Rural Health
News by Topic: Substance use and misuse
Jul 16, 2024 - Outlines new investment by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support the creation of a multi-state licensure compact, allowing social workers to practice across state lines without applying for multiple licenses. Notes the potential impacts of the licensure compact on rural communities by easing provider shortages and expanding telehealth service availability.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Jul 15, 2024 - Discusses expanded access to opioid addiction treatment in New Mexico, with particular focus on harm reduction. Notes that the expansion is expected to benefit rural communities.
Source: Public News Service
SAMHSA: Joint Meeting of the National Advisory Councils
Federal Register
Jul 12, 2024 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will hold a joint meeting of the National Advisory Councils, the Advisory Committee for Women's Services (ACWS), and the Tribal Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC) on August 28, 2024. Agenda items include remarks from the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and presentations and discussions on youth engagement efforts, criminal justice, suicide prevention, and general discussions and public comments. Registration is required to attend the meeting. Individuals interested in making oral presentations must notify Carlos Castillo by August 21, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 11, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' proposed calendar year 2025 physician fee schedule rule includes new payments and coverage for digital health and telehealth services.
The draft rule contains significant provisions for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers and gives opioid treatment programs more flexibility in their use of telehealth services.
Source: Fierce Healthcare
Jul 11, 2024 - Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Breathitt, Jessamine, Lee, and Nelson counties have been certified as Recovery Ready Communities. These counties have established addiction services including peer support services, mental health treatment, addiction treatment, employment services, and a stigma-free environment for recovery.
Source: Kentucky.gov
Jul 11, 2024 - Pre-publication notice of a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing: 1) changes to the Physician Fee Schedule and Medicare Part B payment policies; 2) policies for the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate program under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022; 3) updates to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program expanded model; payment for dental services inextricably linked to specific covered medical services; 4) updates to drugs and biological products paid under Part B including immunosuppressive drugs and clotting factors; 5) Medicare Shared Savings Program requirements; 6) updates to the Quality Payment Program; 7) Medicare coverage of opioid use disorder services furnished by opioid treatment programs; 8) updates to policies for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs); 9) electronic prescribing for controlled substances for a covered Part D drug under a prescription drug plan or an MA-PD plan; 10) updates to the Ambulance Fee Schedule regulations; 11) updates to Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule regulations; 12) updates to the diabetes payment structure and COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) flexibilities; 13) expansion of colorectal cancer screening and Hepatitis B vaccine coverage and payment; 14) establishing payment for drugs covered as additional preventive services; and 15) Medicare Parts A and B Overpayment Provisions of the Affordable Care Act. Comments are due by September 9, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
SAMHSA: Meeting of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention National Advisory Council
Federal Register
Jul 11, 2024 - Notice from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announcing a public meeting of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention National Advisory Council (CSAP NAC) on August 27, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items will include an update from the CSAP NAC Substance Use Prevention Workforce Subcommittee and an overview and discussion on CSAP's primary prevention portfolio. Registration is required. Individuals interested in making oral presentations must notify Jennifer Fan by 1:00 p.m. Eastern on August 20, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 10, 2024 - The Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center proposed rule would increase access to care and advance health equity. The proposal introduces new requirements for maternal quality improvement efforts, increases access to services in tribal, rural, and other underserved communities, addresses barriers to Medicare coverage for those recently incarcerated, and supports the agency's goals of reducing opioid overdoses.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Jul 8, 2024 - Announces funding opportunities through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to support women's behavioral health. The grants will help expand access to services and enhance the ability of healthcare providers to identify and address mental health conditions, substance use, and gender-based violence.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Jul 8, 2024 - A new report indicates that Alabama's crisis response needs improvements to expand its coverage and effectiveness. Kim Boswell, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health, said the Opioid Commission has appropriated $3 million to help with call center capacity.
Source: Public News Service