Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act.
(a) In general
In selecting recipients of direct loans or grants for the development of essential community facilities under section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)) for fiscal years 2025 through 2031, the Secretary of Agriculture shall give priority to entities eligible for those direct loans or grants to develop facilities to provide healthcare or mental or behavioral healthcare.
(b) Use of funds
An eligible entity described in subsection (a) that receives a direct loan or grant described in subsection (a) may use the direct loan or grant funds for medical supplies, increasing telehealth capabilities, supporting staffing needs, or renovating and remodeling closed facilities.
(c) Reservation of funds
Of the amounts made available for guaranteed loans under section 310B(g) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2031, 10 percent shall be reserved to carry out this section.