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Rural Health
News by Topic: Behavioral health

Jul 26, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Advisory Committee on HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STD Prevention and Treatment (CHAC) will hold a public meeting on October 21-22, 2024. Agenda items include discussions re-engaging people with HIV out of care, the use of long-acting injectables for HIV care and treatment, and increasing access to mental health services for people with HIV and STDs. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 22, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revising the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Center (ACS) payment system for calendar year 2025. This proposed rule would also update and refine the requirements for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting (OQR) Program, Rural Emergency Hospital Quality Reporting (REHQR) Program, ASC Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Program, and Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program and proposes Conditions of Participation (CoPs) for hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) for obstetrical services. Among other things, this rule would request information on options being considered for future changes to the Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating methodology and further information related to a Tribal Technical Advisory Group request to apply the Indian Health Service encounter rate to all outpatient tribal clinics. This proposed rule would also provide exceptions to the Medicaid clinic services benefit four walls requirement for Indian Health Service and Tribal clinics, and, at state option, for behavioral health clinics and clinics located in rural areas. Comments are due by September 9, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 17, 2024 - Provides an overview of the mental health workforce shortage in Texas, with data on various provider types. Notes that shortages are particularly acute in rural counties, some of which have no providers. Reviews efforts by state lawmakers to address the issue, including loan repayment programs and increased Medicaid reimbursement for mental health services.
Source: The Texas Tribune
Jul 17, 2024 - Outlines new grant funding available through the Montana Department of Health and Human Services to support behavioral health services in tribal communities. Describes possible uses of the grant funding, including facilities upgrades, transportation support for patients, and expanded crisis response services.
Source: Daily Montanan
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
Jul 16, 2024 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the approval of DNV Healthcare USA Inc. (DNV) as a national accrediting organization for psychiatric hospitals that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. This accreditation is effective July 30, 2024 - July 30, 2028.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 16, 2024 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services National Advisory Council (CMHS NAC) will hold a public meeting on August 27, 2024. Agenda items include updates from the SAMHSA CMHS director, remarks from SAMHSA's Assistant Secretary, updates on disasters, and updates on subcommittee tasks. The agenda and information on how to join the meeting will be posted on the SAMHSA website prior to the meeting. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
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 12, 2024 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will hold a joint meeting of the National Advisory Councils, the Advisory Committee for Women's Services (ACWS), and the Tribal Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC) on August 28, 2024. Agenda items include remarks from the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and presentations and discussions on youth engagement efforts, criminal justice, suicide prevention, and general discussions and public comments. Registration is required to attend the meeting. Individuals interested in making oral presentations must notify Carlos Castillo by August 21, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 12, 2024 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Advisory Council (NAC) will hold a virtual public meeting on August 29, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items include remarks from the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use; updates on SAMHSA priorities; follow-up on topics from the previous meeting. Presentations and discussions will focus on older adults; workforce; legislative updates; the Office of Management, Technology, and Operations (OMTO); budget; and credentialing work. Registration is required to attend the meeting. Individuals interested in making oral presentations must notify Carlos Castillo by 1:00 p.m. Eastern on August 22, 2024.
Source: Federal Register