Rural Health
News by Topic: Health workforce
May 10, 2024 - Call for volunteer experts in geriatrics, nursing, aging policy, disability policy, or workforce and caregiving to serve on the Forum on Aging, Disability, and Independence part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Nominations are due May 31st.
Source: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
CMS: Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities and Medicaid Institutional Payment Transparency Reporting
Federal Register
May 10, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) establishing minimum staffing standards for long-term care facilities. This rule also requires states to report the percentage of Medicaid payments for certain Medicaid-covered institutional services that are spent on compensation for direct care workers and support staff. These regulations are effective on June 21, 2024, except for § 483.71, § 483.35(b)(1) and (c)(1), § 483.35(b)(1)(i) and (ii), and §§ 438.72(a) and 442.43 as indicated.
Source: Federal Register
May 9, 2024 - New funding has been allocated technical colleges by the Wisconsin legislature to address dental healthcare worker shortages across the state, driven primarily by shortages in rural communities.
Source: Wisconsin Public Radio
May 7, 2024 - Describes the formation of a student organization aimed at
raising awareness of healthcare needs in rural Iowa and
opportunities for rural practice. Discusses the group's
efforts to encourage students to consider career options in
their rural hometowns.
Source: KTIV
May 7, 2024 - Discusses mental healthcare access in rural Texas where 60% of counties are Mental Health Care Health Professional Shortage Areas. Describes the strain on emergency rooms and other facilities in or near these shortage areas as well as the impact on patients. Discusses the role of telehealth in increasing access to mental healthcare.
Source: The Texas Tribune
May 7, 2024 - Highlights the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy's Rural Health Certificate program, which partners with rural pharmacies and prepares students to serve the unique needs of rural areas. Notes the heightened importance of rural pharmacists, who may be more accessible than other health professionals in rural areas.
Source: The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
May 7, 2024 - Provides an overview of new legislation aimed at improving healthcare access, with a focus on rural and underserved areas. Details six bills addressing a range of issues including telehealth access, rural hospital stabilization, and healthcare workforce shortages.
Source: House Committee on Ways and Means
May 6, 2024 - Highlights a Native-managed healthcare system part of the Navajo Nation in Arizona, discussing their expanded facility and services coming later this year. Discusses the impact of healthcare on local infrastructure, recruiting healthcare workforce, and rural community resilience.
Source: Cronkite News
May 6, 2024 - Announces a new regional cancer center focusing on increasing cancer care access in rural Kentucky. The facility will include space for direct patient care, education, training, and research. It is expected to open in 2026.
Source: Spectrum News 1
May 2, 2024 - Spotlights a partnership in between EMS and a non-profit recovery center in Bennington, Vermont. Describes the creation of an email-based referral system, harm reduction strategies, and steps taken to ensure patient confidentiality.
Source: The Daily Yonder