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Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

Aug 14, 2024 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comment on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, and the South Carolina Department of Social Services to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs are designed to facilitate and support access to affordable broadband services for low-income consumers and families. Comments are due by September 13, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 14, 2024 - Notice from the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) announcing a public meeting of the FirstNet Authority Board and Board Committees on August 21, 2024, from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Mountain. An agenda will be published on the FirstNet Authority website. Public attendance will be available online only.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 14, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will hold a virtual public meeting of the Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (PACCARB) on August 29, 2024. The PACCARB advises and provides information and recommendations to the Secretary of HHS regarding programs and policies intended to reduce or combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria that may present a public health threat. The confirmed times, agenda, and information on how to register and provide public comment during the meeting will be published on the PACCARB website.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 14, 2024 - Notice from the Indian Health Service (IHS) announcing the decision to expand the geographic boundaries of the Purchased/Referred Care Delivery Area (PRCDA) for the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon (CTGR) to include Clackamas County in Oregon. The expanded boundaries will include the current PRCDA for the CTGR, which includes Washington, Polk, Yamhill, Marion, Multnomah, and Tillamook counties. This expansion is effective August 14, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 13, 2024 - The Census Scientific Advisory Committee will hold a virtual public meeting on September 19-20, 2024. The Committee will discuss policy, research, and technical issues for a range of Census Bureau activities, including decennial, economic, field operations, information technology, and statistics. Participation is available in person or via webcast. Meeting information will be published on the Census Advisory Committees website.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 13, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the reinstatement with changes of an information collection titled "Conditions of Participation for Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) and Supporting Regulations." Changes include new Conditions of Participation regarding obstetrical services and respiratory illness reporting requirements outlined in the July 22, 2024, and scheduled August 28, 2024, rules, respectively. Comments are due by October 7, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 13, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on a new information collection titled "Prior Authorization Demonstration for Certain Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Services." CMS seeks to develop and implement a Medicare demonstration project to assist the development of procedures to identify, investigate, and prosecute Medicare fraud occurring in ambulatory surgical centers providing services to Medicare beneficiaries. The information required for the prior authorization request includes all documentation necessary to show that the service meets applicable Medicare coverage, coding, and payment rules. Comments are due by September 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 13, 2024 - Highlights the role of doulas in rural Virginia, particularly for Black women, in light of lost labor and delivery services. Discusses policy measures attempting to increase access to doula services, the health benefits of doula services, and reimbursement rates.
Source: Cardinal News
Aug 12, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalizing the process CMS will use to provide transitional coverage for emerging technologies (TCET) through the national coverage determination (NCD) process. The TCET pathway is designed to deliver transparent, predictable, and expedited national coverage for certain eligible breakthrough devices that are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) market authorized. This notice also summarizes and responds to comments received on the proposed notice. This final notice is effective upon publication in the Federal Register, which is scheduled for August 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding: Intermediary Relending Program (IRP)
Aug 12, 2024 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comment on a new computer matching program between the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, and the Virginia Department of Social Services to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs are designed to facilitate and support access to affordable broadband services for low-income consumers and families. Comments are due by September 11, 2024.
Source: Federal Register