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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Healthcare needs and services

Nov 18, 2024 - Notice from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) seeking comments on a revision of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) client-level Government Performance and Results Act (GRPA) instrument to continue collecting data on the performance and program monitoring of its substance use services grant programs. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 18, 2024 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will hold a virtual public meeting of the Interdepartmental Substance Use Disorders Coordinating Committee (ISUDCC) on December 11, 2024, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern. The ISUDCC agenda will focus on the ISUDCC's recommendations to HHS on how the Federal Government can further integrate and coordinate harm reduction approaches and strategies across the continuum of prevention, treatment, and recovery policies, programs, and practices. Agenda items will also include presentations on the recent Harm Reduction Summit, the recovery and harm reduction workgroup, and an update on the Naloxone Saturation Policy Academy. Information on how to join the meeting will be posted on the SAMHSA website.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 15, 2024 - Reports on a rural mental health summit in Plainville, Kansas, which included discussion of the role of rural faith leaders in connecting residents with mental health resources. Notes that, in areas where mental health professionals are scarce, residents may be more likely to seek help from local faith communities. Describes efforts to distribute mental health resource brochures to churches and provide mental health training opportunities to a range of rural community members.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Nov 14, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing the inpatient hospital deductible and coinsurance amounts for hospital and extended care services provided during calendar year 2025 under Medicare's Hospital Insurance Program (Medicare Part A). These rates are effective on January 1, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 14, 2024 - Highlights an initiative to increase vaccination for influenza among Kansas farmworkers. Discusses the increased risk of co-infection with H5N1 bird flu and seasonal influenza as well as the strain seasonal illnesses can place on low-staffed rural hospitals.
Source: KCUR, NPR
Nov 13, 2024 - Outlines current and projected funding challenges for Federally Qualified Health Centers. Discusses common sources of revenue, reimbursement rates, the 340B program, and policy opportunities for federal and state government. Notes that rural residents are a significant user base for Community Health Centers.
Source: The Commonwealth Fund
Nov 13, 2024 - Highlights the work of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to address healthcare access issues for rural veterans in Tennessee and southern Kentucky. Discusses initiatives to improve mental and physical healthcare access, care coordination, and telehealth.
Source: VA Tennessee Valley Health Care Stories
Nov 12, 2024 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the approval of the Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP) for continued recognition as a national accrediting organization for hospices that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. This approval is applicable from November 20, 2024, through November 20, 2029.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 12, 2024 - 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 Ambulatory Surgical Centers that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. This approval is applicable from November 27, 2024, through November 27, 2029.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 12, 2024 - Highlights an initiative of the Central Alabama VA to increase access to eye care services for rural veterans. Describes the use of a telehealth platform, in combination with mobile clinic services, to provide central Alabama veterans with eye exams, glaucoma screenings, and follow-up care.
Source: VA News