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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Policy

Access to Rural Maternity Care
Policy paper describing obstetric care for rural women in the U.S. Covers challenges to providing access to rural maternity care, such as healthcare quality, birth outcomes, workforce shortages, access, and financial challenges. Includes discussion on policy alternatives and considerations to address workforce issues, barriers to practicing obstetrics in rural areas, and increasing access to maternity care services.
Author(s): Britta Anderson, Adam Gingery, Maeve McClellan, et al.
Date: 01/2019
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
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What Is New for RHCs in 2019?
Lists changes to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) policies related to Rural Health Clinics (RHCs). Includes updates to the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, coverage for virtual communication services, an increase of the RHC Medicare Upper Payment Limit, and an increase in Chronic Care Management reimbursement.
Author(s): Nathan Baugh
Date: 01/2019
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Rural Health Clinics
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Project ECHO: Policy Pathways for Sustainability
Examines policy and funding options to provide for the long-term sustainability of Project ECHO, a telehealth mentoring program supporting the health workforce in rural and underserved areas. Offers state and federal policy recommendations, discussing how each would work, action steps, and feasibility.
Author(s): Greg Howe, Allison Hamblin
Date: 01/2019
Sponsoring organization: Center for Health Care Strategies
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Can the Market Deliver Affordable Health Insurance Options in Rural Areas?
Discusses challenges facing rural insurance markets and offer policy considerations to help address them.
Author(s): Abigail R. Barker, Timothy D. McBride, Keith J. Mueller
Citation: Health Affairs Blog
Date: 01/2019
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The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (P.L.115-271): Medicare Provisions
Provides a section-by-section description of Medicare provisions in the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Addresses rural in two sections: Section 6083 seeks to expand access to addiction treatment in Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics by paying for training costs to obtain a DATA waiver to furnish OUD treatment; Section 6042 authorizes a demonstration project testing expanded access to MAT drugs through teams with a primary care provider.
Date: 01/2019
Sponsoring organization: Congressional Research Service
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Policy Opportunities to Increase HPV Vaccination in Rural Communities
Describes policy strategies that can be implemented in rural communities to address geographic, clinical, communication, and research-related obstacles for human papillomavirus (HPV) prevention. Aims to combat rural health disparities, such as low rates of HPV vaccination and high rates of HPV-related cancer incidence and mortality.
Author(s): Robin Vanderpool, Lindsay Stradtman, Heather Brandt
Citation: Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 15(7-8), 1527-1532
Date: 2019
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Rural Focus and Representation in State Maternal Mortality Review Committees: Review of Policy and Legislation
An assessment of the extent of rural representation in state policy efforts related to improving maternal health through the development of maternal mortality and morbidity review committees (MMRCs). Analysis included whether or not states established an MMRC, had passed legislation requiring an MMRC, identified rural populations in the legislation, and if they required rural representation within the MMRC.
Author(s): Katy B. Kozhimannil, Julia D. Interrante, Amanda Corbet, et al.
Citation: Women's Health Issues 299(5) 357-363
Date: 2019
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The Relationship Between Rural Setting and Health: Factors that Influence Individuals With or at Risk of CVD - A Summary of the Literature
Describes current literature on rural challenges and opportunities, including cardiovascular risk due to obesity, lack of access to healthcare, workforce shortages, importance of paramedics and community health workers, telehealth and broadband, and impact of the substance use disorder epidemic. Intended to help stakeholders understand the causes of health disparities and to support action to improve the health of rural communities.
Date: 2019
Sponsoring organization: American Heart Association
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Review and Evaluation of the Substance Abuse, Mental Health, and Homelessness Grant Formulas
Examines the formulas for distributing state funds under the the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant, Community Mental Health Services Block Grant, and Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness program as required by the 21st Century Cures Act. Focuses on how well the formulas reflect state service needs, offers recommendations for updating the grant formulas, and considers the potential impact of updates on state funding. Addresses how the current formulas take rural areas into consideration, whether updates are needed, and whether data is available for those updates.
Additional links: Federal Block Grants to States for Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Homelessness: Research Brief
Author(s): J. Scott Ashwood, Karen Chan Osilla, Maria DeYoreo, et al.
Date: 2019
Sponsoring organization: RAND Corporation
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State Strategies for Averting Early Deaths: Innovations and Best Practices for Preventing Suicide
Reports on an exchange of state-level best practices for preventing suicide. Identifies lessons learned with a focus on three categories: cross-sector collaboration; strategic partnerships including with tribal and veterans organizations; and upstream prevention efforts, including school programs. Briefly addresses challenges for rural and tribal communities. Highlights model programs from Colorado, Washington, Idaho, and Utah.
Date: 2019
Sponsoring organization: National Governors Association
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