Kansas Department of Health and Environment - Rural Health Transformation Program 4.3.1 - Interfacility Transport Request for Application (RFA)

Sep 12, 2026

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) invites eligible Kansas-based organizations to apply for funding under the Interfacility Transport grant project (IFTp), part of the Rural Health Transformation Plan and funded through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. The program aims to improve rural access to tertiary care by reducing transport delays and improving patient and provider outcomes, while supplementing rather than replacing currently reimbursable services. Applicants must collaborate on program design, budgeting, workflows, partnerships, and sustainability, and demonstrate local EMS first-refusal processes. Program Year 1 funding and deadlines are provided.

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Request for Application (RFA)

I. Scope of the Grant Project

II. Eligibility and Funding

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT (KDHE) REQUEST FOR APPLICATION (RFA) RURAL HEALTH TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM 4.3.1 – Interfacility Transport I. Scope of the Grant Project Purpose: The State of Kansas, through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (“KDHE”), invites eligible organizations that currently provide, or could provide as part of an application, interfacility transports/transfers to apply for funding through the Interfacility Transportation grant project. The Interfacility Transportation grant project (IFTp) is part of the State’s Rural Health Transformation Plan (the “Plan”) and is funded under the Cooperative Agreement with the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (the “RHT Program”) . KDHE is seeking transformative ideas to meet the purpose of this project outlined throughout the document. Interfacility transports (otherwise known as “interfacility transfers”) are defined as,“Any transfer, after initial assessment and stabilization, from and to a health care facility. Examples would include: hospital to hospital; clinic to hospital; hospital to rehabilitation; hospital to long-term care.” Goal: Enable eligible organizations to participate in the Interfacility Transport grant project to improve health outcomes and transportation times among rural Kansas facilities by supplementing existing resources or creating dedicated rural-focused interfacility transport teams. Objectives: 1) Decrease transport delays. 2) Improve patient outcomes. 3) Improve provider satisfaction. 4) Improve patient satisfaction. 5) Evaluation of effect on cost of care. 6) Other objectives as proposed by applicant(s)/awardee(s) . Background and Model: When coordinating transfers to tertiary care facilities, rural hospitals across Kansas face persistent challenges, including limited ambulance availability, extended transport distances and increasing competition for scarce emergency transport resources. These barriers can result insubstantial delays in care for patients while placing additional pressure on already strained rural emergency departments and health systems. This project seeks to improve timely access to tertiary care for patients in rural Kansas, while reducing the burden on local EMS agencies and referring hospitals and health systems. Program Requirements: - Though organizations will be granted autonomy to develop ideas to meet IFTp purpose and goals, organizations are expected to work collaboratively with KDHE on program design, budget development, scope of work, building partnerships, workflows, model selection, and sustainability planning. - Organizations will be expected to continue with current existing billing workflows and bill for services currently reimbursable. o RHTP funds may not be used for reimbursable services, or in place thereof. - Organizations will be expected to work with KDHE and other partners to plan and deliver a program tailored to their location/region, community, available resources, and/or population. - Organizations will be expected to develop a sustainability plan in collaboration with KDHE that includes plans to sustain approved project ideas. - Organizations are required to maintain compliance with all relevant and applicable state and federal rules and regulations. - When an IFT need arises, local EMS must have first right of refusal, and awardee should be able to demonstrate process for ensuring this occurs. II. Eligibility and Funding Eligible Applicants: Any Kansas-based organization that provides services in a rural area may apply for funding. Applicants must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), and SMART Vendor ID to be considered. Funding Purpose: Awardees must use funds for the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of IFTp program activities in accordance with Kansas RHTP and project requirements. Funding cannot be used to replace curre

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Interfacility Transport grant project (IFTp)?

The IFTp helps eligible organizations improve health outcomes and transportation times among rural Kansas facilities by supplementing existing resources or forming dedicated rural-focused interfacility transport teams.

Who is eligible to apply, and what identifiers are required?

Any Kansas-based organization serving a rural area may apply. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), and SMART Vendor ID.

Can RHTP funds be used to replace currently reimbursable services?

No. Funds cannot be used to replace services that are currently reimbursable, but they may be used to supplement existing services or create new approaches.

Sep 12, 2026

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