Rural Health
News by Topic: Health workforce
Jun 24, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical and typographical corrections to the May 10, 2024, final rule. The effective date of the Minimum Staffing final rule is June 21, 2024. This notice is effective June 21, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 24, 2024 - Describes the launch of a pilot program supporting Life Care Specialist positions at two rural Georgia hospitals. Describes services offered by Life Care Specialists, including pain medication education, pain management planning, development of healthy coping skills, and local resource referrals.
Source: Mercer University
Jun 21, 2024 - Announces the 2024 Rural Health Hackathon, a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services event of collaborative sessions aiming to identify innovative solutions for rural health challenges, particularly access to care, care delivery, and workforce. 3 in-person events are scheduled for August in Montana, Texas, and North Carolina in addition to a virtual idea submission process. Those interested in attending in-person should apply by July 12th. Healthcare providers are encouraged to apply. Those unable to attend in person are encouraged to submit concepts during the virtual submission process. Details for that process will be shared at a later date.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Jun 20, 2024 - Features the perspectives of rural and tribal healthcare providers on rural health challenges and disparities. Explores possible solutions including increased funding, expanded telehealth services, and mobile clinics. Highlights the role of partnerships and community collaboration in providing care for South Dakotans living in rural and tribal areas.
Source: South Dakota News Watch
Jun 20, 2024 - Highlights proposed legislation in Virginia and nationally to recruit obstetric and gynecology physicians and increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for labor and delivery services.
Source: Virginia Mercury
Jun 19, 2024 - Provides overview of the Dual Track Rural Hospital Support Program, administered by the Georgia State Office of Rural Health. Notes that the program has allocated a total of $6 million to 13 hospitals to fund either direct hospital support or graduate medical education programs.
Source: The Center Square
Jun 18, 2024 - Discusses how new funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will be used to expand the rural OBGYN residency track at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. Explores factors contributing to recent closures of rural Wisconsin obstetrics services, including provider shortages, low volume of deliveries, and declining local birth rates.
Source: Wisconsin Public Radio
VA: VA Health Professional Scholarship Program
Federal Register
Jun 18, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposing amending its regulations governing the VA Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP). Changes include implementing the mandates of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, which expands the number of scholarships available to those who are pursuing degrees or training in mental health programs. This rule is effective July 18, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 17, 2024 - Presents overview of health disparities and barriers to healthcare access in rural and tribal communities in South Dakota. Describes a variety of efforts to improve access and lessen disparities, including mobile clinics, programs that offer financial incentives to rural providers, and efforts to address the social determinants of health.
Source: South Dakota News Watch
Jun 17, 2024 - Discusses the impact of Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas on primary care in Texas. Discusses a collaborative care model of healthcare that includes behavioral health screenings in primary care appointments. Highlights a successful statewide network for improving youth psychiatric care. Notes the challenges specific to rural residents.
Source: The Texas Tribune