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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Top Stories

Top news stories from the past 60 days. For more, see news by topic or news by state.

May 19, 2025 - Pre-publication notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making a correction to the April 30, 2025, proposed rule.
Source: Federal Register
May 16, 2025 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments regarding the market of digital health products for Medicare beneficiaries and the state of data interoperability and broader health technology infrastructure. Information collected may be used to inform CMS and Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC) efforts to lead infrastructure progress in this market, increase beneficiary access to effective digital capabilities needed to make informed health decisions, and increase data availability for all stakeholders contributing to health outcomes. Comments are due by June 16, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
May 15, 2025 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announces the availability of funds for suicide prevention grants under the Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP). The purpose of the SSG Fox SPGP is to reduce veteran suicide by expanding suicide prevention programs for veterans through grants to entities that will provide or coordinate the provision of suicide prevention services to eligible individuals and their families. This notice replaces the May 8, 2025, notice. This is a 1-year award with the option to renew for an additional year, pending availability of funds and grantee performance. Applications are due by July 18, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
May 14, 2025 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seeking comments on how to dramatically deregulate across all areas the Department touches. Specifically, HHS welcomes submissions explaining how regulations, guidance, paperwork requirements, and other regulatory obligations can be repealed. Comments are due within 60 days of the publication of this notice, which is scheduled for May 14, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
May 14, 2025 - The U.S. Department of State is seeking comment on the revision of an information collection titled, "J-1 Visa Waiver Recommendation Application." Comments are due by July 14, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
May 13, 2025 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking nominations of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment as members of the Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs to represent the following Indian Health Service (IHS) areas: Great Plains, Portland, Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Alaska, Albuquerque, Native Hawaiian, Urban Indian, and Member At-Large. The Committee provides advice and guidance to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on all matters relating to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Native American Veterans. Nominations are due by July 18, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
May 9, 2025 - The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is seeking nominations for the Tribal and Indigenous Advisory Council (TIAC). The council provides recommendations on critical issues affecting Tribal Nations and their citizens. Nominations are due by June 6, 2025.
Source: Government Accountability Office
May 8, 2025 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announces the availability of funds for suicide prevention grants under the Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP). The purpose of the SSG Fox SPGP is to reduce veteran suicide by expanding suicide prevention programs for veterans through grants to entities that will provide or coordinate the provision of suicide prevention services to eligible individuals and their families. This is a 1-year award with the option to renew for an additional year, pending availability of funds and grantee performance. Applications are due by July 11, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 24, 2025 - A call for Veterans nationwide to participate in a telehealth physical therapy study led by the VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center. Describes eligibility requirements and program components, including video calls, coaching sessions, and health tracking. Notes that recruitment for the program will be completed by October 2026.
Source: VA News
Apr 22, 2025 - Announces $340.6 million in disaster assistance funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support rural communities impacted by recent natural disasters. Describes electrical infrastructure investments in North Dakota and hurricane recovery efforts in Tennessee and North Carolina, among other investments.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Apr 15, 2025 -

Nominations are being accepted for the Endorsement & Maintenance (E&M), Pre-Rulemaking Measure Review (PRMR), and Measure Set Review (MSR) committees. Eligible committee members include clinicians, healthcare facilities, purchasers, policymakers, researchers, patients, caregivers, and more. E&M committee members review and endorse clinical quality and cost/resource use measures to ensure effectiveness, safety, and that they are evidence-based. PRMR committee members recommend quality and efficiency measures to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid. MSR committee members review measures for continued use in CMS programs and are selected from the PRMR committee. Nominations are due May 15, 2025.

Source: Partnership for Quality Measurement
Apr 14, 2025 -

Requests feedback from healthcare providers, researchers, stakeholders, health and drug plans, and the public on potential changes to Medicare regulations in line with Executive Order 14192 "Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation" issued on January 31, 2025, which requires agencies proposing new legislation to identify at least 10 existing regulations to be repealed. Comments are due June 10, 2025.

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Apr 10, 2025 -

Summarizes the mission of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) and highlights changes to Medicaid program allowances related to designated state health programs (DSHPs) and designated state investment programs (DSIPs). Includes examples of program costs that will no longer be allowed.

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Apr 10, 2025 -

Highlights the priorities for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) and new Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. Provides information on how the priorities will align with the President's Make America Healthy Again initiative.

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Mar 31, 2025 -

Summarizes recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) research comparing geographic differences in cardiovascular health and the factors contributing to the disparity including income, education, food security, and home ownership. Notes the potential impact of study findings on public health and policy related to the health of rural residents.

Source: National Institutes of Health
Mar 25, 2025 -

Request for input regarding barriers to participation in population-based total cost of care (PB-TCOC) models from the Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC). Topics of interest include business decisions impacting participation for different organization types, streamlining models, and incentivizing participation for both primary and specialty care. Asks for feedback regarding types of organizations best positioned to serve rural and other communities. Comments can be emailed to PTAC@HHS.gov by April 18, 2025.

Source: Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation

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