Rural Health Advisory Committee (RHAC)

The Rural Health Advisory Committee (RHAC) is a statewide forum for rural health interests. The twenty-two member committee representing licensed health care and higher education professionals, legislative officials and consumers. RHAC advises the Commissioner of Health and leaders in other state agencies on rural health issues.

Created during the 1992 Legislative session, RHAC serves as a statewide forum for rural health concerns and features a diverse membership to:

• Advise the commissioner of health and other state agencies on rural health issues
• Provide a systematic and cohesive approach toward rural health issues and planning
• Encourage cooperation among rural communities and among providers.

Committee meeting schedule

The committee meeting schedule is online. All meetings are open to the public and meeting link information is available from RHAC staff. 

RHAC members

Download or view the current 2024 RHAC Member list (PDF).

The Governor appoints the 22–member Rural Health Advisory Committee that includes the following rural representation:

• Two members from the house of representatives of the state of Minnesota, one from the majority party and one from the minority party;
• Two members from the senate of the state of Minnesota, one from the majority party and one from the minority party;
• A volunteer member of an ambulance service based outside the seven-county metropolitan area;
• A representative of a hospital located outside the seven-county metropolitan area;v
• A representative of a nursing home located outside the seven-county metropolitan area;
• A medical doctor or doctor of osteopathic medicine licensed under chapter 147;
• A dentist licensed under chapter 150A;
• An allied dental personnel as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 3100.0100, subpart 5;
• An advanced practice professional;
• A registered nurse or licensed practical nurse;
• A licensed health care professional from an occupation not otherwise represented on the committee;
• A representative of an institution of higher education located outside the seven-county metropolitan area that provides training for rural health care providers;
• A member of a Tribal Nation;
• A representative of a local public health agency or community health board;
• A health professional or advocate with experience working with people with mental illness;
• A representative of a community organization that works with individuals experiencing health disparities;
• An individual with expertise in economic development, or an employer working outside the seven-county metropolitan area;
• Two consumers, at least one of whom must be from a community experiencing health disparities; and
• One consumer who is an advocate for persons who are developmentally disabled.

You may also download this required types of RHAC members (PDF) list.

Contact for more information: 
Robin Bly
651–201–3936
health.rhac@state.mn.us