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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

Jan 10, 2025 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will hold a virtual public meeting of the Advisory Panel for Outreach and Education (APOE) on February 6, 2025, from 12:30 – 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items include remarks from CMS leadership; a recap of the September 2024 meeting; presentations on CMS programs, initiatives, and priorities; and more. Presentations and written comments must be submitted to the designated federal official by June 13, 2024. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 10, 2025 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) updating the organizational structure for the Office of Minority Health (OMH). The name of the Division of Information and Education has been changed to the Division of Strategic Communication and Community Engagement (DCE).
Source: Federal Register
Jan 8, 2025 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) is accepting nominations of candidates to serve as primary and alternate delegates for the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity Tribal Advisory Committee (CIIHE TAC). CIIHE TAC delegates must be elected tribal officials from a federally recognized tribe acting in their official capacity or individuals designated by an elected tribal official. There are vacancies for all IHS areas, except the Navajo and Tucson Areas. Nomination letters are encouraged by January 17, 2024, but will continue to accept nominations until all primary and alternate delegate positions are filled.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 8, 2025 - Notice from the Indian Health Service amending the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority to reflect the reorganization of the IHS Office of the Director, Intergovernmental Affairs functions.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 7, 2025 - The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is accepting nominations for appointment to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) by February 7, 2025. Appointments are effective May 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 6, 2025 - Notice of proposed rulemaking from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seeking comments on a proposal to modify the Security Standards for the Protection of Electronic Protected Health Information ("Security Rule") under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009 (HITECH Act). Proposals are intended to increase the cybersecurity for electronic protected health information (ePHI) by revising the Security Rule to address changes in the environment in which health care is provided; significant increases in breaches and cyberattacks; common deficiencies the Office for Civil Rights has observed in investigations into Security Rule compliance by covered entities and their business associates; other cybersecurity guidelines, best practices, methodologies, procedures, and processes; and court decisions that affect enforcement of the Security Rule. Comments are due by March 7, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 6, 2025 - 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 2025, 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 March 6, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding: Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program Grants
Jan 3, 2025 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Medicare Advantage Model of Care Submission Requirements; and 2) Request for Termination of Medicare Premium Part A, Part B, or Part B Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage (Part B-ID) and Supporting Statute and Regulations. Comments are due by March 4, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 3, 2025 - Describes a new state-funded work group within Colorado's Behavioral Health Administration that will offer guidance on agricultural and rural behavioral health. Highlights mental health outcome disparities for farmers and ranchers and farming-related stressors contributing to those disparities.
Source: The Colorado Sun
Jan 3, 2025 - Describes how a temporary extension of telehealth rules impacts rural healthcare providers. Discusses quality of care concerns, benefits for rural residents, and broadband investments.
Source: Public News Service