What is the Hill Burton Act known for?

The Hill-Burton Act, officially known as the Hospital Survey and Construction Act, was enacted in 1946 with the primary objective of improving access to healthcare by providing federal grants and loans for hospital construction. Specifically, the act aimed to address the shortage of hospitals and healthcare facilities in underserved areas of the United States, thereby increasing the availability of services to communities in need. By financing the building and modernization of hospitals, it played a crucial role in enhancing the infrastructure necessary for patient care.

The act also included provisions that facilities funded through it would provide a certain amount of care to patients unable to pay, further emphasizing its goal of increasing healthcare access. This focus on providing funding for construction projects directly correlates with the correct answer.