H.R. 4272 — Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act

This section directs the Secretary of Agriculture, for FY2026 through 2031, to prioritize entities developing health care facilities or mental or behavioral health facilities—including certified community behavioral health clinics (CCBHCs, i.e., clinics providing comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder services, often under Medicaid demonstration programs)—when selecting recipients of direct loans or grants for essential community facilities under the Community Facilities program (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)). Eligible recipients may use such funds to (1) provide medical supplies; (2) increase telehealth capabilities, including health care information systems; (3) support staffing needs, not to exceed 25% of the funds; or (4) renovate or remodel closed health care facilities. The section further prohibits the Secretary from making national reprioritizations within the Community Facilities direct loan and grant programs under section 608 of the Rural Development Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 2204b-2) for FY2026 through 2031.