Rural Health
News by Topic: Health workforce
Jun 4, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical and typographical corrections to the May 2, 2024, proposed rule regarding changes to the hospital inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) for operating and capital-related costs of acute care hospitals for fiscal year 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 4, 2024 - Profiles patients and staff at a Rural Health Clinic in Elberton, Georgia. Describes ongoing challenges in accessing care such as lack of transportation, and highlights the growing need for mental health services.
Source: NPR
Jun 1, 2024 - Highlights a report calling for increased involvement by
primary care doctors in addressing high rates of social
isolation and loneliness. Notes the significant health
impacts of social disconnection and features perspectives
from doctors on screening and referrals. Discusses the need for rural partnerships including healthcare, churches,
and community-based organizations.
Source: ABC News
May 31, 2024 - Highlights a new federally-funded initiative designed to address dental workforce shortages in Maryland, affecting primarily low-income and rural areas. Outlines rural-related barriers to oral healthcare including lack of transportation to appointments.
Source: Maryland Matters
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
VA: Notice of Request for Information on the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Technologist Standard of Practice
Federal Register
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 23, 2024 - Highlights the inaugural graduating class of the first medical school on a reservation. The school aims to reduce the shortage of both Indigenous physicians and rural physicians across the country. Discusses the incorporation of Cherokee culture and traditional medicine in the curriculum as well as Native American health disparities.
Source: PBS NewsHour
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