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Rural Health
News by Topic: Substance use and misuse

Feb 19, 2024 - Discusses the use of buprenorphine in a pilot project in a rural Maine jail to address substance use disorder. Discusses program successes and notes that it fills gaps in addiction treatment access in rural areas.
Source: News Center Maine
Feb 16, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) modifying its regulations to implement provisions of Section 3221 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which, among other things, requires HHS to bring 42 CFR part 2 ("Part 2") into greater alignment with certain aspects of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy, Breach Notification, and Enforcement Rules. This notice also summarizes and responds to public comments on the December 2, 2022, proposed rule. This rule is effective April 16, 2024. Persons subject to this regulation must comply with the applicable requirements of this final rule by February 16, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 15, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration is seeking comments on a revision to update the burden estimate for the Rural Health Clinic (RHC) application process for reimbursement under the DATA 2000 Waiver Training Payment Program, which supports the cost of training for purposes of receiving a DATA 2000 waiver for their physicians and practitioners to furnish opioid use disorder treatment services. Comments are due by March 18, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 7, 2024 - Profiles one of New Mexico's rural and tribal health councils which works to address health issues in their communities. Programs include home modification, exercise classes for older adults, overdose prevention resources, and more. Discusses the importance of understanding a community's culture and local barriers to care for resource and service providers. Describes sustainability and funding challenges.
Source: New Mexico Political Report
Feb 2, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) modifying and updating certain regulatory provisions related to opioid treatment program (OTP) accreditation, certification, and standards for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). These changes include making flexibilities established during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) permanent and expanding access to care and evidence-based treatment for OUD. This rule also removes all language and rules relating to the Drug Addiction and Treatment Act (DATA) Waiver from the regulations pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. This rule is effective April 2, 2024, and the compliance date is April 2, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 2, 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 February 24, 2024. Agenda items include remarks from the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and presentations and discussions on the Tribal Behavioral Health Agenda process, Prevention (Naloxone), and the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA). Registration is required to attend the meeting.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 2, 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 February 27, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items will include the discussion of substance abuse prevention priorities and updates on CSAP program developments. Registration is required. Individuals interested in making oral presentations must notify Michelle McVay by 1:00 p.m. Eastern on February 20, 2024.
Source: Federal Register