Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

Mar 18, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for membership on the Board of Scientific Counselors, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BSC, NIOSH). Nominations are due by April 17, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 18, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the extension of an information collection titled "Disclosure Requirement for the In-Office Ancillary Services Exception." CMS will use the information collected to enforce the requirement that physicians who provide certain imaging services (MRI, CT, and PET) under the in-office ancillary services exception to the physician self-referral prohibition must provide the disclosure notice as well as the list of other imaging suppliers to the patient. Comments are due by May 17, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 18, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) updating its regulations and implementing changes related to the administration of property reserve accounts under the Multi-Family Housing (MFH) section 515, Rural Rental Housing (RRH), and section 514, 516 Farm Labor Housing (FLH) programs in order to increase flexibility in project refinancing for additional capital improvements. This rule is effective April 17, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 16, 2024 - Discusses uptake of the Rural Emergency Hospital designation that aims to prevent hospital closures. Notes that conversions have happened primarily in the South. Discusses challenges with implementation, community feedback, and policy efforts to make the designation more accessible to rural hospitals.
Source: NBC4 Washington
Mar 15, 2024 - The U.S. Census Bureau is providing an additional 30 days for comments on proposed revisions to the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH). NSCH is designed to collect data on the physical and emotional health of children age 18 and younger, including information related to access to healthcare, family interactions, and school and after-school experiences, among other things. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 15, 2024 - Discusses the methamphetamine crisis in rural America, noting the history and impact of the criminal justice system. Discusses methamphetamine in the context of other substance use crises.
Source: The Conversation
Mar 14, 2024 - Offers highlights from a recent Committee on Ways and Means hearing discussing the benefits of receiving healthcare at home. Notes issues such as quality of life, social networks, rural access to care, technology and telehealth, decreasing emergency room visits, and Medicare barriers to care.
Source: U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means
Mar 14, 2024 - Announces proposed bipartisan legislation aiming to reduce burdens on rural Medicare patients seeking healthcare in an Accountable Care Organization (ACO). The bill expands the ability of Medicare beneficiaries to be assigned to an ACO by allowing assignments based on primary care visits performed by nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or clinical nurse specialists.
Source: Office of Representative Suzan DelBene
Mar 14, 2024 - Following an annual assessment of telecommunications capability, the Federal Communications Commission has raised the benchmark for broadband download and upload speeds. Notes that broadband deployment in rural and tribal areas is not happening in a reasonable timeframe.
Source: Federal Communications Commission
Mar 13, 2024 - Notice from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) seeking comments on proposed revisions to the information collection requirements related to the National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants. The information collected will be used by ACL to track performance outcome measures, support budget requests, provide national benchmark information, and inform program development and management initiatives. Comments are due by April 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register