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Rural Health
News by Topic: Health occupations

May 29, 2024 - Features the perspective of a psychologist on the factors contributing to mental health issues among farmers. Discusses barriers to care, best practices for providers, and essential resources for support.
Source: Sanford Health
May 28, 2024 - Summarizes the findings of a recent study examining differences in physician associate (PA) practice by rurality. Notes that PAs practicing in isolated settings were the most likely to work in multiple clinical positions and offer services via telehealth.
Source: Clinical Advisor
May 24, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is requesting information to assist in the development of a national standard of practice for VA medical technologists. Outlines the proposed standard of practice, including education, state licensure, and tasks and duties the profession will be able to perform within the scope of their VA employment, among other things. Comments are due by July 23, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 21, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is requesting information regarding its Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP) investigation and report process for traumatic injuries. NIOSH is interested in how human factors might be considered during investigations, including, but not limited to, communication, team dynamics, psychological stress, and safety culture, and how these factors impact decision-making during responses. Information collected will be used to improve reporting templates and processes to provide a holistic lens into the causes and prevention of line-of-duty deaths (LODD). Comments are due by July 22, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 21, 2024 - Highlights the first graduating class of a Kansas physician assistant program. The program was started to address access to healthcare issues, noting that rural areas in particular struggle with access to care. Describes the role of a physician assistant and future plans of some of the graduates.
Source: Kansas Reflector
May 15, 2024 - Announcement of public meetings of the Advisory Committee on Training and Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry (ACTPCMD) to take place throughout the 2024 calendar year. Meetings will be held on August 1-2, 2024, and at a later date that will be announced at least 30 days in advance. Information on how to join the meetings, agenda items, and other updates will be posted on the ACTPCMD website.
Source: Federal Register
May 15, 2024 - The Maternal Mental Health Task Force, formed in September by the Office on Women's Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, has recommended creating maternity care centers providing integrated care and birthing facilities. The maternal mental health crisis is particularly pronounced in rural communities that are maternity care deserts.
Source: NBC News
May 9, 2024 - New funding has been allocated to technical colleges by the Wisconsin legislature to address dental healthcare worker shortages across the state, driven primarily by shortages in rural communities.
Source: Wisconsin Public Radio
May 7, 2024 - Highlights the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy's Rural Health Certificate program, which partners with rural pharmacies and prepares students to serve the unique needs of rural areas. Notes the heightened importance of rural pharmacists, who may be more accessible than other health professionals in rural areas.
Source: The University of Tennessee Health Science Center