Rural Health
News by Topic: Health occupations
Dec 11, 2024 - Highlights the University of Washington School of Dentistry's Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) program, a training program for dentistry students wanting to practice in rural communities. Notes the shortage of dentists in rural areas of the state. Describes the hands-on training and the benefits of practicing in small communities.
Source: University of Washington Magazine
HHS: 12th Amendment to Declaration Under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act for Medical Countermeasures Against COVID-19
Federal Register
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 - Provides overview of resources available through the Rural Mental Health Resources Hub, created by Mental Health America (MHA). Describes resources including a free mental health screening, educational overviews, and information for communities looking to better serve residents with mental health conditions. Discusses rural disparities in access to mental health treatment and efforts by MHA's South Carolina chapter to expand access through a mobile mental health clinic program.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Dec 6, 2024 - Describes the role physician assistants (PAs) can play in increasing access to mental healthcare, particularly for rural residents. Notes the increase in mental healthcare-trained PAs in the previous decade as well as the more diverse workforce compared to the physician workforce. Free registration may be required to view full article.
Source: Medscape Medical News
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
CMS: Medicare, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Programs; Provider Enrollment Application Fee Amount for Calendar Year 2025
Federal Register
Dec 2, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announcing the application fee for providers initially enrolling in the Medicare or Medicaid programs, or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP); revalidating their Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP enrollment; or adding a new Medicare practice location. The new fee is $730 and is required for applications submitted January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 2, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announces the recharter of the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP). The charter is effective November 30, 2024, until November 30, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 26, 2024 - The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is seeking comments on a requirement regarding the workflow for credentialing healthcare practitioners working independently, in hospitals, or in clinics to prescribe controlled substances electronically. Comments are due January 27, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
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 19, 2024 - Profiles a pharmacy student at the University of North Carolina on track to practice in rural North Carolina. Highlights the Rural Pharmacy Health Certificate Program that gives students experience with rural populations through healthcare screenings and educational programming.
Source: University of North Carolina