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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare needs and services

Mar 31, 2025 -

Summarizes recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) research comparing geographic differences in cardiovascular health and the factors contributing to the disparity including income, education, food security, and home ownership. Notes the potential impact of study findings on public health and policy related to the health of rural residents.

Source: National Institutes of Health
Mar 25, 2025 - Notice of final rule from the Federal Communications Commission regarding the implementation of Next Generation 911 (NG911), which requires wireline providers, Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) providers, covered text providers, providers of interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, and providers of internet-based Telecommunications Relay Service (internet-based TRS) to transition to NG911 in coordination with 911 authorities. Compliance with this rule is effective March 25, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 25, 2025 -

Request for input regarding barriers to participation in population-based total cost of care (PB-TCOC) models from the Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC). Topics of interest include business decisions impacting participation for different organization types, streamlining models, and incentivizing participation for both primary and specialty care. Asks for feedback regarding types of organizations best positioned to serve rural and other communities. Comments can be emailed to PTAC@HHS.gov by April 18, 2025.

Source: Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
Mar 24, 2025 - Notice of final rule from the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) further delaying the January 17, 2025, final rules titled "Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter" and "Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients." These final rules will now be effective December 31, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 18, 2025 -

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announces the renewal of the public health emergency (PHE) regarding opioid use. The renewal extends the PHE for 90 days. Outlines federal coordination allowed by the PHE and highlights recent successes in decreasing overdose deaths.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Mar 6, 2025 -

Highlights the Home-Based Primary Care program offered by the West Texas VA Health Care System in an effort to expand access to healthcare for rural veterans. Notes a variety of service delivery models are being used to reach more veterans with healthcare services.

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs