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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Technology for health and human services

Mar 5, 2024 - Highlights projected impacts to rural health following the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Discusses concerns about equity for patients using telehealth, particularly for rural residents and people with disabilities.
Source: Mother Jones
Mar 1, 2024 - Notice from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) announcing a public meeting of the FirstNet Authority Board and Board Committees on March 6, 2024, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Hawaii standard time. Agenda items are being finalized and will be published on the FirstNet Authority website. Public attendance will be available online only.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 27, 2024 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission to re-establish the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (CSRIC) for two years. The CSRIC advises the FCC and makes recommendations that foster the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications systems. This action will take place on or before March 26, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 27, 2024 - Notice from the Housing and Urban Development Department expanding the eligibility for the ConnectHomeUSA program to include Continuum of Care Program and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program grantees. The ConnectHomeUSA program is intended to accelerate broadband internet adoption in HUD-assisted homes. Applications are due April 12, 2024
Source: Federal Register
Feb 26, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration will hold a public meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services (NACRHHS) on April 9-11, 2024. The agenda will include discussions on technology and innovation in rural health and quality reporting by Rural Health Clinics. Information about NACRHHS and the agenda for this meeting will be available on the NACRHHS website. Written statements and requests to make oral comments should be submitted to Sahira Rafiullah at least 3 business days prior to the meeting.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 26, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service (RUS) extending the application period for the Rural eConnectivity (ReConnect) Program for fiscal year 2024. RUS will begin to accept applications on March 22, 2024. Applications are due by May 21, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 22, 2024 - Discusses challenges with accessing mental healthcare for rural areas, focusing primarily on workforce shortages, lack of inpatient care, distance to care, and broadband.
Source: 13 WREX
Feb 21, 2024 - Announces new federal funding for rural projects related to broadband internet, clean water, infrastructure, and economic growth.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Feb 21, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service (RUS) will begin to accept applications for the Rural eConnectivity (ReConnect) Program for fiscal year 2024 on March 22, 2024. The ReConnect Program provides loans and grants to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas. Applications that will assist rural communities to recover economically, ensure rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development programs and benefit from Rural Development funded projects, and reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities are encouraged. Applications are due by April 22, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
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