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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Health occupations

Mar 14, 2024 - Announces proposed bipartisan legislation aiming to reduce burdens on rural Medicare patients seeking healthcare in an Accountable Care Organization (ACO). The bill expands the ability of Medicare beneficiaries to be assigned to an ACO by allowing assignments based on primary care visits performed by nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or clinical nurse specialists.
Source: Office of Representative Suzan DelBene
Mar 12, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is requesting information to assist in the development of a national standard of practice for VA peer specialists. Outlines the proposed national standard of practice for VA peer specialists, who are Veterans who self-identify with a lived experience of recovery from a mental health condition and have been professionally trained to help other Veterans with similar experiences. Comments are due by May 13, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 11, 2024 - The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for the Indians into Medicine (InMed) program. The purpose of this program is to increase the number of American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) health professionals by encouraging AI/AN individuals to enter the health professions and removing barriers to serving AI/AN populations. Target populations should not include tribes within North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana, which are served by the existing University of North Dakota InMed grant program. Applications are due by May 14, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 11, 2024 - The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for the Indians into Nursing (NU) program. The purpose of this program is to recruit, retain, graduate, and increase the number of registered nurses, certified nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners who deliver healthcare services to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Specifically, this program aims to recruit and train AI/AN individuals in nursing fields and provide continuing education to nurses and advanced practice nurses serving AI/AN communities. Applications are due by May 14, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 6, 2024 - Discusses the shortage of rural surgeons, noting challenges in building the rural surgeon workforce. Discusses rural training tracks, homegrown workforce, funding needs, and telemedicine as possible solutions for building the workforce.
Source: ACS Bulletin
Mar 5, 2024 - Discusses challenges with accessing mental healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Notes workforce shortages and low pay as contributors to limited access. Also discusses challenges for military service members including long wait times for appointments.
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office
Feb 29, 2024 - A new partnership between 24 rural and urban tribal organizations will address physician shortages in tribal communities by advocating for more graduate medical education opportunities in tribal medical facilities. The group aims to improve existing health disparities for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Source: Native News Online
Feb 28, 2024 - Describes the technical assistance available to rural hospitals through a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and National Rural Health Association (NRHA). NRHA offers guidance with hospital finances and leadership training opportunities for administrators.
Source: National Rural Health Association