Pediatric Tele-Connectivity Resource Grant Program

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is administering a grant program designed to strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure across Texas through the State Fiscal Year Pediatric Tele-Connectivity Resource Program for Rural Texas. HHSC serves as the system agency responsible for overseeing health and human services programs statewide, and this funding opportunity is part of a broader legislative effort to stabilize rural hospitals and clinics facing financial and operational challenges. The program is authorized under Texas law and funded through state appropriations, reflecting a policy priority to improve healthcare access in underserved rural communities. The primary objective of the program is to enable Rural Hospitals and Rural Health Clinics to establish or enhance connections with pediatric specialists and subspecialists through telemedicine medical services, or to partner with institutions of higher education that are members of the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium. This initiative aims to expand access to pediatric care in rural areas, where specialist availability is often limited, by leveraging telehealth technologies and collaborative care models. The program supports both direct clinical connectivity and broader system integration to improve service delivery. Funding under this program may be used for a wide range of eligible activities that support telemedicine implementation and operation. Allowable uses include purchasing equipment necessary for telemedicine services, upgrading information technology infrastructure to ensure secure and reliable connectivity, paying service fees to tele-specialty providers, and covering costs associated with training, installation, and facility modifications. Renovation or remodeling of existing structures is permitted when necessary for telemedicine deployment, but new construction and certain capital expenditures are prohibited. All funded activities must be completed and operational within the defined project period. Eligibility for this grant is limited to entities classified as Rural Hospitals or Rural Health Clinics located in Texas, as defined by state and federal regulations. Applicants must demonstrate legal authority to apply, maintain good standing with regulatory bodies, and submit all required documentation through the designated grants management system. Partnerships between multiple eligible entities are allowed and encouraged, provided there is a centralized project framework and a designated lead applicant responsible for compliance and reporting. The application process requires submission through the HHSC Grants Management System and includes multiple components such as a narrative proposal, detailed budget, work plan, sustainability plan, and administrative documentation. Applicants must also provide evidence of accreditation, financial management capacity, and any partnership agreements. Evaluation of applications is based on project design, sustainability, and budget justification, with additional consideration given to geographic distribution, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with program priorities. The application timeline for this funding opportunity begins with the posting of the announcement in early June, followed by an optional applicant conference and a period for submitting questions. Final applications must be received by mid-July, with awards anticipated in September and project implementation expected to begin shortly thereafter. The project period extends through late 2028, with all funded activities required to be completed by August 31, 2028, and final closeout occurring in October 2028. Throughout the grant term, recipients are subject to extensive reporting, monitoring, and performance requirements. Grantees must submit activity plans, progress reports, financial status reports, and supporting documentation on a recurring basis. HHSC retains authority to monitor compliance, conduct site visits, and require corrective actions if necessary. The program does not require matching funds, but applicants must demonstrate sustainability beyond the grant period and are expected to maintain continuous service delivery to the public.

Focus on demonstrating sustainability strong telemedicine implementation plan and alignment with evaluation criteria including project impact and cost effectiveness