Rural Telehealth Services Center Needs Assessment

The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking proposals for a needs assessment and design proposal for a potential Rural Telehealth Services Center (RTSC) in Minnesota. The selected vendor will conduct a needs assessment to identify gaps in services for rural providers, develop a design proposal for an RTSC or alternative model, and provide deliverables including a work plan, project management, interim needs assessment, final report, and summary presentation. The vendor should have experience in conducting needs assessments, developing resources for rural healthcare, and evaluating programs related to rural health and telehealth. • The RTSC will aim to address fragmentation and gaps in services to rural healthcare facilities, emergency medical services, and communities. • The RTSC will facilitate connections to specialty services, allowing patients to receive care close to home. • The vendor will identify regional and statewide partners for planning and operation of the RTSC. • The vendor will propose models for organizational structure, operational and capital investment costs, and barriers to creating a centralized set of programs.