---
kind: "section"
citation: "7 U.S.C. § 6946"
title: "7"
title_heading: "Agriculture"
number: "6946"
heading: "Rural Health Liaison"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/7/6946"
units:
  - "Chapter 98 — Department of Agriculture Reorganization"
  - "Subchapter III — Rural Economic and Community Development"
---

# §6946. Rural Health Liaison

- (a) **Authorization—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/6902.md?p=3) shall establish in the [Department](/usc/7/6902.md?p=1) the position of Rural Health Liaison.
- (b) **Duties—** The Rural Health Liaison shall—
  - (1) in consultation with the [Secretary](/usc/7/6902.md?p=3) of Health and Human Services, coordinate the role of the [Department](/usc/7/6902.md?p=1) with respect to rural health;
  - (2) integrate across the [Department](/usc/7/6902.md?p=1) the strategic planning and activities relating to rural health;
  - (3) improve communication relating to rural health within the [Department](/usc/7/6902.md?p=1) and between Federal agencies;
  - (4) advocate on behalf of the health care and relevant infrastructure needs in rural areas;
  - (5) provide to stakeholders, potential grant applicants, Federal agencies, [State](/usc/7/198.md?p=5) agencies, Indian Tribes, private organizations, and academic institutions relevant data and information, including the eligibility requirements for, and availability and outcomes of, [Department](/usc/7/6902.md?p=1) programs applicable to the advancement of rural health;
  - (6) maintain communication with public health, medical, occupational safety, and telecommunication associations, research entities, and other stakeholders to ensure that the [Department](/usc/7/6902.md?p=1) is aware of current and upcoming issues relating to rural health;
  - (7) consult on programs, pilot projects, research, training, and other affairs relating to rural health at the [Department](/usc/7/6902.md?p=1) and other Federal agencies;
  - (8) provide expertise on rural health to support the activities of the [Secretary](/usc/7/6902.md?p=3) as Chair of the Council on Rural Community Innovation and Economic Development; and
  - (9) provide technical assistance and guidance with respect to activities relating to rural health to the outreach, extension, and county offices of the [Department](/usc/7/6902.md?p=1).

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 103–354, title II, § 236, as added Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, § 12409, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4977.)