Telehealth and Health Information Technology in Rural Healthcare – Resources

HRSA's Evidence-Based Tele-Emergency Network Grant Program: Multi-Site Prospective Cohort Analysis Across Six Rural Emergency Department Telemedicine Networks
Examines Evidence-Based Tele-Emergency Network Grant Program (EB TNGP) grantees' provision of telehealth services in rural emergency departments (teleED) in 11 states. Features data and statistics on teleED processes and patients' characteristics, chief complaints, severity of illness, and discharge status.
Author(s): Sarah Heppner, Nicholas M. Mohr, Knute D. Carter, et al.
Citation: PLoS One, 16(1), e0243211
Date: 01/2021
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Barriers to Telemedicine Implementation in Southwest Tribal Communities During COVID-19
Explores some of the barriers to expanding telemedicine to tribal communities in the Southwestern U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discusses some of the existing health and infrastructure disparities faced by the tribes and details both the need for telemedicine and the barriers to providing it.
Author(s): Janessa M. Graves, Jessica L. Mackelprang, Solmaz Amiri, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 37(1), 239-241
Date: 01/2021
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Using Technology-Based Therapeutic Tools in Behavioral Health Services
Report discusses the use of telehealth to provide behavioral health services. Explores the benefits of telehealth as a bridge to accessing behavioral healthcare and presents implementation guidance, such as state and licensing regulations and reimbursement considerations.
Date: 2021
Sponsoring organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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Telepharmacy Rules and Statutes: A 3-Year Update for all 50 States
Surveys the legislative and administrative activity authorizing community-based telepharmacy. Includes a table identifying states that have permitted telepharmacy services through legislation, regulation, or waiver or pilot programs, and states with limitations, prohibitions, or no guidance on these services. Provides an overview of state rules and regulations that limit aspects of telepharmacy implementation. Explores areas for further research and evaluation, including the relationship between telepharmacy and rural pharmacy closures.
Author(s): Jason Semprini, Fred Ullrich, Keith J. Mueller
Date: 07/2020
Sponsoring organization: RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis
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Telehealth Broadband Project
Provides information and data on rural broadband access and its impact on healthcare. Profiles rural community partnerships in four states - Alaska, Michigan, Texas, and West Virginia - designed to better understand connectivity issues.
Sponsoring organization: Rural Telehealth Evaluation Center
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Security Risk Assessment Tool
A tool for medium and small healthcare providers that guides them through conducting a security risk assessment as required by the HIPAA Security Rule. The risk assessment will help identify areas where protected health information could be at risk.
Sponsoring organization: Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
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Best Practice Guide: Telehealth Accreditation
Offers information and resources for healthcare providers interested in pursuing telehealth accreditation. Covers the advantages of telehealth accreditation, clinical and technical standards, and educational and training standards.
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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BroadbandUSA
Offers information and resources, technical assistance, best practices, events and webinars, and more to support state, local, and tribal governments and other stakeholders seeking to expand broadband connectivity and promote digital inclusion. A program of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
Sponsoring organization: National Telecommunications and Information Administration
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Telehealth Accreditation
Information on the Joint Commission survey process for telehealth accreditation for hospitals, ambulatory care, and behavioral healthcare organizations.
Additional links: Telehealth Accreditation Survey Activity Guide
Sponsoring organization: Joint Commission
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Center for Connected Health Policy - Videos
Provides recordings of Center for Connected Health Policy webinars related to the telehealth policy landscape, proposed and finalized regulations, licensure, and more.
Sponsoring organization: Center for Connected Health Policy: The National Telehealth Policy Resource Center
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