Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Policy

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 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will hold a public meeting of the Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (PACCARB) on January 28 and 29, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern. The PACCARB advises and provides information and recommendations to the Secretary of HHS regarding programs and policies intended to reduce or combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria that may present a public health threat. The confirmed times and agenda will be published on the PACCARB website. The main focus of the meeting is to solicit feedback from invited presenters and members of the public on the 2025-2020 National Action Plan on Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria. Pre-registration is required for members of the public who wish to present comments during the meeting.
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 - Notice from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) extending the comment period on the August 30, 2024, proposed rule until January 14, 2025. The rule establishes a heat standard for all indoor and outdoor work in workplaces where OSHA has jurisdiction. A virtual hearing is scheduled for June 16, 2025 to discuss the proposed rule.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 29, 2024 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking nominations to the Veterans' Rural Health Advisory Committee. The committee advises the Secretary through the Under Secretary for Health on ways to improve and enhance access to VA health care services for Veterans residing in rural areas by reviewing current program activities and identifying barriers to accessing care and services. Nominations must be received by January 21, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 27, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid is seeking comments on an information collection titled "Medicaid Program: Medicare Savings Program Application and Eligibility Determinations" which will help enroll participants in the Medicare Savings Programs. Comments are due by December 27, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
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 - The Department of State (DOS) is seeking information on the degree to which the United States and foreign governments meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons as prescribed by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. Submitted information will assist with preparing the annual Trafficking in Persons report. DOS requests information related to a basic overview of the issue, prosecution, protection, prevention, territories and semi-autonomous regions, child soldiering, and trafficking profiles including for vulnerable populations such as rural residents. Submissions are due February 3, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 27, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seeking comments on an information collection titled "SF-270 Request for Advance or Reimbursement," which is used by grant awardees to request advanced or reimbursed funds for project expenses. Comments are due by January 27, 2025.
Source: fed
Nov 27, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seeking comments on an information collection titled "Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) and Certification Regarding Lobbying," which is used by grant applicants applying for federal financial assistance. Comments are due by January 27, 2025.
Source: Federal Register