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Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare facilities

May 10, 2021 - Notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding changes to the hospital inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) for operating and capital-related costs of acute care hospitals for fiscal year 2022. Contains details of changes impacting Critical Access Hospital (CAH); Medicare graduate medical education for teaching hospitals, including how to distribute additional slots for rural residency training programs; inpatient hospital services provided by long-term care hospitals; quality reporting programs; and changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, among other things. Comments are due by June 28, 2021.
Source: Federal Register
May 10, 2021 - Notice of interim final rule with comment period from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) amending regulations to allow hospitals with a rural redesignation under the Social Security Act to reclassify through the Medicare Geographic Classification Review Board (MGCRB) using the rural reclassified area as the geographic area in which the hospital is located. These changes align CMS policy with the decision in Bates County Memorial Hospital v. Azar, effective with reclassifications beginning with fiscal year (FY) 2023. This interim final rule is effective May 10, 2021. Comments are due by June 28, 2021.
Source: Federal Register
May 3, 2021 - Describes bipartisan legislation, Strengthening Rural Health Clinics Act of 2021, that fixes a technical issue to protect existing Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) from sudden, unexpected Medicare payment rate changes that were part of the December 2020 COVID-19 relief bill.
Source: The Daily Yonder
May 3, 2021 - The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) announced the 20 highest-ranked Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), as determined by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. Rankings are based on results of the Hospital Strength Index and eight performance indicators: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge, and financial efficiency. Also includes a list of forty facilities that received recognition for best practices in quality and patient satisfaction.
Source: National Rural Health Association
Apr 29, 2021 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded over $32 million to 122 Primary Care Associations (PCAs), National Training and Technical Assistance Partners (NTTAPs), and Health Center Controlled Networks (HCCNs). Funds provided by the American Rescue Plan will be used to provide health centers in underserved communities with COVID-19 related training, technical assistance, and health information technology support.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Apr 27, 2021 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule to fund medical residency positions in hospitals in rural and underserved communities and require hospitals to report COVID-19 vaccination rates among workers. Provisions in the rule aim to address healthcare workforce shortages and support hospitals in rural and underserved areas.
Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Apr 27, 2021 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the availability of $1 billion to support COVID-19 related capital needs and construction and renovation projects for Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Program funded health centers. Nearly 1,400 health centers are eligible for the funding provided by the American Rescue Plan. Applications are due June 24, 2021.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Apr 26, 2021 - Summarizes a study that found closures of obstetric units at rural hospitals put Black and indigenous mothers at a greater risk of mortality. Discusses disparities in maternal mortality rates by race and highlights federal and state efforts to improve maternal health outcomes in the U.S.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Apr 23, 2021 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is seeking comment on forms related to the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program. HRSA uses the data collected to optimize COVID-19 testing and vaccination; track health center capacity and the impact of COVID-19 on operations, patients, and staff; and better understand training and technical assistance, funding, and other health center resource needs. Comments are due by June 22, 2021.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 19, 2021 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the availability of nearly $150 million to 100 Health Center Program Look-Alikes (LALs) to aid in the mitigation of COVID-19, strengthen vaccination efforts, and enhance healthcare services and infrastructure. Funding is provided by the American Rescue Plan to support LALs that serve underserved populations. Applications are due May 14, 2021.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services