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Rural Health
News by Topic: Health workforce

Apr 11, 2024 - Discusses proposed legislation for a residential high school aiming to address rural healthcare workforce shortages in Alabama. Notes that the school would be the fourth residential school in the state, but the first one in a rural area.
Source: Alabama Daily News
Apr 11, 2024 - Notice from the Department of Defense (DOD) Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) announcing adjustments to the reimbursement and provider qualifications for childbirth support services under the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD). The second phase of CBSD will include a new reimbursement methodology, new doula-specific codes, increased flexibility for antepartum and postpartum visits, and a new requirement for certified labor doulas (CLDs) to be participating providers. DHA also announces the National Black Doula Association (NBDA) as a certification body for CLDs and the certification requirement for doulas practicing in a state with an active state-wide doula Medicaid benefit will be waived when that doula is actively enrolled in that state Medicaid program. Phase 2 will be fully implemented by January 1, 2025, with a transition period beginning June 10, 2024. The modifications to the certified labor doulas (CLD) certification requirement are effective April 11, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 11, 2024 - A new initiative in Kansas for farmers and rural residents will address healthcare challenges including local access, caregiver support, telehealth, behavioral health, maternal healthcare worker shortages, and grant writing support.
Source: Brownfield Ag News
Apr 10, 2024 - Discusses mental healthcare access for children in Michigan schools, noting that workforce shortages most impact rural areas. Discusses funding, recruitment and retention, and training.
Source: The Mining Journal
Apr 10, 2024 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on an information collection regarding forms used by the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs). The forms are used to assess an LRP applicant's eligibility and qualifications for the LRP, determine LRP applicants' Spanish language proficiency if relevant to their application, and obtain information for NHSC site applicants. Comments are due by May 10, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 10, 2024 - Highlights the work of promotoras in rural Northern California including assisting eligible residents with enrolling in Medicaid. Discusses the impact of Health Provider Shortage Areas (HPSAs) on healthcare access, policy, and insurance access for undocumented farmworkers.
Source: Ethnic Media Services
Apr 10, 2024 - Highlights efforts to reduce maternal mortality in Kentucky by identifying contributing factors and implement best practices in those areas through the Kentucky Maternal Morbidity and Mortality (KyMMM) Task Force. Notes that rural residents and other groups have disparate rates of mortality. In addition to this program, the Perinatal Community Health Worker Program has been established to connect pregnant and postpartum people with culturally relevant services. Offers contact information to learn more about the programs or to explore joining the KyMMM Task Force.
Source: UK Now
Apr 5, 2024 - Discusses challenges with offering ambulance services in rural Minnesota including reimbursement and funding models, a volunteer workforce, and large service areas.
Source: MPR News
Apr 4, 2024 - Announces an increase in loan repayment amounts available through the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. Notes the program aims to reduce primary care provider shortages in rural and other areas. Also highlights previous work to support the primary care workforce.
Source: Health Resources & Services Administration
Apr 4, 2024 - Discusses mortality disparities for rural and urban communities across Northeast Ohio and potential reasons including healthcare access, workforce shortages, limited transportation options, and inadequate broadband.
Source: Ideastream Public Media