Rural Health
News by Topic: Telehealth
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 - 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 1, 2024 - Details legislation introduced by a group of U.S. Representatives which aims to indefinitely extend reimbursement of telehealth services provided by Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs). Discusses impacts of telehealth services on rural patients and providers.
Source: The Center Square
FCC: Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
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 30, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amending its medical regulations regarding Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) coverage. This rule removes the exclusion of audio-only telehealth visits. This rule also removes quantitative limitations on outpatient mental health visits and cost-sharing requirements for contraceptive services and contraceptive products approved, cleared, or granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This rule is effective May 30, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 29, 2024 - Highlights increased risk of mental health struggles and suicide among rural youth. Discusses a tech-based service delivery program in South Dakota.
Source: Public News Service
AHRQ: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Federal Register
Apr 19, 2024 - The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is allowing an additional 30 days for comments on proposed updates to the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) – Household and Medical Provider Components (MEPS-HC). Proposed changes include wording changes that will help identify telehealth utilization and access, as well as maintain consistency between Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems 5.1 and MEPS-HC questionnaire items. Comments are due by June 18, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 17, 2024 - A rural pediatric partnership is expanding into new areas in rural Georgia. The initiative equips rural hospitals with the tools, best practices, training, and research to offer quality healthcare in rural areas, aiding residents who would otherwise have to travel for specialty care. Initiative offers support for emergency department care, pediatrician and telehealthcare, and behavioral and mental health assessments and interventions. The program also offers scholarships for students who commit to working in rural communities.
Source: The Den
Apr 17, 2024 - Summarizes recent research finding that telepharmacy increased access to pharmacy services following the pandemic. Telepharmacy records in a Midwest health system show that use of the service increased significantly between 2019 and 2022, attributed to COVID-19 impacts. Discusses the impact on rural residents.
Source: Specialty Pharmacy Continuum
Apr 11, 2024 - A new initiative in Kansas for farmers and rural residents will address healthcare challenges including local access, caregiver support, telehealth, behavioral health, maternal healthcare worker shortages, and grant writing support.
Source: Brownfield Ag News