Title 7, AgricultureRelease 119-110

§6946 Rural Health Liaison

Title 7 › CHAPTER 98 — DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REORGANIZATION › SUBCHAPTER III — RURAL ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT › § 6946

Last updated Sep 22, 2026|Official source

Summary

Creates a Rural Health Liaison position in the Department. The Liaison must carry out nine duties. They must work with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate the Department’s role in rural health. They must lead department-wide planning and improve communication inside the Department and with other federal agencies. They must advocate for rural health care and related infrastructure needs. They must share data and program info with stakeholders and potential grant applicants. They must stay in touch with health, safety, telecom, research, and other groups about rural issues. They must advise on programs, pilot projects, research, and training. They must help the Secretary in the Council on Rural Community Innovation and Economic Development. They must give technical help to the Department’s outreach, extension, and county offices.

Full Legal Text

Title 7, §6946

Agriculture, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Authorization

The Secretary shall establish in the Department the position of Rural Health Liaison.

(b)Duties

The Rural Health Liaison shall—

(1)in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, coordinate the role of the Department with respect to rural health;

(2)integrate across the Department the strategic planning and activities relating to rural health;

(3)improve communication relating to rural health within the Department and between Federal agencies;

(4)advocate on behalf of the health care and relevant infrastructure needs in rural areas;

(5)provide to stakeholders, potential grant applicants, Federal agencies, State agencies, Indian Tribes, private organizations, and academic institutions relevant data and information, including the eligibility requirements for, and availability and outcomes of, Department programs applicable to the advancement of rural health;

(6)maintain communication with public health, medical, occupational safety, and telecommunication associations, research entities, and other stakeholders to ensure that the Department is aware of current and upcoming issues relating to rural health;

(7)consult on programs, pilot projects, research, training, and other affairs relating to rural health at the Department and other Federal agencies;

(8)provide expertise on rural health to support the activities of the Secretary as Chair of the Council on Rural Community Innovation and Economic Development; and

(9)provide technical assistance and guidance with respect to activities relating to rural health to the outreach, extension, and county offices of the Department.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

7 U.S.C. § 6946

Title 7, Agriculture

Last Updated

Sep 22, 2026

Release point: 119-110