[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 71 (Thursday, June 9, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 9, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
THE INTRODUCTION OF THE RURAL HEALTH DELIVERY SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 
                                  1994

                                 ______


                           HON. BILL EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 1994

  Mr. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note the introduction of 
the Rural Health Delivery System Development Act by members of the 
Rural Health Care Coalition. As a steering committee member of this 
coalition and an original cosponsor of this legislation, I want to 
stress the importance of rural health care delivery in the context of 
health care reform.
  The Rural Health Care Coalition, since its inception in 1987, has 
been a staunch advocate for improving access to and affordability of 
health care for residents of rural areas. Health professional 
shortages, inadequate reimbursement schemes, and depleted resources 
continue to plague our rural health care delivery system. Rural health 
problems are unique--thus requiring unique solutions. I believe this 
legislation being introduced today offers creative solutions to some of 
these problems by creating flexible grant programs and providing 
technical assistance and incentives for health professionals to 
practice in rural areas. These solutions start from the ground up--that 
is, they allow community leaders and State and local governments to 
determine the needs and priorities of their particular communities--not 
the Federal Government. A top-down approach has not worked in the past 
and it will not work now. This bill offers unique, innovative solutions 
to rural health problems. I urge careful consideration of the 
strategies put forth by this legislation by committee members debating 
health care reform.

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