rhode Island’s Rural Health Transformation Program
Rhode Island is advancing a statewide effort to strengthen rural healthcare through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Working in partnership with rural communities, providers, community-based organizations, municipal leaders, and Tribal partners, Rhode Island is pursuing strategies to improve access, strengthen the healthcare workforce, expand behavioral health and specialty care, support maternal and child health, and improve health outcomes across rural communities.
To help guide this work, Rhode Island is establishing a Rural Stakeholder Advisory Council (RSAC). The Council will serve as a statewide advisory body to support implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program, monitor progress across key priority areas, and help ensure the program remains responsive to community needs and aligned with overall goals.
About the Rural Stakeholder Advisory Council
The Rural Stakeholder Advisory Council is being established to support transparent, accountable, and community-informed implementation of Rhode Island’s Rural Health Transformation Program.
The Council is intended to provide a consistent forum for stakeholder engagement, shared learning, and advisory input as the State moves from planning to implementation.
Role of the Rural Stakeholder Advisory Council
The Council will help:
- Monitor progress across RHTP priority areas
- Provide stakeholder-informed advisory input
- Elevate community perspectives, needs, and opportunities
- Support transparency and accountability in implementation
- Strengthen alignment between program activities and rural community needs
Detailed roles, responsibilities, and operating procedures will be outlined in the RSAC Charter and RSAC Bylaws.
Membership
The Council is expected to include a broad range of representatives from Rhode Island’s rural health system and communities. Access the Council's nomination form.
Representation may include:
- State health and human services leadership
- Public health and rural health representatives
- Rural hospitals and health systems
- Primary care providers
- Behavioral health providers
- Emergency medical services
- Community-based organizations
- Municipal or regional representatives
- Tribal representation
- Consumer or resident representatives
- Higher education or workforce development partners
- Other stakeholders with relevant rural health expertise
- Rural Residents
Final membership will be posted once confirmed.
Rural Stakeholder Advisory Council Charter
The RSAC Charter outlines the Council’s purpose, scope, and overall advisory role within Rhode Island’s Rural Health Transformation Program.
Access the draft RSAC Charter.
Rural Stakeholder Advisory Council Bylaws
The RSAC Bylaws will outline the Council’s membership structure, officer roles, meeting process, expectations for participation, and other operating procedures.
Rural Stakeholder Advisory Council Meetings
Meeting dates, agendas, materials, and summaries will be posted here.
Register for the Education Session happening on Friday, May 29, from noon - 1 p.m. on Teams.
Learn More About RHTP
To learn more about Rhode Island’s Rural Health Transformation Program, including program goals, initiatives, and related updates, visit the main RHTP webpage.
Contact
For questions about the Advisory Council or Rhode Island’s Rural Health Transformation Program, please contact: