This notice solicits applications for the Rural Health Network Development Planning Program ("Network Planning").

The purpose of the Network Planning program is to assist in the development of an integrated healthcare network, specifically network participants who do not have a history

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of formal collaborative efforts.

The Network Planning program promotes the planning and development of healthcare networks in order to:
(i) achieve efficiencies; (ii) expand access to, coordinate, and improve the quality of essential health care services; and (iii) strengthen the rural health care system as a whole.

The health care system is undergoing a significant amount of change and this can be particularly challenging for small rural providers.

A rural health network is defined as an organizational arrangement among at least three separately owned regional or local health care providers that come together to develop strategies for improving health services delivery systems in a community.

For example, a critical access hospital, a community health center, and a public health department may collaborate to form a network around a shared purpose.

Other examples of health care providers could be hospitals, public health agencies, home health providers, mental health centers, substance abuse service providers, rural health clinics, primary care providers, oral health providers, social service agencies, health profession schools, local school districts, emergency services providers, community and migrant health centers, federally-qualified health centers, tribal health programs, churches, and civic organizations that are/will be providing health related services.