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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Technology for health and human services

May 6, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is allowing an additional 30 days for comment on the April 4, 2024, proposed rule titled "Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA) Reporting Requirements." DHS is seeking comments on the practical and policy issues related to the implementation of regulations regarding covered cyber incident and ransom payment reporting requirements for covered entities, as required by the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (CIRCIA). Comments are now due July 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 1, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) announcing the publication of the Common Agreement for Nationwide Health Information Interoperability, Version 2.0.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 30, 2024 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on proposed revisions to forms related to the Universal Service Fund's Rural Health Care Program. Proposed revisions will extend some of the existing information collection requirements for the Healthcare Connect Fund and Telecom Programs, revise some of the information collection requirements for the Healthcare Connect Fund and Telecom Programs as a result of the 2023 Third Report and Order, and add a new information collection requirement for the Healthcare Connect Fund and Telecom Programs as a result of the 2023 Third Report and Order. Comments are due by July 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 26, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) modifying the Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (Privacy Rule). This rule limits the circumstances in which provisions of the Privacy Rule permit the use or disclosure of an individual's protected health information (PHI) about reproductive healthcare for certain non-healthcare purposes that could be detrimental to privacy of the individual or another person or the individual's trust in their healthcare providers. This rule is effective June 25, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 24, 2024 - Announces federal partnerships with rural and local organizations as well as funding for broadband deployment in 11 states for rural and tribal communities. The program will cover feasibility studies, network designs, hiring, technical assistance, and more. Funding is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Apr 24, 2024 - The Federal Communications Commission will hold an open meeting on April 25, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern. Agenda items include a discussion of a proposed rule that would require the implementation of one or more georouting solutions for wireless calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to ensure that calls are routed based on the geographic location of the origin of the call, among other things. The meeting can be viewed on the FCC website.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 20, 2024 - Discusses the impact of cyberattacks on hospital services. Notes the outsized impact an attack could have on rural hospitals.
Source: The Center Square
Apr 10, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopting a Report and Order amending existing rules and requirements governing the management and administration of the Universal Service Fund (USF) high-cost program. Changes will streamline processes, align timelines, and refine certain rules to more precisely address specific situations experienced by carriers. This rule is effective May 10, 2024, except for amendments to sections 36.4 (amendatory instruction 2), 54.205 (amendatory instruction 7), 54.313 (amendatory instruction 10), 54.314 (amendatory instruction 11), 54.316 (amendatory instruction 13), 54.903 (amendatory instruction 18), and 54.1306 (amendatory instruction 22), which are delayed indefinitely.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 4, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking comments on the practical and policy issues related to the implementation of regulations regarding covered cyber incident and ransom payment reporting requirements for covered entities, as required by the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (CIRCIA). Includes rural references throughout and encourages comments regarding the impact of proposed requirements on small entities. Comments are due by June 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 4, 2024 - Highlights Montana's Digital Opportunity Plan that aims to close digital gaps for rural residents, older adults, veterans, tribal members, and more. Discusses funding needs and collaboration with healthcare providers and community organizations.
Source: KTVH