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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Access

Leveraging Health Care Reform to Accelerate Nurse Practitioner Full Practice Authority
Presents a descriptive study of legislation from 1994 to 2016 impacting the scope of practice for nurse practitioners (NPs). Discusses how supporting full practice authority (FPA) where physician involvement is not required can lessen the concern over the lack of primary care providers by allowing NPs to offer comprehensive healthcare services to rural and vulnerable patients. Identifies barriers and limitations to FPA.
Author(s): Heather M. Brom, Pamela J. Salsberry, Margaret Clark Graham
Citation: Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 30(3), 120-130
Date: 03/2018
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Dental Therapists Linked to Improved Dental Outcomes for Alaska Native Communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta
Features a study of dental outcomes in Alaska's Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta since Dental Health Aide Therapists (DHATs) have been added to the communities' dental workforce. Details annual data on dental utilization for both children and adults.
Author(s): Donald L. Chi, Dane Lenaker, Lloyd Mancl, Matthew Dunbar, Michael Babb
Citation: Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 78(2), 175-182
Date: 03/2018
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Indiana Primary Care Needs Assessment, 2018
Summary of efforts to identify gaps in access to health care and allocate resources to communities in greatest need, from 2015-2017. Includes trends in Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) designations in Indiana, the preliminary HPSA analysis summary, projected need of providers in Indiana counties, and health rankings within Indiana.
Author(s): Analise Dickinson, Sierra Vaughn, Hannah Maxey
Date: 03/2018
Sponsoring organization: Bowen Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy
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Northwest Connecticut Substance Abuse and Mental Health Resource Guide
Lists substance abuse and mental health resources available in rural Litchfield County, Connecticut. Features crisis lines, treatment centers, and detox centers among other services.
Date: 03/2018
Sponsoring organization: The Litchfield Opiate Task Force
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Perceived Benefits and Barriers of a Community-Based Diabetes Prevention and Management Program
Examines the factors that motivate or impede participation in a community-based diabetes program by individuals who are overweight or obese adults with diabetes and prediabetes, and living in predominately rural counties of West Virginia. Provides suggestions for improving future diabetes prevention and management programs.
Author(s): Samantha Shawley-Brzoska, Ranjita Misra
Citation: Journal of Clinical Medicine, 7(3), 58
Date: 03/2018
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Minnesota Oral Health Workforce: Trends & Pipeline Incentives
Provides information on the oral health workforce and access to oral healthcare in Minnesota. Discusses dental Health Profession Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and covers a dentist to population ratio by rurality. Describes oral health trends in Minnesota.
Author(s): Nitika Moibi, Deb Jahnke
Date: 03/2018
Sponsoring organization: Minnesota Department of Health - Office of Rural Health and Primary Care
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Expanding Care for Rural Patients
Discusses the telehealth psychology program at Texas A&M and the effect the program has had on mental health access across the state. Details the program's implementation and the ways it is overcoming barriers for rural people.
Author(s): Amy Novotney
Citation: APA Monitor on Psychology, 49(3), 64
Date: 03/2018
Sponsoring organization: American Psychological Association
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Rural Hunger in America: School Breakfast
Describes benefits of the School Breakfast Program for low-income students in rural communities and lists strategies to increase participation.
Date: 03/2018
Sponsoring organization: Food Research & Action Center
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Community Health Centers and Family Planning in an Era of Policy Uncertainty
Report discusses a study assessing community health centers' role in providing access to contraception and family planning services in rural and underserved areas. Details the role of the Title X family planning program and Medicaid in providing access.
Author(s): Susan F. Wood, Julia Strasser, Jessica Sharac, et al.
Date: 03/2018
Sponsoring organization: KFF
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Combating the Opioid Crisis: Prevention and Public Health Solutions
Presents the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on preventative measures and the role of public health in combating the opioid crisis. Features testimony from representatives of the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, the National Association of County and City Health Officials, and the National Indian Health Board, among others.
Additional links: Michael E. Kilkenny Testimony, Stacy Bohlen Testimony
Date: 03/2018
Sponsoring organization: House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Health
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