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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare needs and services

Apr 15, 2024 - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will hold a public meeting of the National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (NEMSAC) on May 1-2, 2024. Agenda items will include informational sessions, updates on NHTSA initiatives, subcommittee reports, and strategic planning. The agenda and instructions on how to register for the meeting will be posted on the NEMSAC section of the NHTSA Office of EMS website at least one week before the meeting. Pre-registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
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 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical corrections to the August 7, 2023, final rule. This notice is effective April 10, 2024, and is applicable October 1, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 10, 2024 - Announces proposed bipartisan legislation modifying regulations for Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in mountainous areas. Legislation would allow ambulatory services with enhanced Medicare payments as well as protecting CAH designation when a new facility is constructed within 15 miles.
Source: Office of Senator Joe Manchin
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 10, 2024 - Discusses the need for mental health services in schools and how states around the country have used Medicaid reimbursement to fund those services. Notes recent policy changes that have made this possible and highlights challenges that remain in using Medicaid reimbursement, particularly for rural school districts.
Source: The Commonwealth Fund
Apr 9, 2024 - Describes the needs of older adults in rural communities, discussing access to support services, healthcare, and social engagement.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Apr 9, 2024 - Highlights a mental telehealth service in Nebraska that increases access to care in rural areas. Patients are able to receive a behavioral health assessment in their local hospital, which can be quicker and more convenient when services are multiple hours away.
Source: KOLN