Rural Health Act

Rural Health Act - Establishes an Office of Rural Health Care within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that such Office shall be directed by a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Rural Health Care who shall be appointed by the Secretary of H.E.W. Specifies the functions of the Deputy Assistant Secretary.

Assigns one or more representatives of the Office to each regional office of the Department for the purpose of providing technical assistance to rural communities and to entities and individuals interested in the improvement of health care in rural areas.

Authorizes the Secretary to appoint a National Council on Rural Health to consist of ten members selected from among individuals who are recognized authorities in the fields of rural development, rural health care delivery, and health professions education. Requires the Council to conduct a study and submit a report to the Secretary and the Congress, within two years after its appointment, on: (1) the health of persons residing in rural areas of the United States; (2) the adequacy of health care delivery to such persons; and (3) the extent to which Federal programs are involved in, and effectively assist in, the improvement of the health of such persons and health care delivery for them.

Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1975; and $6,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the purpose of operating and maintaining the Office of Rural Health Care.

Authorizes to be appropriated $50,000 for fiscal year 1974; $100,000 for fiscal year 1975; and $150,000 for fiscal year 1976 for the purpose of operating and maintaining the National Council on Rural Health.