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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Policy

The EMS Compact
Information on the agreement enabling emergency medical service (EMS) personnel licensed in Compact member states to cross state borders to practice and work in other Compact states without getting an EMS license in the remote state. Describes ways in which this agreement may enhance communities' responses to COVID-19 when local resources are reduced. Includes a map showing locations of EMS Compact states and contact information for each member state's Compact Commissioner.
Sponsoring organization: Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice
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CLOUD (Curated Library about Opioid Use for Decision-makers)
Searchable library of curated, evidence-based resources on opioids and the opioid crisis. Includes documents and reports, legislation, videos, and websites on topics such as addiction treatment, harm reduction, prevention, recovery, and pain management. Provides information targeted to policymakers and community leaders; payers and providers; and patients and caregivers.
Sponsoring organization: Center for Evidence-based Policy
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State Operations Manual Appendix W - Survey Protocol, Regulations and Interpretive Guidelines for Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and Swing-Beds in CAHs
Provides details from the State Operations Manual on swing beds for Critical Access Hospitals.
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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AAFP Rural Health
Describes an initiative to improve rural health with a focus on the role of family physicians. Lists related resources, events, news, and more.
Sponsoring organization: American Academy of Family Physicians
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Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program: Eligible Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals Calendar Year 2024 Hardship Exception Fact Sheet
Provides information on the hardship exemptions for eligible hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) under the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program. Includes information on how to apply for it in order to avoid negative payment adjustments.
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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AHA's Rural Podcast Series
Podcast episodes highlighting rural health challenges and models for addressing those challenges. Includes "Community Cornerstones: Conversations with Rural Hospitals in America" and "AHA's Rural Report Podcast Series," based on the 2019 American Hospital Association publication Rural Report: Challenges Facing Rural Communities and the Roadmap to Ensure Local Access to High-Quality, Affordable Care. Also offers podcast episodes related to rural COVID-19.
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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What Is 'Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S.'?
Provides an overview of the plan to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. that includes background information, goals, and discussion of the 3 different phases of the plan, one of which includes a focus on the 7 states with disproportionately higher HIV diagnoses located in rural areas. Details key strategies of the plan and anticipated challenges.
Sponsoring organizations: HIV.gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S.
Provides information on the plan to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. Highlights key strategies of the plan and related federal resources. Discusses the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) role in the plan.
Sponsoring organization: Health Resources and Services Administration
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HSR&D News
Presents the latest news, publications, and monthly features pertaining to research and development from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sponsoring organization: VA Health Systems Research, Office of Research & Development
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How We Define Rural
Explains the major federal government definitions of rural and how they are used by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP).
Sponsoring organization: Federal Office of Rural Health Policy
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