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Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

Apr 2, 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 Connecticut 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 May 2, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 1, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid announcing that laboratories located in and licensed by the state of Washington and that possess a valid license under the Medical Test Site law, chapter 70.42 of the Revised Code of Washington, are exempt from the requirements of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) for a period of 4 years. The exemption is effective April 1, 2024, to April 1, 2028.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 29, 2024 - Notice of a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on updates to the prospective payment system for inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) for fiscal year 2025. Among other things, this rule proposes updates to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) market area delineations for the IRF prospective payment system (PPS) wage index, proposes a 3-year phase-out of the rural adjustments, and includes proposals for the IRF Quality Reporting Program. Comments are due by May 28, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 28, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Conditions for Certification for Rural Health Clinics and Conditions for Coverage for Federally Qualified Health Centers in 42 CFR 49 and 2) Establishment of Qualified Health Plans and American Health Benefit Exchanges. Comments are due by May 28, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 27, 2024 - Request for comments on the draft 2024-2030 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan. The Plan includes goals for promoting health and wellness, enhancing the delivery and experience of healthcare, accelerate research and innovation, and connecting health systems with health data. Objectives for achieving those goals include expanding broadband and technology access and research infrastructure for the benefit of rural residents among others. Comments can be made until May 28th.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Mar 27, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) making changes to rates contained within the VA fee schedule, which is used as part of the rate structure for certain agreements the VA uses to purchase community care under the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP). This notice also describes the VA's use of non-reimbursable codes and industry-standard business practices to ensure consistent adjudication of claims for services deemed non-billable or non-reimbursable. These changes are effective March 27, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 26, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Advisory Panel on Outreach and Education (APOE) will hold an in-person public meeting on April 18, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Presentations and written comments must be submitted to the designated federal official by April 4, 2024. Agenda items include remarks from CMS leadership; a recap of the February 2024 meeting; a discussion of CMS programs, initiatives, and priorities; and more. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 25, 2024 - The U.S. Census Bureau is providing an additional 30 days for comments on proposed revisions to the American Community Survey (ACS) and Puerto Rico Community Survey. Changes cover household roster, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, disability, and labor force questions. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 25, 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 May 21-22, 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
Mar 25, 2024 - Highlights challenges with maintaining rural rental housing in places where affordable new housing is scarce. Describes federal programs working to preserve existing rental housing.
Source: The Daily Yonder