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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Health conditions

Dec 23, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Conditions for Coverage and Supporting Regulations; and 2) Expanding Access to Women's Health Grant. Comments are due by February 21, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 20, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the charter renewal of the CDC/Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Advisory Committee on HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STD Prevention and Treatment. The charter renewal is effective for a two-year period, through November 25, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 19, 2024 - Highlights the improved health outcomes of participants in a diabetes management program in rural South Carolina. Announces plans to expand the program.
Source: Clemson News
Dec 13, 2024 - Announces a major update to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Mapping Broadband Health in America platform. Notes that the tool can be used to analyze data at the intersection of broadband connectivity and a range of public health challenges, now including maternal morbidity and mortality.
Source: Federal Communications Commission
Dec 12, 2024 - Highlights the occupational exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for firefighters, efforts to adapt best practices and policies to reduce exposures, the associated costs with those efforts, and changing firefighter culture to account for health and safety. Profiles one rural Maine fire department, describing challenges for adapting with fewer resources and the impact on workforce.
Source: Maine Morning Star
Dec 11, 2024 - Notice of amendment from the Department of Health and Human Services extending the determination of a public health emergency and states that COVID-19 presents a credible risk of a future public health emergency. Among other things, this amendment extends liability immunity for licensed pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and qualified pharmacy technicians to prescribe, dispense, and administer COVID-19 vaccines, seasonal influenza vaccines, and COVID-19 tests through December 31, 2029. This amendment is effective January 1, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 9, 2024 - The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is seeking scientific information submissions to inform its review on Medical Care for Adults with Down Syndrome. Includes background information and key questions related to the review. The full research protocol is available for review on the AHRQ website. Submissions are due by January 8, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 9, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing: 1) changes to the Physician Fee Schedule and Medicare Part B payment policies; 2) policies for the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate program under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022; 3) updates to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program expanded model; 4) payment for dental services inextricably linked to specific covered medical services; 5) updates to drugs and biological products paid under Part B including immunosuppressive drugs and clotting factors; 6) Medicare Shared Savings Program requirements; 7) updates to the Quality Payment Program; 8) Medicare coverage of opioid use disorder services furnished by opioid treatment programs; 9) updates to policies for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs); 10) electronic prescribing for controlled substances for a covered Part D drug under a prescription drug plan or an MA-PD plan; 11) updates to the Ambulance Fee Schedule regulations; 12) updates to Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule regulations; 13) updates to the diabetes payment structure and COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) flexibilities; 14) expansion of colorectal cancer screening and Hepatitis B vaccine coverage and payment; 15) establishing payment for drugs covered as additional preventive services; and 16) Medicare Parts A and B Overpayment Provisions of the Affordable Care Act and Medicare Parts C and D Overpayment Provisions of the Affordable Care Act. These regulations are effective January 1, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 6, 2024 - Highlights a partnership between the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) to address cardiovascular health to reduce rural health disparities. The Get With The Guidelines program focuses on quality improvement for rural hospitals, offering free clinical consultants, evidence-based education, access to AHA resources, and peer collaboration for up to 700 hospitals.
Source: National Rural Health Association
Dec 6, 2024 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Bureau Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Programs regarding strategies that HRSA should consider or prioritize to meet the needs of individuals with sickle cell disease and their families within the United States. Includes questions to which HRSA is seeking responses. Comments are due by January 6, 2025.
Source: Federal Register