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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare needs and services

Mar 24, 2025 - Notice of final rule from the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) further delaying the January 17, 2025, final rules titled "Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter" and "Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients." These final rules will now be effective December 31, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 18, 2025 -

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announces the renewal of the public health emergency (PHE) regarding opioid use. The renewal extends the PHE for 90 days. Outlines federal coordination allowed by the PHE and highlights recent successes in decreasing overdose deaths.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Mar 6, 2025 -

Highlights the Home-Based Primary Care program offered by the West Texas VA Health Care System in an effort to expand access to healthcare for rural veterans. Notes a variety of service delivery models are being used to reach more veterans with healthcare services.

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Feb 25, 2025 -

Announces new funding from the Indian Health Service to 8 tribes and tribal organizations to build, expand, or renovate small ambulatory healthcare facilities.

Source: Indian Health Service
Feb 21, 2025 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the approval of the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. (ACHC) for continued recognition as a national accrediting organization for home health agencies (HHAs) that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. This approval is applicable February 24, 2025, to February 24, 2031.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 21, 2025 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the approval of the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, dba QUAD A, for continued recognition as a national accrediting organization for outpatient physical therapy providers that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. This approval is applicable April 4, 2025, to April 4, 2030.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 19, 2025 - Notice from the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) delaying the January 17, 2025, final rules titled "Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter" and "Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients" in accordance with the January 20, 2025, presidential memorandum titled "Regulatory Freeze Pending Review." These final rules will now be effective March 21, 2025. Comments regarding the delayed effective date are due by February 28, 2025.
Source: Federal Register