Arash Andrew Altoontash

The California Rural Health Transformation (CA-RHT) program plan, developed by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information, aims to strengthen access, quality, and sustainability across rural and frontier communities to improve health outcomes. The plan encompasses three core initiatives: the Transformative Care Model, focusing on expanding access and integrating telehealth through hub-and-spoke networks; the Workforce Development Initiative, dedicated to building and retaining a skilled rural health workforce; and the Technology & Tools Initiative, aimed at modernizing infrastructure and empowering consumers with digital health tools. This strategic roadmap envisions a connected, resilient rural health system delivering person-centered care through a skilled workforce, modernized infrastructure, and locally responsive partnerships.

This Budget Narrative outlines California's Rural Health Transformation (CA-RHT) program, a five-year strategic initiative designed to achieve comprehensive goals for rural health systems. The plan is structured around three core initiatives: establishing a Rural Health Transformative Care Model through regional Hub-and-Spoke networks, building and sustaining a robust Rural Health Workforce, and equipping providers with modern Rural Health Technology & Tools. The overall purpose is to expand access, strengthen the workforce, and modernize technology infrastructure in rural and frontier communities, ultimately improving health outcomes and ensuring long-term accessibility and sustainability.

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The subcommittee meeting focused on reviewing and developing outlines for seven distinct webinar topics intended to support the HCAI Design Guide for Planning and Preparing for Disasters. Key activities included outlining content for Power Independence, Wildland Urban Interface (Title 24, Part 7), HVAC mitigation for Wildland Urban Interface based on ASHRAE Guideline 44, Infection Control via HVAC, Infection Control Operations, Infection Control Design, and the Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA). Significant coordination efforts were discussed, including the decision to potentially merge the Infection Control (HVAC, Operations, and Design) topics into one consolidated webinar due to extensive content overlap. Facilitators were assigned deadlines for initial slide submissions, and assignments for staff liaisons were discussed to ensure compliance with Bagley-Keene requirements and content alignment with OSHPD guidance. The HVA session emphasized integrating actual design outcomes based on risk scoring. The next meeting date was set for March 11, 2026.

The agenda for the meeting includes an overview of the HCAI Director's Remarks and the HCAI Workforce Program Update, covering the Chair/Vice-Chair Transition, award outcomes, and funding opportunities, including a BH-CONNECT program update. Key sessions are dedicated to the Maternal Health and Maternal Health Workforce Landscape, which will analyze the current state, training challenges, inequities, and access barriers, followed by a panel discussion on maternal health workforce needs and solutions. The agenda also features an introduction to the Maternal Health Workforce Planning Project to develop a supply and demand model, a preview of the Oral Health Workforce Supply and Demand Model, and an overview of the California's Rural Health Transformation Program proposal, focusing on care transformation, technology, and workforce development.