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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare needs and services

Apr 24, 2024 - The Federal Communications Commission will hold an open meeting on April 25, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern. Agenda items include a discussion of a proposed rule that would require the implementation of one or more georouting solutions for wireless calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to ensure that calls are routed based on the geographic location of the origin of the call, among other things. The meeting can be viewed on the FCC website.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 24, 2024 - Profiles the only psychiatrist in Navajo Nation who blends Western behavioral healthcare and cultural practices in his delivery of care. Discusses mental healthcare access, diabetes, recruiting healthcare workforce, and the impact of COVID-19.
Source: Cronkite News
Apr 23, 2024 - Announces $700 million in funding for tribal communities for water and sewage infrastructure as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Also announces a partnership between the Bureau of Reclamation and the Indian Health Service (IHS) as well as a partnership between the United States Public Health Services (USPHS) Commissioned Corps and IHS. The partnerships will address barriers in access to resources as well as public health workforce needs.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Apr 23, 2024 - Announces the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (National Strategy) and the associated Federal Action Plan, a plan developed by 10 federal departments. The National Strategy offers recommendations for addressing needs for at-risk populations. Highlights suicide rate disparities for various race and ethnicities. Includes links to the National Strategy, the Federal Action Plan, and other resources for mental healthcare access and substance abuse services.
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Apr 23, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revising regulations for Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), Medicare cost plan, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Revisions include Star Ratings, marketing and communications, agent/broker compensation, health equity, dual-eligible special needs plans (D-SNPs), utilization management, network adequacy, and other programmatic areas. These regulations are effective June 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 23, 2024 - Discusses an increase in dental deserts, particularly in rural communities due to workforce shortages and limited Medicaid reimbursements for dental care. Highlights a trend in Federally Qualified Health Centers to integrate dental care into primary care.
Source: The Week
Apr 23, 2024 - Notice from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking comments on a proposed generic information collection to support social and behavioral research used by FDA about drug products. Comments are due by June 24, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 23, 2024 - Pre-publication notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) establishing minimum staffing standards for long-term care facilities. This rule also requires states to report the percentage of Medicaid payments for certain Medicaid-covered institutional services that are spent on compensation for direct care workers and support staff. These regulations are effective on June 21, 2024, except for § 483.71, § 483.35(b)(1) and (c)(1), § 483.35(b)(1)(i) and (ii), and §§ 438.72(a) and 442.43 as indicated.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 22, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will hold a virtual public meeting of the Board of Scientific Counselors, Office of Readiness and Response (BSC, ORR) on May 23, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern. The agenda includes an organizational update; an overview of the Division of Readiness and Response Science; Division Directors follow-up discussion; polio containment working group updates; healthy equity working group updates; and more. Registration to attend the meeting is required.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 22, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for the CDC/HRSA Advisory Committee on HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STD Prevention and Treatment (CHACHSPT). The Committee is charged with advising CDC and HRSA on objectives, strategies, policies, and priorities for HIV, viral hepatitis, and other STD prevention and treatment efforts. Nominations are due by October 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register