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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Access

Nov 29, 2024 - Proclamation from the Executive Office of the President declaring November 21, 2024 National Rural Health Day. Summarizes investments and resources committed to rural health by the Biden Administration.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 29, 2024 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking nominations to the Veterans' Rural Health Advisory Committee. The committee advises the Secretary through the Under Secretary for Health on ways to improve and enhance access to VA health care services for Veterans residing in rural areas by reviewing current program activities and identifying barriers to accessing care and services. Nominations must be received by January 21, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 27, 2024 - The Office of Inspector General (OIG) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) requests proposals and recommendations for developing new or modifying existing safe harbor provisions of the Federal anti-kickback statute or Special Fraud Alerts. Criteria for modifying and establishing safe harbor provisions or Special Fraud Alerts include the extent to which the proposal impacts access to healthcare, the ability of healthcare facilities to serve medically underserved patients, and more. Comments are due January 27, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 27, 2024 - Pre-publication notice of a final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) describing a new mandatory Medicare payment model, the Increasing Organ Transplant Access Model (IOTA Model). The IOTA Model would test whether performance-based upside risk payments or downside risk payments paid to or owed by participating kidney transplant hospitals increase access to kidney transplants for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) while preserving or enhancing the quality of care and reducing Medicare expenditures. This proposed rule also describes standard provisions for the Radiation Oncology Model, the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Treatment Choices Model, and mandatory Innovation Center models, including the IOTA Model, whose first performance period begins on or after January 1, 2025. Includes comments regarding rural-specific concerns. This rule is effective 30 days after publication of this notice, which is scheduled for December 4, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 26, 2024 - Highlights 2 rural Colorado communities among the first to receive federal funds to build infrastructure for high-speed internet access. Notes statewide goals for increasing access to broadband and projected impacts on rural communities.
Source: Government Technology
Nov 26, 2024 - Discusses a student-led peer support initiative to destigmatize mental health in a rural Nevada community. Highlights existing challenges in accessing mental healthcare due to workforce shortages as well as limited transportation.
Source: The Nevada Independent
Nov 26, 2024 - Discusses the use of paramedicine and mobile units by a rural Indiana hospital to increase access to primary care. Highlights how the COVID-19 public health emergency allowed the hospital to expand already existing rural outreach efforts.
Source: WNIN
Nov 26, 2024 - Pre-publication notice of a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revising the Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), Medicaid, Medicare cost plan, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) regulations to implement changes related to Star Ratings, marketing and communications, agent/broker compensation, health equity, drug coverage, dual eligible special needs plans (D-SNPs), utilization management, network adequacy, and other programmatic areas, including the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. This proposed rule also includes proposals to codify existing subregulatory guidance in the Part C and Part D programs. Comments are due by January 27, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 25, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announcing the approval of an information collection related to the April 10, 2024, final rule that adopted a Report and Order amending existing rules and requirements governing the management and administration of the Universal Service Fund (USF) high-cost program. Amendments to sections 36.4 (amendatory instruction 2), 54.314 (amendatory instruction 11), and the removal and reservation of 54.1306 (amendatory instruction 22) are effective November 25, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 25, 2024 - A mobile medical unit from a community college will bring screening services to rural Illinois communities. The unit will both increase access to healthcare for those with limited access and offering learning experiences for students in the nursing program.
Source: My Stateline