Rural Health
News by Topic: Access
Jul 16, 2024 - Outlines new investment by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support the creation of a multi-state licensure compact, allowing social workers to practice across state lines without applying for multiple licenses. Notes the potential impacts of the licensure compact on rural communities by easing provider shortages and expanding telehealth service availability.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
FCC: Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
Federal Register
Jul 16, 2024 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on performance testing measures for its Universal Service Programs. Comments are due by September 16, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 15, 2024 - Highlights the impact of transportation costs on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits between rural and urban areas. Discusses rural grocery store access, broadband access, local industry, and county-level data on SNAP coverage.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Jul 15, 2024 - Discusses rural healthcare viability challenges including telehealth and broadband access, reimbursement rates, and an end of pandemic-era funding.
Source: Health Leaders Media
Jul 15, 2024 - Discusses expanded access to opioid addiction treatment in New Mexico, with particular focus on harm reduction. Notes that the expansion is expected to benefit rural communities.
Source: Public News Service
Jul 15, 2024 - Highlights declines in birth rates across time and the associated impact on rural labor and delivery services. Discusses the impact of low service volume on maintaining labor and delivery services and offering high quality healthcare.
Source: KFF Health News, NPR
Jul 15, 2024 - Announces recent funding secured by the University of Montana to partner with rural school districts and healthcare facilities to create healthcare pathways to address workforce shortages.
Source: University of Montana
Jul 11, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' proposed calendar year 2025 physician fee schedule rule includes new payments and coverage for digital health and telehealth services.
The draft rule contains significant provisions for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers and gives opioid treatment programs more flexibility in their use of telehealth services.
Source: Fierce Healthcare
Jul 11, 2024 - Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Breathitt, Jessamine, Lee, and Nelson counties have been certified as Recovery Ready Communities. These counties have established addiction services including peer support services, mental health treatment, addiction treatment, employment services, and a stigma-free environment for recovery.
Source: Kentucky.gov
Jul 10, 2024 - The Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center proposed rule would increase access to care and advance health equity. The proposal introduces new requirements for maternal quality improvement efforts, increases access to services in tribal, rural, and other underserved communities, addresses barriers to Medicare coverage for those recently incarcerated, and supports the agency's goals of reducing opioid overdoses.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services