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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Emergency preparedness and response

Jan 21, 2025 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comments on an information collection related to the nationwide transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911). Service providers will use the information collected to trigger their NG911 transition obligations and their NG911 implementation deadlines. The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) will use the information collected to determine whether to pause the implementation deadline for a service provider, affirm the request of the 911 Authority as valid, or take other action as necessary. Comments are due by February 20, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 7, 2025 - Discusses the lack of shelters for the homeless population in rural Georgia ahead of forecasted inclement winter weather. Describes other services available trying to fill the gap.
Source: 13 WMAZ
Jan 6, 2025 - Notice of proposed rulemaking from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seeking comments on a proposal to modify the Security Standards for the Protection of Electronic Protected Health Information ("Security Rule") under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009 (HITECH Act). Proposals are intended to increase the cybersecurity for electronic protected health information (ePHI) by revising the Security Rule to address changes in the environment in which health care is provided; significant increases in breaches and cyberattacks; common deficiencies the Office for Civil Rights has observed in investigations into Security Rule compliance by covered entities and their business associates; other cybersecurity guidelines, best practices, methodologies, procedures, and processes; and court decisions that affect enforcement of the Security Rule. Comments are due by March 7, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 23, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) making corrections to the October 31, 2024, final rule. This notice is effective December 30, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 16, 2024 - Describes the rise in homelessness in rural western North Carolina after many properties were destroyed by Hurricane Helene. Features a range of programs and organizations offering services and support to displaced individuals and families. Notes that housing shortages in some rural areas have exacerbated the challenges faced by displaced residents.
Source: North Carolina Health News
Dec 6, 2024 - Offers guidance to rural fire departments wanting to supplement their emergency response plans with non-firefighter trained support volunteers. Guidance includes planning for the health, safety, and nutrition needs of volunteers.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Dec 6, 2024 - Notice from the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) seeking comments on the risk component of the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) cooperative agreement funding formula to inform potential future changes. HPP is a cooperative agreement program that prepares the nation's healthcare delivery system to save lives during emergencies that exceed the day-to-day capacity of healthcare and emergency response systems. Comments are due by December 20, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 6, 2024 - Announces the start of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Milk Testing Strategy in response to the spread of avian influenza in dairy cattle. Describes the implementation of a nationwide testing system to identify infected herds and protect the health of farmers, farmworkers, and the public. Notes the issuance of a new Federal Order and outlines compliance requirements for dairy industry stakeholders.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Dec 3, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is allowing an additional 30 days for comments on a proposed revision to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for 2025-2027. BRFSS is a nationwide system of cross-sectional surveys that produces state-level information primarily on health risk behaviors, health conditions, and preventive health practices that are associated with chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and injury. Proposed revisions include the addition of questions on the following topics to questionnaires: heart attack and stroke, disaster/pandemic preparedness, veterans' health, and the use of newly available tobacco products. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 3, 2024 - Discusses the rural-specific challenges with cybersecurity for hospitals, noting that shortages in the cybersecurity workforce is acute in rural areas. Highlights a program through the University of Alabama at Birmingham to offer cybersecurity risk assessments for small Alabama hospitals at a reduced cost.
Source: WTVY