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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare needs and services

Dec 2, 2024 - Describes the findings of a recent report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the use of nirsevimab to treat RSV among infants in rural Alaska. Notes that the drug helped to reduce the severity of illness among babies and young children in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region, which has the highest rate of RSV-related infant hospitalization in the nation. Discusses how inadequate water and wastewater services and overcrowded housing in rural Alaska contribute to disease spread.
Source: Alaska Beacon
Dec 2, 2024 - Notice from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) seeking comments on a new information collection related to the SAMHSA 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and Crisis Services Program Evaluation. SAMHSA will use the information collected to conduct an evaluation of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Crisis Services, to ensure individuals in suicidal, mental health and/or substance use crisis can contact 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and are connected to crisis centers providing evidence-based care and are able to receive critical resource referral and linkage. Comments are due by January 31, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 29, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the availability of non-binding compliance program guidance for the healthcare industry generally and specific guidance for skilled nursing facilities and other nursing facilities.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 29, 2024 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration of the availability of a Policy Information Notice (PIN) offering guidance for health centers and look-alikes under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act giving certain primary healthcare services to justice-involved individuals reentering the community setting. The PIN is effective November 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 29, 2024 - Features a variety of public health initiatives led in partnership with public libraries in rural and urban communities across the country. Highlights programs offered at two rural libraries in Texas, including food assistance and peer support services.
Source: Associated Press
Nov 27, 2024 - Notice of final rule with comment period from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revising the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Center (ACS) payment system for calendar year 2025. This rule also updates the requirements for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting (OQR) Program, Rural Emergency Hospital Quality Reporting (REHQR) Program, Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Program, and Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program and finalizes updates to the Conditions of Participation (CoPs) for hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) for obstetrical services. Among other things, this rule summarizes comments received in response to an information request on potential modifications to the Safety of Care measure group in the Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating methodology. This rule also finalizes exceptions to the Medicaid clinic services benefit four walls requirement for Indian Health Service and Tribal clinics, and, at state option, for behavioral health clinics and clinics located in rural areas. The provisions of this rule are effective January 1, 2025. Comments are due by December 31, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 27, 2024 - An analysis of roadway accidents found that drivers in rural Arkansas counties died at higher rates than urban ones between 2016 and 2022. Notes potential reasons for the disparity including higher speeds, farm equipment, and longer emergency response times. Discusses the implications for holiday travel and other disparities related to driver demographics, crash causes, and safety equipment use.
Source: Arkansas Advocate
Nov 27, 2024 - Summarizes recent research that found positive impacts from telehealth and peer support in diagnosing and curing hepatitis C for rural residents who use drugs. Discusses telehealth use following COVID-19 related increases and the value of peer support by those with lived experience.
Source: OHSU News
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