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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Access

Nov 29, 2024 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking nominations to the Veterans' Rural Health Advisory Committee. The committee advises the Secretary through the Under Secretary for Health on ways to improve and enhance access to VA health care services for Veterans residing in rural areas by reviewing current program activities and identifying barriers to accessing care and services. Nominations must be received by January 21, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 27, 2024 - The Office of Inspector General (OIG) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) requests proposals and recommendations for developing new or modifying existing safe harbor provisions of the Federal anti-kickback statute or Special Fraud Alerts. Criteria for modifying and establishing safe harbor provisions or Special Fraud Alerts include the extent to which the proposal impacts access to healthcare, the ability of healthcare facilities to serve medically underserved patients, and more. Comments are due January 27, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 26, 2024 - Highlights 2 rural Colorado communities among the first to receive federal funds to build infrastructure for high-speed internet access. Notes statewide goals for increasing access to broadband and projected impacts on rural communities.
Source: Government Technology
Nov 26, 2024 - Discusses a student-led peer support initiative to destigmatize mental health in a rural Nevada community. Highlights existing challenges in accessing mental healthcare due to workforce shortages as well as limited transportation.
Source: The Nevada Independent
Nov 26, 2024 - Discusses the use of paramedicine and mobile units by a rural Indiana hospital to increase access to primary care. Highlights how the COVID-19 public health emergency allowed the hospital to expand already existing rural outreach efforts.
Source: WNIN
Nov 25, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announcing the approval of an information collection related to the April 10, 2024, final rule that adopted a Report and Order amending existing rules and requirements governing the management and administration of the Universal Service Fund (USF) high-cost program. Amendments to sections 36.4 (amendatory instruction 2), 54.314 (amendatory instruction 11), and the removal and reservation of 54.1306 (amendatory instruction 22) are effective November 25, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 25, 2024 - A mobile medical unit from a community college will bring screening services to rural Illinois communities. The unit will both increase access to healthcare for those with limited access and offering learning experiences for students in the nursing program.
Source: My Stateline
Nov 22, 2024 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) making corrections to a date listed in the November 12, 2024, final rule.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 22, 2024 - Highlights efforts across the state of New York to expand healthcare access through workforce investments, enhancing mental health services, and addressing addiction.
Source: Finger Lakes 1
Nov 22, 2024 - Summarizes the Biden-Harris Administration's investments in rural healthcare. Details funding for workforce development, technical assistance to improve healthcare facilities' economic viability, and access to primary care, maternal, HIV, mental health, and substance use disorder services.
Source: Health Resources and Services Administration