Rural Health
News by Topic: Health workforce
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 6, 2024 - Features a program led by the Oklahoma Breastfeeding Resource Center (OBRC) which works to expand access to breastfeeding education in rural communities. Notes the health benefits of breastfeeding and lower rates of breastfeeding initiation in some rural areas. Describes how OBRC offers training to rural providers on evidence-based best practices and helps hospitals achieve Baby-Friendly designation.
Source: National Rural Health Association
Dec 3, 2024 - Offers updates on the planning and implementation of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences, a rural residential high school focusing on training students for careers in healthcare. Notes rural health disparities and workforce shortages the school aims to improve.
Source: Alabama Reflector
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
Dec 3, 2024 - Reports on new data showing that children in the poorest and most rural Colorado counties are more likely to have a parent or sibling die. Highlights factors likely contributing to this disparity. Discusses challenges with access to therapy and support services for rural children and efforts to overcome those challenges through recruiting rural behavioral healthcare workforce.
Source: The Colorado Sun
Dec 3, 2024 - Highlights the work of 3 rural Michigan community mental health agencies. Discusses challenges related to workforce, stigma, transportation, substance use, and more as well as work to overcome those challenges through outreach and partnering with other community institutions.
Source: Flint Side
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