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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare needs and services

Jun 27, 2024 - Pre-publication notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updating the home health payment rates for calendar year (CY) 2025. This rule also proposes changes to the Home Health Quality Reporting Program (HH QRP) requirements; provides an update on potential approaches for integrating health equity in the Expanded Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model; proposes a new standard for acceptance to service policy in the home health conditions of participation (CoPs); proposes rebasing and revising the home health market basket; and proposes updates to provider and supplier enrollment requirements and changes to the long-term care reporting requirements for acute respiratory illnesses, among other things. Also includes requests for information seeking input on permitting rehabilitative therapists to conduct the initial and comprehensive assessment and the factors that may influence the patient referral and intake processes. Comments are due by August 26, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 26, 2024 - Outlines the challenges faced by an elderly couple in Danville, VA as they explore options for long-term care. Notes a shortage of options for older adults in many rural communities beyond nursing homes, living with a family member, or aging in place. Highlights the role of Area Agencies on Aging in helping older adults navigate local resources.
Source: Cardinal News
Jun 26, 2024 - Highlights efforts by the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta to expand access to doula services for Black women in rural Georgia. Describes doula services including education, health system navigation, emotional support, and resource referrals. Discusses funding challenges and efforts to make doula services reimbursable by Medicaid in Georgia.
Source: WABE
Jun 25, 2024 - Outlines new bird flu resources from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, including a hotline available in English, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole. Notes that two cases of bird flu have been confirmed in Michigan dairy workers this year.
Source: Michigan Advance
Jun 25, 2024 - The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for membership on the Board of Scientific Counselors, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (BSC, NCIPC). BSC, NCIPC consists of up to 18 experts in pertinent disciplines involved in injury and violence prevention, including epidemiology, statistics, trauma surgery, rehabilitation medicine, behavioral science, and health economics. Nominations are due by August 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 25, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the extension of an information collection titled "Home Health Change of Care Notice." Comments are due by August 26, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 25, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Appointment of Representative and Supporting Regulations in 42 CFR 405.910 and 2) Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, and Medicare Fee-For-Service Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Survey. Comments are due by July 25, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
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 23, 2024 - Highlights the impacts of a tele-ICU program connecting patients and providers at Whitfield Regional Hospital in rural west Alabama to providers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Describes how the program has reduced the need to transport patients out of the community for care, which can strain rural families and complicate follow-up care.
Source: AL.com