NCHA Supports REACH Act to Strengthen Rural Healthcare Workforce

RALEIGH, N.C., September 16, 2026 — The North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) today announced its support for the Resources for Essential Access to Community Health (REACH) Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.-10) and U.S. Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.-1), to help address healthcare workforce shortages in rural communities.

The legislation would create a $10,000 refundable federal tax credit for eligible healthcare professionals who work at least 900 hours per year in a rural area. Eligible providers include primary care practitioners, including OB-GYNs, mental health professionals, nurses and medical residents.

“Rural hospitals and health systems are working every day to recruit and retain the healthcare professionals their communities need,” said Josh Dobson, President and CEO of NCHA. “The REACH Act would give rural providers another tool to compete for talented professionals and strengthen access to care in communities across North Carolina.”

More than 61% of designated Health Professional Shortage Areas are located in rural areas, according to the bill sponsors. North Carolina has the second-largest rural population in the United States, making access to a strong rural healthcare workforce particularly important for the state. Rural health care providers face particular challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified staff, which can make it more difficult to maintain access to services.

The legislation’s 900-hour threshold is designed to accommodate providers who split their time between rural and urban facilities. The tax credit also would complement existing federal programs that provide student loan forgiveness for health professionals who serve in rural communities.

“Access to quality health care should not depend on a person’s ZIP code,” Dobson said. “Helping rural communities attract and retain providers helps ensure patients can access the care they need close to home.”

The REACH Act would apply to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2026, and would expire for employment in taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2033.

NCHA supports the REACH Act as part of broader efforts to strengthen the rural healthcare workforce and preserve access to care in rural communities.

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About NCHA 

Founded in 1918, North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) is the united voice of the North Carolina healthcare community. Representing more than 150 hospitals, health systems, physician groups and other healthcare organizations, NCHA works with our members to improve the health of North Carolina communities by advocating for sound public policies and collaborative partnerships and by providing insights, services, support and education to expand access to high quality, efficient, affordable and integrated health care for all North Carolinians.