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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 4, 2026
CONTACT: Baylee.Watts@dss.mo.gov
Missouri Department of Social Services to Host Rural Health Transformation Program Digital Backbone Application Webinar for Healthcare Providers
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) invites rural healthcare providers to participate in an informational webinar on Missouri's implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a federal initiative designed to strengthen and modernize healthcare delivery in rural communities across the state.
Hosted by the Rural Health Transformation Office (RHTO), the webinar will provide an overview of the Digital Backbone Provider Application process, explain the program's four digital maturity categories, and help providers determine which opportunity best aligns with their organization's current capabilities and future goals.
About the Digital Backbone
The Digital Backbone initiative is structured around four categories based on a facility's level of digital readiness:
Category 1: Foundational
Supports facilities that do not currently have a certified electronic health record (EHR) or clinical documentation system. Eligible supports include:
- Community-hosted EHR needs assessments
- Clinically Integrated Network (CIN) or association connections
- Foundational interoperability efforts
Category 2: Modernization
Designed for facilities with certified EHR systems that need to strengthen interoperability, cybersecurity, and data governance capabilities to improve secure data sharing.
Category 3: Advanced Technologies
Supports organizations that are ready to adopt innovative solutions, such as:
- Ambient AI documentation
- Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)
- Telehealth platforms
Category 4: Digital Innovation
Provides healthcare organizations with the opportunity to propose customized digital health initiatives aligned with the goals of the Rural Health Transformation Program.
Webinar Details
Date: November 17
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. CST
During the webinar, participants will receive an overview of the application process, learn what information will be required to complete their application, and gain insight into how Digital Backbone investments can support their organization's transformation efforts.
Registration Information
Registration for the November 17 webinar is online.
Providers are encouraged to register in advance and submit questions prior to the webinar to help ensure the session addresses key areas of interest.
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The Rural Health Transformation Program information provided by the Missouri Department of Social Services is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $216,276,817.66, with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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