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Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

Mar 5, 2024 - Highlights projected impacts to rural health following the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Discusses concerns about equity for patients using telehealth, particularly for rural residents and people with disabilities.
Source: Mother Jones
Mar 4, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Education (ED), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Agency for International Development (AID), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) making regulatory changes to clarify protections for beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries receiving federally funded social services and the rights and obligations of organizations providing such services. This clarification should promote maximum participation by beneficiaries and providers in the Agencies' covered programs and activities and ensure consistency in the implementation of those programs and activities. This rule is effective April 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 1, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Collection of Prescription Drug Data from MA–PD, PDP and Fallout Plans/Sponsors for Medicare Part D Payments; and 2) Indirect Medical Education and Direct Graduate Medical Education. Comments are due by April 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 1, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) making regulatory changes to the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) to address some of the programmatic and systemic challenges to access to high-quality, affordable child care. Changes are intended to lower childcare costs for families participating in CCDF, improve the program's childcare provider payment rates and practices, and simplify enrollment in the childcare subsidy program. States and territories that are not in compliance with the provisions of this final rule on the effective date may request a temporary waiver for up to two years to come into compliance. This rule is effective April 30, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 1, 2024 - Notice from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) announcing a public meeting of the FirstNet Authority Board and Board Committees on March 6, 2024, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Hawaii standard time. Agenda items are being finalized and will be published on the FirstNet Authority website. Public attendance will be available online only.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 29, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Advisory Committee on HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STD Prevention and Treatment (CHAC) will hold a hybrid public meeting on April 9-10, 2024. Agenda items include discussions related to syndemic approach to testing, using prescription data to support the HIV care continuum, HIV and aging, advancing diagnosis of hepatitis C virus infection, updates from the Community Partnerships and Workforce workgroups, and more. Written comments are due by April 19, 2024, and requests to make oral comments should be submitted by March 26, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 29, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is accepting applications for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program for fiscal year 2024, subject to the availability of funding. DLT grant funds support the use of telecommunications-enabled information, audio and video equipment, and related advanced technologies by students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents. Applications that will help rural communities recover economically, ensure all rural residents have equitable access to USDA Rural Development (RD) programs and benefits from RD-funded projects, and reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support are encouraged. Applications are due by April 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 27, 2024 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission to re-establish the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (CSRIC) for two years. The CSRIC advises the FCC and makes recommendations that foster the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications systems. This action will take place on or before March 26, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 27, 2024 - Discusses the impact of a proposed bill on healthcare access for rural Veterans in Georgia. The bill would offer funding to increase transportation options for VAs.
Source: WSAV
Feb 26, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Minimum Data Set 3.0 Nursing Home and Swing Bed Prospective Payment System (PPS) for the collection of data related to the Patient Driven Payment Model and the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (QRP); and 2) National Implementation of the Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (OAS CAHPS) Survey. Comments are due by March 27, 2024.
Source: Federal Register